Mamata Unleashes Fury: Accuses DVC of Fabricating Bijoya Dashami Flood Crisis

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ignited a fresh political storm, unleashing a fiery accusation against the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), alleging they deliberately engineered a devastating, 'man-made' flood situation across the state during the auspicious occasion of Bijoya Dashami.

Her blistering remarks have put the spotlight firmly on the contentious issue of water management and its profound impact on millions.

Addressing the press, a visibly incensed Banerjee minced no words, lambasting the DVC for what she described as an unprecedented and irresponsible release of a colossal volume of water.

"They manufactured a flood-like situation on Bijoya Dashami," she declared, her voice resonating with indignation. "Without any proper consultation or prior warning, they unleashed this deluge, plunging vast swathes of our state into chaos and distress during a time of celebration."

The Chief Minister highlighted the grim reality faced by countless citizens, particularly in districts like Hooghly and Howrah, where the sudden surge of water led to widespread inundation.

Homes were submerged, agricultural lands were destroyed, and the joyous spirit of Bijoya Dashami was tragically replaced by an arduous struggle for survival and recovery. The floods not only devastated property and crops but also severely disrupted essential infrastructure and the daily lives of residents.

Banerjee further questioned the timing and motives behind DVC's actions, suggesting a pattern of negligence or even deliberate malice.

She pointed out that such massive water releases have become a recurring nightmare for West Bengal, often coinciding with periods of vulnerability for the state. "This isn't an act of nature; this is a deliberate decision taken by DVC, and it has caused immense suffering," she asserted, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the corporation's water release protocols and decision-making processes.

While the DVC often cites heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and the imperative of reservoir safety as justifications for its water releases, the Chief Minister's strong allegations underscore the deep-seated friction between the state government and the central entity responsible for dam management.

The incident has reignited calls for greater accountability, transparency, and a more collaborative approach to water resource management to prevent such human-induced calamities from recurring in the future.