CM Mamata Banerjee’s Visit to North Bengal: A Commitment to Relief, Rehabilitation, and Future Development

Agencies, SUKHIAPOKHRI, OCTOBER 14, 2025 :  In a visit aimed at providing immediate relief and reviewing rehabilitation efforts, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee toured the landslide and flood-affected areas of Sukhiapokhri and Mirik in North Bengal on Tuesday. The severe weather on October 4 and 5 resulted in widespread destruction across the Darjeeling Hills, claiming the lives of 21 people, including several children, and leaving many others missing. The Chief Minister distributed ex-gratia payments, employment certificates, and relief materials to affected families while emphasizing her government's continuous commitment to recovery.

During her visit, Mamata Banerjee firmly responded to criticism from opposition parties, particularly those from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who have accused the state government of being slow in its disaster response. Taking a direct jibe at her political adversaries, she stated, “It is not that we distribute relief once and then disappear. It is a continuous process, and we are at it day and night. There are others who make tall claims but do nothing.”

In a sharp criticism of the BJP’s role in the aftermath of the disaster, Banerjee accused certain opposition leaders of using the floods for political gain. “Some are spreading misinformation to discredit our relief efforts. They come, take photos, and leave. The Centre has no real role here—this is all politics and big talk,” Banerjee remarked, calling for genuine solidarity rather than political exploitation during times of crisis.

She continued, “They are busy doing politics while we are the ones clearing landslides, running shelters, and rebuilding houses and bridges. Stop misleading the people of North Bengal.”

Banerjee further slammed the opposition for focusing on "empty rhetoric" while doing little to support the affected families. “We are providing relief, rebuilding roads and bridges, and taking every step necessary after the disaster. Yet they only blame and mislead the people instead of helping them.”

She reiterated the responsibility of the government to help those in distress: “When people are in distress, extending help is not a favour. It is our responsibility, and we are duty-bound to stand with the people.”

Further, the Chief Minister decried the politicization of disaster relief, specifically referencing Dhupguri and Maynaguri, where she claimed opposition parties were misleading the people. “Some people are doing politics with Dhupguri and Maynaguri. The day I visited Dudhia Bridge, I had sent Minister Aroop Biswas to hand over relief. Now there is no one in the camps, yet I have sent relief. They have received relief thrice. Stop doing politics,” she said, criticizing the opposition’s selective engagement with the disaster-affected.

Banerjee’s visit to the affected areas focused on assessing the situation and strengthening the relief operations already in progress. She outlined that many roads blocked by landslides in the Mirik subdivision had been cleared, and a temporary bridge over the Dudhia Bridge will be completed in the coming week to restore vital connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik.

On the relief front, Banerjee distributed Rs 5 lakh each in ex-gratia to the families of the deceased and offered them employment certificates for positions in the Home Guard. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced Rs 1.2 lakh for the rebuilding of homes completely destroyed in the disaster, underscoring her administration's commitment to providing both immediate relief and long-term support.

Banerjee also addressed long-term recovery plans, which include not only rebuilding infrastructure but also promoting sustainable economic development. One of her proposals was the creation of an eco-tourism corridor between Pashupati and Sukhia Pokhri, modeled on the success of Lamahatta. The project aims to boost the local economy through homestays and attract tourists to the scenic hills.

She also acknowledged the importance of improving infrastructure, noting the quick restoration of vital roads and the development of a permanent bridge in the Jalpaiguri district, severely impacted by the flooding.

In Mirik, Banerjee visited a grieving family who had lost three members in the landslides and spoke to survivors at a relief camp located in the Mirik Community Hall. The shelter, which offers immediate relief, also provides health camps and assistance for registering lost documents. Children at the shelter presented the Chief Minister with their paintings and flowers, a gesture of gratitude and resilience. In return, Banerjee gifted the children drawing books, pencils, and toys, symbolizing solidarity and support.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has estimated the damages caused by the landslides and floods at a staggering Rs 950 crore. However, Banerjee assured the people that efforts to restore the affected areas and provide long-term rehabilitation would continue. "I am always with the people, and I will continue visiting even the remotest areas—places other political leaders have never set foot in," she stated, reinforcing her commitment to ensuring the welfare of the affected communities.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to North Bengal marks an ongoing effort to not only provide immediate relief but also lay the foundation for rebuilding the region. As she prepares to meet with senior officials on Wednesday in Darjeeling to discuss further relief measures and rehabilitation plans, Banerjee’s remarks and actions highlight her determination to lead from the front during a time of great crisis.

In the coming days, the state government will continue to assess the damage, with Banerjee promising that the relief efforts will not stop until every affected family receives the support they need to rebuild their lives.

As the region slowly recovers from the devastation, it is clear that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and commitment to the people of North Bengal will remain at the forefront of the ongoing recovery process.