New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing her concerns over the ongoing flood crisis in the state. In the letter, dated September 21, Banerjee criticised the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for releasing water from its reservoirs without proper coordination, which she claims has led to widespread flooding across multiple districts.
Banerjee voiced her discontent with the central government’s approach to the situation. She said that the release of water from DVC reservoirs was done unilaterally, without adequate consultation with the state government. She also said that crucial decisions related to water management were made by the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Jal Shakti without reaching an agreement with West Bengal authorities.
Mamata cites lack of advance warning from DVC
The chief minister further said that the water releases were often made without sufficient advance notice to the state, severely impacting disaster preparedness efforts. She highlighted a recent instance in which a major release of water occurred over nine hours, yet the state was given only 3.5 hours’ notice, which she argued was insufficient for effective disaster management. In a post on X, she said, “This is my second letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India regarding the devastating MAN-MADE flood in South Bengal caused by unprecedented release of water by DVC.”
Mamata urges Centre for aid
In a letter on September 20, Banerjee said that the floods had affected five million people and urged the central government to release emergency funds. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil responded, defending the DVC’s actions, saying that West Bengal officials were informed at every stage of the water release process. He said that the releases, managed by the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee (DVRRC), were necessary to prevent a larger disaster. While water releases from the Maithon and Panchet reservoirs were reduced by 50 per cent at West Bengal’s request, Banerjee called for more collaboration and reiterated her demand for central funds.
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