Funds allocated for Teesta flood victims remain unutilized, says Raju Bista

EOI, SILIGURI, JUNE 18, 2024 : Darjeeling M. P. Raju Bista on Tuesday visited Kalijhora, Riyang, and Bangey (Nazok) villages, to meet and interact with the people affected by the flood in river Teesta.

“Following my visit and discussions, NHPC officials in Kalijhora have committed to processing a request for a 70-metre long protection wall to safeguard the village from potential flood threats, ” he said. 

“IRCON officials have committed to commence work on the construction of a protective wall on their dumping site in Riyang. NHPC has allocated Rs 6 crore for the construction of a higher elevated bridge over the Relli River and an elevated approach road to Nazok; aimed at ensuring year-round accessibility. 

NHPC will also construct a protective wall on both sides of river Relli to prevent further erosion in Bangey, Nazok.”Raju Bista said people had voiced their concern over the need for accountability regarding the allocation and utilization of funds, meant for the rehabilitation of the people along Teesta and drew the attention of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Chairman Anit Thapa to this aspect. 

Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's announcement of allocation of Rs 25crore to GTA, there were concerns over the whereabouts of these funds, they said; with delays in promised rehabilitation and housing initiatives, Raju Bista said. 

“GTA had announced the allocation of land for rehabilitation. No allocation has been made till date. GTA had announced construction of new houses. Only three are being constructed, but even those are sub-standard. There is no sign of any reconstruction along Teesta promised by the GTA. NHPC had allocated Rs 2.78 crore to GTA for the construction of protection dykes in Teesta Bazar, we couldn't locate any such protection dykes, that fund too has gone missing it seems,” he said. 

“In the past week, I have reached out to Central agencies operating in the region. NHPC, IRCON have extended support to local communities in various forms. The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has allocated Rs 500 crores as emergency grants to address the needs of NH-10, they are allocating further Rs 2000 crores for the development and expansion of NH-10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced further construction of 30 million new houses under PMAY. I will do my best to include the names of Teesta Flood victims so that they can become eligible to receive houses under the PMAY scheme in the coming days,” he said. 

“However, amidst all this, what is missing is any action by the State Government and the District Administration to help and assist the flood victims,” he said. 

“The two NHPC dams TLDP III and TLDP IV generate over Rs 750 crore in revenue annually for the West Bengal Government which buys electricity at the rate of Rs 4.35 per unit, yet it sells the same electricity to the people living in Darjeeling and Kalimpong for around Rs 8 per unit. "

"With zero investment of their own, the West Bengal State is the sole beneficiary of these dams. Yet, these funds have never been used by the West Bengal Government to ensure the welfare of the local communities. Even during the time of crisis the West Bengal Government refused to declare the Teesta tragedy as a disaster, further depriving our people of support.”