Mamata Banerjee Focuses on Flood Relief Amid Durga Puja Celebrations

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the need to support flood-affected residents during Durga Puja. Banerjee termed the floods 'man-made', attributing them to excessive water release from DVC barrages. She called for providing essential supplies to affected areas and highlighted Bengal's diverse cultural celebrations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need to aid flood-affected residents during the Durga Puja celebrations, as multiple districts have been severely impacted by the deluge.

Banerjee asserted that the ongoing flood in the state was 'man-made', triggered by the release of 'excessive' water from DVC barrages, following heavy rainfall in neighboring states.

'We must bring smiles to the faces of flood-hit residents in northern and southern districts, providing relief as we celebrate Durga Puja. This includes areas like Malda's Ratua, half of which is underwater, and other regions in north Bengal,' Banerjee stated at a Durga Puja event organized by Sreebhumi Sporting Club in northern Kolkata.

Highlighting the need for vigilance until Mahalaya, a significant Hindu festival, she pointed out that flood-hit areas require ongoing support. 'We must supply rice, dry fruits, and other essentials to the distressed population,' she noted. She also voiced concerns over the flood situation in north Bengal, worsened by the release of six lakh cusecs of water from barrages as the Koshi river overflowed due to heavy rain in Nepal.

Banerjee praised Bengal's cultural mosaic, where diverse communities celebrate their festivals in harmony. 'After Durga Puja, we will celebrate Kali Puja, Chhath, and Christmas,' she remarked, mentioning her earlier inaugurations of fire stations.

Addressing criticisms over early Durga Puja inaugurations, Banerjee clarified, 'I am not inaugurating the Sree Bhumi Durga Puja before Devi Paksha begins. The inauguration will occur tomorrow,' mentioning her Brahmin heritage and knowledge of auspicious timings.

(With inputs from agencies.)