National desk
30 September
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the flood situation in northern districts as “dangerous” today, criticizing the central government for not providing help in dealing with the crisis. Banerjee is traveling to the northern part of Bengal to assess the situation personally.
Speaking on her way to Siliguri, she said that districts like Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar are severely affected by the floods. She also warned that heavy rains in the Kosi River catchment areas could lead to future flooding in areas like Bihar, Malda, and South Dinajpur.
Banerjee accused the central government of ignoring their repeated reminders regarding maintenance of the Farakka barrage, adding that the barrage’s water-holding capacity has significantly decreased, worsening the flood situation. She alleged that the BJP leaders only visit West Bengal during election times but do not help the state when needed.
The West Bengal government is reportedly handling the situation on a “war footing” without any support from the center. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for immediate action, pointing out that lives and livelihoods are at risk in the affected areas due to continuous flooding.