Fury and Floods: Mamata Banerjee Points Finger at Bhutan, Demands Urgent Compensation for Devastated North Bengal

In a sharp and unequivocal statement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has squarely laid the blame for the devastating floods in North Bengal at Bhutan's doorstep, alleging that the neighboring country released water from its dams without any prior notification. The Chief Minister's strong words came as she surveyed the flood-affected areas, witnessing firsthand the widespread destruction that has gripped districts like Alipurduar and Cooch Behar.

Addressing the press, a visibly concerned Banerjee highlighted the catastrophic impact on agricultural lands, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

She asserted that the floods were not a natural calamity but a direct consequence of unregulated water releases. "They opened the gates without informing us, causing immense suffering to our people," she stated, demanding immediate intervention from the Union government.

The Chief Minister’s plea for help was directed towards New Delhi, urging the central government to engage with Bhutan and secure substantial compensation for the immense losses incurred by West Bengal.

"The Centre must speak to Bhutan immediately. Our state has suffered huge damages, and we need compensation to rebuild," she emphasized, stressing the urgency of the matter.

Beyond the immediate crisis, Banerjee also raised long-standing concerns regarding the management of the Teesta river, a vital cross-border waterway.

She called for a comprehensive dialogue between India and Bhutan to establish a robust protocol for water release from dams, ensuring that such preventable disasters are averted in the future. The call for a structured mechanism aims to protect the downstream regions from the unpredictable consequences of sudden water discharges.

The floods have left a trail of destruction, submerging vast tracts of agricultural land, displacing thousands, and severely damaging homes and public infrastructure.

As the state grapples with the aftermath, Chief Minister Banerjee's firm stance underscores her determination to hold those she believes responsible accountable and secure justice for the affected populace of North Bengal.