In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) of causing widespread flooding in the state by unilaterally releasing water from its Maithon and Panchet dams.
Banerjee expressed her outrage over the situation, calling it the worst flood in the Lower Damodar and surrounding areas since 2009. She highlighted the devastating impact, with over 1000 square kilometers affected and nearly five million people facing immense hardship due to crop losses, damaged infrastructure, and destroyed homes and livestock.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the DVC had released a massive amount of water, totaling almost 5 lakh cusecs, in recent days. She blamed the corporation for an “unplanned and uncoordinated release of water” without consulting the state government, directly leading to the catastrophe.
As a result of the flooding, Banerjee has threatened to sever all ties with the DVC. She has demanded immediate action from the central government to address the crisis and ensure accountability for the DVC’s actions.
