Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in parts of West Bengal, affecting millions. In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
She blames the centrally-run Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the floods, accusing them of releasing water in one direction, which has worsened flooding in South Bengal. Mamata has warned Modi in her letter that the state will sever ties with DVC if this continues.
In her letter, she urged Prime Minister Modi to release central funds immediately to manage the flood crisis. Mamata pointed out that this is the worst flooding the region has faced since 2009.
Flooding has heavily impacted the Lower Damodar region and its surrounding areas. Mamata stressed the urgency of taking immediate steps to address the situation.
She emphasized, “I urge you to take this issue seriously and instruct the appropriate ministry to prioritize it. Central funds must be released promptly to assist the flood-affected population.”
Mamata noted that unplanned, one-way water discharges from the Meithan and Pihet dams, run by DVC, caused the disaster. She reported that the simultaneous release of 5 lakh cusecs of water from both dams resulted in deadly flooding.