Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, Siliguri : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened an urgent administrative meeting at Uttarkanya in Siliguri on Sunday to address the escalating flood situation in North Bengal, which has been severely impacted by the waters of the Koshi River. The flooding has affected vast areas, stretching from Malda to Kalimpong and into the hills of Darjeeling.
During her visit, the Chief Minister noted the persistent disruptions to traffic on National Highway No. 10, which has not yet returned to normalcy. Many residents have been forced to take shelter in relief camps after their homes were swept away by the relentless flooding. “Many residents of North Bengal have been affected by the water of the Koshi River in Nepal, which has entered Bengal from Bihar,” she explained while speaking at Dum Dum Airport before heading to the meeting. “Malda has also experienced severe flooding due to rising water levels in the Shangkos River.”
The flood crisis has led to significant communication challenges, especially with Sikkim, as parts of National Highway No. 10 have collapsed. The situation in various districts of the plains remains critical, exacerbated by water releases from the Teesta Barrage, which have contributed to flooding in Jalpaiguri and surrounding areas. A yellow alert has been issued by the Meteorological Department, advising residents near riverbanks to evacuate.
The flood crisis is not limited to Bengal; Nepal has been grappling with heavy rains for the past three days, resulting in widespread destruction and triggering massive landslides. So far, 112 fatalities have been reported in Nepal, with the capital, Kathmandu, suffering considerable damage.
As Banerjee prepared to address the flooding in North Bengal, she emphasized the interconnected nature of the crisis: “There is a flood situation in Bihar due to the Koshi River, and water is entering the northern side of our state through Bihar. We must remain vigilant as South Dinajpur may also be at risk of flooding.” She criticized the lack of dredging at the Farakka Barrage, which she believes has exacerbated the flooding.
Concerns are growing that the flood situation in Manikach, Malda, could worsen as waters from the Koshi and Gandak rivers continue to spread into Bengal. Areas including Bhutani in Manikach are at heightened risk of further inundation.
Meanwhile, Minister Firad Hakim, who visited the flood-affected areas on Saturday, has faced backlash after allegations surfaced that relief supplies were mismanaged or looted. Residents of Bhootnirchar have voiced their frustrations, claiming they did not receive the assistance they desperately need.
As the situation develops, the Chief Minister has vowed to provide necessary support and resources to those affected, urging residents to stay cautious and prepared.