West Bengal CM Calls for Strengthened Relief Measures in Flood-Hit North Bengal

Rajesh Sharma, KalimNews | October 12, 2025 | Jaigaon: In the wake of recent torrential rains and subsequent flooding across North Bengal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conducted a high-level review meeting on Sunday at the Nilpada Forest Department Guest House, near Hasimara Airport, where she directed district authorities to intensify relief and rehabilitation efforts. Emphasizing urgency, Banerjee instructed officials to bolster coordination between state and local agencies, increase public safety preparedness, and enhance overall disaster management mechanisms.

The meeting was attended by key officials including Chairman of Jaigaon Development Authority Ganga Prasad Sharma, Alipurduar District Magistrate R. Vimla, and Superintendent of Police Y. Raghubanshi. Despite the fact that the flood situation has not been officially declared a disaster by either the Central or State Government, the Chief Minister indicated that a formal declaration might follow further evaluation.

Addressing the media after the review, Banerjee asserted that disaster management and relief work must remain apolitical. “There will be no politics over disaster management or relief distribution,” she affirmed. She assured that families affected by the calamity would receive immediate aid, and farmers who suffered crop damage would be compensated under the Bangla Krishak Yojana.

In a move reflecting both compassion and responsiveness, the Chief Minister also announced that those affected by incidents involving elephants would receive relief and compensation. Furthermore, eight individuals who contributed to rescue and relief operations will be officially recognized and honoured by the State Government for their service.

Later in the day, Banerjee visited a tea garden area and adjoining villages, where she personally distributed relief materials, including toys for children, underscoring the government's people-centric approach in this time of crisis.

Earlier on Sunday, before departing from Kolkata Airport, the Chief Minister had announced a compensation of ₹1.2 lakh for families whose homes were damaged due to the floods and landslides.

Banerjee is scheduled to stay overnight at Hasimara and will continue her visit on Monday to Nagrakata and surrounding regions. She will then travel to Mirik in the Darjeeling hills to inspect further relief operations. The Chief Minister also stated that she would proceed to Darjeeling town to oversee relief work in Kalimpong, before returning to Kolkata on Friday to inaugurate the upcoming Kali Puja festivities.

Commending the relentless efforts of administrative officials on the ground, Banerjee assured that the state government remains committed to swift relief delivery and the restoration of essential infrastructure. She confirmed that the landslide restoration work at Rohini is expected to be completed within five to six days, while a temporary bridge in Mirik is likely to be operational in the next seven to eight days.

This multi-day visit and hands-on inspection underline the state's proactive approach in responding to the natural calamity and ensuring that affected regions are brought back to normalcy with minimal delay.