32 dead: Mamata Banerjee Appeals for Rebuilding North Bengal After Calamitous Floods and Landslides

KalimNews, Darjeeling, October 15, 2025 : In the wake of devastating floods and landslides that claimed 32 lives and caused widespread destruction across north Bengal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened a crucial review meeting in Darjeeling on Wednesday to assess the situation and plan for recovery. The calamities, which struck on October 4 and 5, have affected several regions, with the hills of Darjeeling suffering the heaviest toll, where 21 people lost their lives due to landslides. In the plains, floods claimed 11 lives in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar.

During the meeting, Mamata Banerjee expressed grave concern over the role of neighboring regions in exacerbating the devastation. She pointed to the water release practices of Bhutan and Sikkim as factors contributing to the ongoing disaster. "Bhutan releases water from their dam, resulting in the erosion of riverbanks in our state. Sikkim has 14 hydropower projects, and the water release from these facilities often causes severe damage downstream," she said, adding that these practices have increased vulnerability in north Bengal. "I fear that a disaster similar to Uttarakhand is waiting to happen," she warned. The Chief Minister also stressed the need for dredging in the rivers of both Bhutan and Sikkim to prevent such incidents.

On the local level, Mamata Banerjee directed the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to conduct a survey of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, which are considered highly vulnerable to natural disasters. She acknowledged the efforts of local authorities, including the police, fire brigade, and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), for their tireless work during the rescue operations. "More than 1,300 people have been rescued in Darjeeling alone, and 70,000 people have been affected across nine blocks in the district," she reported. Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the efforts of the relief teams, with 17 relief centers and community kitchens providing food to approximately 30,000 people.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of rebuilding infrastructure damaged in the wake of the calamity. "We are focusing on reconstruction work, including repairing bridges, roads, schools, and health centers," she said. A temporary hume-pipe bridge is being constructed in Dudhia, Mirik, while the permanent bridge will take longer to complete. The state government has also allocated funds for agricultural land affected by the disaster, through crop insurance schemes.

To assist those affected, special camps have been set up under the "Amader Para, Amader Samadhan" program to help people replace lost documents. Mamata Banerjee also announced the creation of a disaster fund under the West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority, urging citizens to contribute for relief and rehabilitation efforts. "Our government has not received any funds from anywhere. But we continue to work and help the people. We must rebuild our land with our own people," she said, setting a personal example by donating Rs 5 lakh. Cabinet ministers, legislators, and mayors have each pledged to donate Rs 1 lakh. "We will not beg for funds; we will rebuild Bengal together," she declared.

Following the meeting, Mamata Banerjee ordered the formation of a monitoring committee to oversee the restoration and reconstruction efforts, which will include officials from various departments, the GTA, and local authorities. 

In a show of appreciation for the relentless efforts of frontline workers, the Chief Minister honoured 21 individuals from the police, fire brigade, civil defense, and BDO and SDO offices for their courage and dedication. In a heartwarming moment, she also praised the rescue of an elephant calf named "Lucky," who was saved after its mother was swept away in the floods.

Addressing the widespread damage, the Chief Minister revealed that nine blocks and four municipal areas in Darjeeling were severely affected. The disaster has caused significant damage to 81 roads, 11 bridges, and numerous embankments. Electrical infrastructure was also hit hard, with over 270 transformers and 1,300 electric poles damaged, although efforts to restore power are ongoing. The state has set up 37 relief camps and shifted over 20,000 families to safer locations.

As part of the recovery process, Mamata Banerjee announced that families whose homes were destroyed will receive new houses under the Banglar Bari scheme, along with Rs 1.20 lakh in financial aid. In addition, 32 families who lost loved ones will receive special appointments as home guards. The Chief Minister also expressed solidarity with the migrant workers from Murshidabad who lost their lives in a fire in Bengaluru, announcing that their families would receive similar support.

Mamata Banerjee also raised concerns about the environmental risks posed by the construction of large dams and hydropower projects. "What is the need for these large dams?" she asked, pointing out the paradox of storing water in summer, only to release it during monsoons, flooding large parts of Bengal. She argued for dredging riverbeds and restoring natural river flow to prevent recurring disasters.

Turning her attention to Bhutan, she highlighted the destructive impact of uncontrolled water discharge from the country, which has caused significant flooding in areas such as Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. "The people of North Bengal are suffering because floodwaters from Bhutan are flowing into our plains," she said, directing Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to raise the issue with Bhutan at the upcoming Indo-Bhutan meeting on natural disasters.

Mamata Banerjee also expressed deep concern about the environmental vulnerability of Sikkim, which she described as a "ticking time bomb" due to rapid hydropower development. She warned that the fragile Himalayan region, prone to landslides and earthquakes, could face a disaster like Uttarakhand if current practices continue.

In the final moments of the meeting, Mamata Banerjee delivered an emotional call to action: "We have lost lives, homes, animals, and dreams, but Bengal has never bowed to calamity. Let us stand together once again and show the world how compassion can rebuild what nature has tested."

This comprehensive approach, combining immediate relief efforts with long-term reconstruction and environmental concerns, marks a pivotal moment in the state’s response to one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.