Mamata Banerjee Visits Flood-Hit Dudhia, Announces Swift Relief, Reconstruction, and Humanitarian Measures Across North Bengal

 West Bengal Chief Minister vows speedy bridge reconstruction, financial aid, and full administrative support as the state grapples with devastating floods and landslides across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and adjoining regions.

KalimNews, Mirik, October 7, 2025 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited flood-ravaged Dudhia in North Bengal on Tuesday to assess the severe damage caused by incessant rains, overflowing rivers, and landslides that have claimed multiple lives and destroyed vital infrastructure. Accompanied by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb, and senior administrative officers, Banerjee personally surveyed the affected areas and interacted with the victims to assure them of the government’s full support in this hour of crisis.

During her visit, the Chief Minister inspected the collapsed steel bridge over the Balason River, which has severely disrupted connectivity between Mirik and the plains. She announced that an alternative bridge would be constructed within 15 days, adding that detailed discussions had already been held with engineers and officers on the ground. “All damaged roads, houses, and bridges will be rebuilt,” Banerjee said, reaffirming her commitment to rapid restoration efforts.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Banerjee met and offered condolences to the families of 21 victims who lost their lives in the disaster, handing over cheques of ₹5 lakh to each bereaved family. She also confirmed that one member from every victim’s family would be provided employment in the Home Guard department, regardless of educational or physical qualifications, with district magistrates tasked to prepare the necessary lists.

The Chief Minister further announced that special government camps would be organized to help those who lost essential documents in the floods. “People can visit these camps and apply for reissuance of all their important papers as quickly as possible,” she said. The government will also take full responsibility for providing books, notebooks, and uniforms to affected children. “The community kitchens will continue to operate until everyone can return home,” Banerjee assured.

Banerjee described the calamity as one of the worst natural disasters to strike North Bengal in recent times, caused by heavy rainfall and excess water released from Bhutan and Sikkim’s Sankosh rivers. “Life, livelihood, and property have suffered irreparable loss. I have been in constant touch with the district administration since the beginning, and our leaders and volunteers are already working tirelessly on relief and recovery,” she stated.

The Chief Minister said she personally visited several vulnerable areas to speak with survivors and reassure them of government support, noting that financial assistance and jobs had already been extended to the families of 23 deceased individuals. “We must all stand together with compassion and humanity,” she urged, adding, “Let the lives of the people of North Bengal return to normal rhythm. We will overcome this difficult time together.”

Banerjee emphasized that this was a time for unity, not politics. “The government of the people, by the people, and for the people is with you. Do not be swayed by temptation or provocation. This is not a time for political rivalry but for humanitarian action,” she appealed.

Meanwhile, restoration and relief operations are underway in full swing. Power supply to Dudhia was restored after almost 40 hours, and the Public Works Department (PWD) has begun constructing a temporary road using humepipes beside the broken bridge. Officials estimate that it will take about a week to make the route motorable again. To prevent further erosion, boulders and iron nets are being installed along the banks of the Balason River.

In addition, the Indian Army has begun preparations for constructing a Bailey bridge to restore essential connectivity. Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who surveyed the site along with army officials, confirmed that the army had assured full assistance in setting up the temporary structure.

The widespread devastation across the Darjeeling hills, Dooars, and Kalimpong has resulted in at least 33 deaths, with several bodies reportedly swept in from neighbouring Nepal and Bhutan due to cross-border flooding. “Floodwaters from the rivers of Nepal and Bhutan entered North Bengal, causing widespread destruction. Many from those countries also lost their lives, and their bodies were carried downstream into our rivers. These will be respectfully handed over to their respective governments,” Banerjee stated.

The Chief Minister also visited families of 16 deceased persons in Mirik, offering condolences and financial support. “Many have lost all their documents; we will help them restore everything. We will repair damaged roads, rebuild homes, and provide all necessary materials to the children. District authorities will collect biodata to process the Home Guard jobs quickly,” she said.

Across the border, in Chandraman Dhura, Rungmook, Subba Gaon, Basnet Gaon, and Rai Gaon of Cedar T.E., relief camps have been set up in community halls for families displaced by landslides. The Health and Family Welfare Department under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has established health camps to ensure timely medical assistance.

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration's Chief Executive Anit Thapa thanked the Chief Minister for her proactive response and reiterated his party’s commitment to the humanitarian cause. “As announced in Kolkata, each bereaved family has been provided ₹5 lakh in compensation. A member from every affected family will be given a Home Guard job, without any eligibility criteria. Students from affected families will be granted scholarships to continue their education. The Chief Minister has instructed that construction of the new bridge be expedited,” Thapa said.

He added that relief and rehabilitation in Mirik will proceed in phases: first restoring connectivity, then rebuilding homes and providing land to those who have lost everything. “We believe in work, not mere assurances. Our priority is to protect villages and help people rebuild their lives,” he affirmed.

Thapa also announced that the BGPM would suspend all political programmes until relief and rehabilitation work is completed. “This is not a time for politics. Our priority is humanity. All our leaders and volunteers are working on the ground to assist the administration. I will personally stay at ground zero until relief operations are complete,” he said.

As the Chief Minister concluded her daylong visit to North Bengal, she expressed her deepest empathy for the suffering of the region’s people. “The pain of my beloved state is greater than my own. Together, with compassion and solidarity, we will rebuild North Bengal,” Banerjee said.