Mamata Banerjee Accuses Centre of Neglect in West Bengal Flood Crisis

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led Central government of exacerbating the state's flood crisis due to mismanagement. She demanded funds for better flood control and criticized unilateral water releases from the Damodar Valley Corporation, citing insufficient disaster management measures.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the BJP-led Central government of being primarily responsible for the flooding that has affected thousands of homes in the state. 'In Jharkhand, as soon as it rains, we become worried because they release water to save themselves, which affects the entire Bengal region,' Banerjee said. She blamed central inaction for the situation, pointing to the Ganga Action Plan, flood control, and the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), all under central control.

Banerjee argued that if the Central government allocated even one-fourth of the funds it spends on elections, large structures, and statues, West Bengal could manage its flood situations. 'During elections, the money political parties spend—building large structures and erecting statues—if the Central Government gives us even one-fourth of that amount, we could manage the Ganga Action Plan and flood control much better,' she said.

Further escalating her claims, Banerjee warned that more areas in West Bengal would face flooding if the DVC releases water. 'Two depressions have developed over the Bay of Bengal. The situation will worsen if it continues to rain, especially if the DVC releases more water from its dams,' she added.

The Chief Minister toured flood-affected districts on Monday, distributing essential items to affected people in Bardhaman. Earlier, she penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing her concerns. The letter, dated September 21, criticized the unilateral decision-making of the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which she claimed overlooked the West Bengal authorities' input.

Banerjee noted that peak water releases from DVC reservoirs lasted nine hours but provided only 3.5 hours' notice, which she deemed insufficient for effective disaster management. She called for urgent intervention from the Prime Minister to address these issues and posted a copy of her letter on social media, labeling the floods as 'MAN-MADE' and urging emergency fund releases to aid recovery.

CM Banerjee emphasized that the floods had devastated crops, public infrastructure, and homes, affecting five million people. She urged the central government to release funds to support flood management and recovery efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)