By D N Singh
Maneybhanjyang is a kind of confluence on the lands, a small sleepy town in Darjeeling district. Like all roads lead to Rome, this village is kind of watch point facing the majestic icy crown of Kanchanjhanga mountain.
Located at an altitude of 6,325 feet, this village is a place where there are over 40 land rovers and all are functioning giving sustenance to many families.
It was my first visit to this picturesque spot dotted by the British era Land Rovers signifying the changing phase of time and choice.
They are all still in their robust best and are the fittest mode of transport on this hilly and undulated landscape which gets challenging in Monsoon.
They are perhaps the oldest functioning Land Rovers in the world those can roar through the areas in any climate.
These Land Rovers are operated by the Singalila Land Rover Owner’s Welfare Association. They claim to be one of the largest such associations in Southeast Asia. These Land Rovers are famous among trekkers heading for Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal at 11,929 ft, making Maneybhanjyang an ideal base camp, was informed to us by a man called Kujong Thapa, whose three generations are depending on the Land Rovers.
They are not only the safe carriers but even give service in ferrying goods.
Each Land Rover of the time when British were here and have used the village as a focal point for navigation with the bordering countries.
Land Rovers are the kings as this spot, hilly and with precipitous falls down Land Rs are the best and safe. So to have smooth roads is a risk of the other lighter vehicles skid off down. Even the vehicles can steer safe through the steep as inclined as 60 to 90 degrees.
