Flood Situation and Response of the Government
West Bengal has witnessed major floods recently, which have resulted in extensive damage in many districts. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, visited the flood-affected zones of Jalpaiguri district on Monday to inspect the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway. She said that the reason behind the flooding was primarily due to the overflow of river water from Bhutan.
The Chief Minister informed that the state government is carrying out relief operations actively to assist the affected families. Yet, she stated that the state government has not yet received any monetary assistance from the central government.
Demand for Compensation and Joint River Commission
Mamata Banerjee insisted that Bhutan must offer compensation for the loss it has caused through the flooding. She clarified that floodwaters flowing in from Bhutan resulted in tremendous losses in West Bengal.
She also stressed the establishment of an India-Bhutan River Commission jointly. The West Bengal government, as per her, has been seeking the establishment of such a commission for a long time to control transboundary rivers effectively. The Chief Minister further said that the central government has convened a meeting on the 16th of this month, to which the state officials will be present.
Impact of Floods in Northern Bengal
Heavy rains have lashed Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and surrounding areas in recent times, causing massive flooding and landslides. Official reports identify at least 32 fatalities and thousands displaced in the incidents.
Bordering nations Nepal and Bhutan have also suffered losses with incessant rains. Mamata Banerjee had previously indicated that human mistakes also aided the floods and attendant devastation. It was her second trip to the affected areas to monitor rehabilitation activities.
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