West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), accusing the organization of exacerbating the state’s flood crisis by releasing excessive water without proper notification. Banerjee expressed deep concern over the relentless heavy rainfall and warned that the DVC’s unchecked water releases could potentially worsen the situation. She highlighted that the DVC released an additional 25,000 cusecs of water without informing the state government, raising serious concerns about the potential consequences.
Banerjee has been steadfast in her assertion that the floods plaguing West Bengal are largely man-made, a direct result of unnecessary water discharge from DVC dams. She has consistently blamed the DVC for their role in the ongoing crisis. Responding to these accusations, the Union Power Ministry vehemently denied Banerjee’s claims, stating that all necessary procedures were meticulously followed in releasing water from the DVC dams. The Ministry refuted the notion that the discharges were responsible for the flooding in the state.
In a bid to address the dire situation, Mamata Banerjee has penned two letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging his intervention in mitigating the flood crisis and requesting the release of emergency funds. The Chief Minister has been unwavering in her criticism of the DVC, holding the organization responsible for the devastating floods and their impact on the state. She contends that the DVC’s actions have contributed to the loss of lives, with 28 people succumbing to the rising floodwaters. Banerjee has also criticized the central government’s handling of the situation, highlighting the lack of action and the devastating impact on millions of homes that have been inundated. She even called for the DVC headquarters to be moved out of Kolkata, accusing them of neglecting the city’s needs and prioritizing water releases that ultimately harm Bengal.
This ongoing conflict highlights the tensions between the state and the central government in managing the flood crisis in West Bengal. With accusations and denials flying back and forth, the focus remains on finding solutions to mitigate the devastating impact of the floods and provide relief to the affected population.
