Kiren Rijiju Urges Bengal Government to Prepare DPR for Relief and Rehabilitation in Darjeeling as Landslide and Flood Damage Mounts

KalimNews, October 8, 2025, Darjeeling : The flood and landslide-affected regions of North Bengal, including the Terai and Dooars, have shown signs of stabilisation in the past 24 hours, with no new casualties reported. The situation improved largely due to a halt in rainfall, which has allowed for faster relief and restoration operations. Although many roads have already been repaired, the main connection between the hills and plains remains inaccessible.

An official from the Darjeeling district administration, which has seen the most destruction in the state, reported that while alternative routes like Tindharia Road and Pankhabari Road have been used to bring down tourists from the hills, the primary road connecting Darjeeling to Siliguri is still not fully operational. Most of the tourists have already been evacuated and safely reached Siliguri. However, the weather forecast for the next 24 hours suggests only light to moderate rain in the region, with yellow alerts issued for Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar.

In a related development, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju visited the Pulbazar-Bijanbari area in Darjeeling to assess the aftermath of the October 4 landslides. Accompanied by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, Rijiju inspected the devastation, including the collapse of the Chhota Rangeet Bridge, which severed key road links in the region. Rijiju, addressing the media, emphasised the need for the West Bengal government to initiate disaster mapping to facilitate long-term planning for relief, rehabilitation, and infrastructure rebuilding.

"The Centre is prepared to offer full financial support for the reconstruction efforts, but this depends on the state’s preparedness in submitting a detailed Project Report (DPR)," Rijiju said. "We need a clear plan from the state to ensure that funds can be allocated effectively for the reconstruction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure." Rijiju also noted the unprecedented scale of damage this time and called for unity between the state and the central government to overcome the challenges. He promised to submit a comprehensive report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his return.

Raju Bista, MP from Darjeeling, described the situation as "heartbreaking" and expressed his concern over the economic fallout in Pulbazar and Bijanbari, which are significant agricultural hubs. "The collapse of the bridge has disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of farmers, animal husbandry workers, and those dependent on dairy production," Bista said.

In a grim update, administrative sources reported that Darjeeling alone has seen 406 landslides, with 546 houses damaged and 67 roads and 10 bridges rendered unusable. At least 19 deaths and 22 injuries have been recorded. As of now, 341 people are being sheltered in 11 relief camps set up by the authorities. Rijiju reiterated the need for swift resettlement of victims and for further assistance to be channelled through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that her government would not officially declare the recent floods and landslides in Darjeeling and adjacent regions as a "disaster." Speaking from Bagdogra Airport, Mamata explained that the focus should be on providing relief, not declaring a disaster. "The geography of West Bengal makes it naturally vulnerable to floods," she said, referring to the impact of rising waters from Sikkim's hydroelectric projects, which have disrupted the natural flow of the Teesta River, causing widespread flooding in parts of North Bengal.

Mamata also announced that the state government would provide compensation to the families of the deceased, with one member of each bereaved family to be offered a government job. She further noted that the state government was working diligently to restore connectivity and distribute relief in the affected areas. Teams from the State Disaster Management Department are actively working in regions such as Mirik, Kurseong, and other parts of Darjeeling to assist in relief efforts.