Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 25, 2024, Kolkata: As Cyclone Dana lashed the coastal districts of West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee maintained round-the-clock vigilance from the control room at Nabanna, the state secretariat, coordinating relief and monitoring potential threats overnight on Thursday. Addressing the press on Friday afternoon, Banerjee voiced concerns that the simultaneous occurrence of the festival season and a natural disaster could be exploited to incite unrest. She cautioned officials to prevent any attempts at mischief amid the prevailing challenges.
“The state is facing both a calamity and a festive season. We have reports of potential unrest, especially with Kali Puja and Jagaddhatri Puja approaching, and we cannot afford any untoward incidents,” Banerjee stated. She called on law enforcement agencies and detectives to intensify surveillance, particularly in sensitive regions, underscoring that this vigilance is crucial to ensure peace.
Earlier on Friday morning, Banerjee convened a meeting with the District Magistrates and senior administrative officials, instructing them to assess ground-level impacts of the cyclone and submit detailed reports. With Cyclone Dana’s landfall affecting various parts of South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore, Banerjee highlighted the urgency of addressing infrastructure damage, particularly as several houses have sustained cracks and other structural damage in East Midnapore.
The Chief Minister confirmed one cyclone-related fatality, revealing that the individual died due to the storm’s impact while at home. Expressing condolences, Banerjee assured the family of the deceased of government support and emphasized her administration’s commitment to the welfare of all affected.
The government’s rapid response prevented recent unrest from spreading in areas like Howrah, where isolated incidents were reported. Banerjee’s directive to the police and intelligence agencies highlights the administration’s determination to maintain stability during the festival season.
Cyclone Dana’s influence continues to be felt, with severe flooding and blocked access in several coastal districts. Banerjee reassured the public that relief operations are underway, and medical camps have been mobilized to provide immediate assistance. As the state prepares for the upcoming festivities, Banerjee’s call for vigilance reflects a determined approach to ensuring both the physical and social safety of Bengal’s residents during this critical time.