On September 29, 2024, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the central government for its handling of the flood situation in North Bengal. She blamed the release of excessive water from the Koshi River in Nepal for flooding in several districts, including Malda and Murshidabad. Banerjee pointed out that the Farakka barrage had not been dredged for two decades, which worsened the flooding. She accused BJP leaders of neglecting Bengal’s needs after elections and highlighted the lack of financial support for flood management. Banerjee assured the public that state administration is on alert, providing relief efforts, and stated that she would coordinate with the Army to address subsidence issues caused by landslides in the region.
Title: Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Central Government over North Bengal Flooding
By Team MP | 29 Sep 2024, 8:02 PM GMT
In a recent statement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized the Central Government for the flooding issues in North Bengal. She pointed fingers at the lack of dredging at the Farakka barrage, claiming it has contributed to the current crisis.
Banerjee explained that the flooding was exacerbated by the heavy release of water from the Koshi River in Nepal, which not only affected Bihar but also led to severe inundation in Bengal. She noted, “We saw floods in South Bengal due to the Damodar Valley Corporation releasing a staggering five lakh cusecs of water from the Koshi River. This water has flooded regions like Malda, Murshidabad, and South Dinajpur, while others like Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar are also facing waterlogging issues.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Central Government has neglected the Farakka barrage for two decades. “If some water was held back by Farakka, the situation in Malda and Murshidabad could have been significantly better,” she added, criticizing the current monitoring area around Farakka which has shrunk from 120 km to just 20 km.
Banerjee also took a jab at BJP leaders, accusing them of being indifferent to Bengal’s plight. “They only come around during election times, making promises they never keep. This state has been deprived of necessary funds for proper flood management,” she stated.
In her efforts to address the situation, she directed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and local MLA Khageswar Roy to visit the family of a victim who suffered an electrocution incident linked to the flooding. The government is stepping up its response, with the administration and police offering relief to those affected.
In addition to the flooding, regions like Darjeeling and Kalimpong are experiencing landslides, forcing tourists to take alternative routes. Banerjee has also indicated she would be coordinating with the Army to tackle the problem of subsidence quickly.
As the situation develops, the government remains on high alert to ensure the safety and support of those impacted by these natural disasters.
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What did Mamata Banerjee say about the flood situation in North Bengal?
Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the flood situation in North Bengal is serious and needs urgent attention. She called for more help from the central government. -
How is the state government responding to the floods?
The state government is actively working to provide assistance to affected areas, including setting up relief camps and providing food and medical support to people in need. -
Are there any rescue operations in North Bengal?
Yes, there are rescue operations ongoing to help people trapped by the floods. Teams are working to reach those in difficult situations and bring them to safety. -
What kind of help is being requested from the Centre?
Mamata is asking the central government for financial aid and resources to support the state’s efforts in dealing with the floods and to aid the recovery process. - What should people affected by the floods do?
People affected by the floods should stay safe and follow instructions from local authorities. They can also reach out to relief camps for food and shelter if needed.
