Mamata warns of Sikkim disaster, reviews North Bengal calamity response

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed concern over the situation in Sikkim, warning that a disaster similar to the one in Uttarakhand could occur there due to the large number of hydel power projects in the region.

Speaking at a review meeting held at Lalkothi in Darjeeling following the recent natural calamity in North Bengal, Banerjee said: “There are 14 hydel projects in Sikkim. I am afraid that a disaster like the one in Uttarakhand could happen there anytime. One of the major problems during the monsoon in the hills is landslides. The narrow roads make the situation even more dangerous.”

Highlighting the importance of environmental sensitivity, she remarked, “If you play with nature, it will retaliate one day. Nature is being exploited.”

Banerjee further noted that the roads connecting Kalimpong and Sikkim are especially vulnerable, with a high number of landslides reported in the region. “Kalimpong also has a significant army presence. I request the National Highway Authority and the Army to take steps to address the landslides, as the Army also depends on these routes,” she said.

Referring to the broader flood situation in Bengal, Banerjee reiterated that the crisis was exacerbated by water released from Bhutan, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. She pointed to the lack of proper dredging in rivers and uncoordinated dam water releases as contributing factors. “We need to focus on dredging. Or else, we should consider removing the dams and letting the rivers flow naturally,” she said. “Why do we have to suffer every time? Rivers coming from northern India damage our state, which lies in a lower-lying area.”

The Chief Minister added that she has asked the Geological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts and is awaiting their report.

During the review, Banerjee reported that the death toll from the recent calamity in North Bengal stood at 32 - including 21 in Darjeeling, 9 in Jalpaiguri, and 2 in Cooch Behar.

“In the nine blocks of Darjeeling, about 70,000 people have been affected. More than 1,300 people were rescued in Darjeeling district alone, and we are grateful to those who helped. Seventeen relief centres and community kitchens were set up, with around 30,000 people provided food in the initial phase. Currently, 750 people are still living in these centres,” she said.

Updating on ongoing restoration work, Banerjee said the Rohini Road connecting Darjeeling to Siliguri is under reconstruction and is expected to be completed within 15 days. A temporary bridge is being built at Dudhia and is set to be completed within a week. Work on a permanent bridge is also underway.

“Our focus now is on reconstruction-repairing damaged bridges, houses, roads, schools, and health centres. For agricultural land affected by the disaster, we will provide compensation through crop insurance. The Agriculture department has been instructed to prepare a detailed report,” she added.

She also directed the Forest department to plant area-specific trees along riverbanks to strengthen embankments.

Banerjee announced the setting up of medical camps, camps for re-issuing lost documents, and distribution of school supplies to affected students. Relief kits are also being distributed to victims.

A new Disaster Relief Fund, separate from the CM’s Relief Fund, was announced. Contributions can be made to:

Account Name: West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority

Bank: ICICI Bank Ltd, Howrah Branch

Account Number: 628001041066

IFSC Code: ICICI0006280

The Chief Minister donated Rs 5 lakh from her personal funds to the newly created relief fund.

Awards were also presented during the meeting to individuals and organisations involved in rescue and relief efforts during the disaster.