West Bengal Drowns: Mamata Points Fingers Amidst Record Rains and Rising Waters

The skies have unleashed an "unprecedented" deluge upon West Bengal, plunging vast swathes of the state, including the bustling metropolis of Kolkata, into a state of severe waterlogging. Amidst the chaos and rising waters, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not shied away from pinpointing responsibility, sharply criticizing both the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) and the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) for what she perceives as critical failures contributing to the crisis.

Addressing the media after an emergency high-level meeting, CM Banerjee lambasted KoPT for its alleged negligence in dredging the Hooghly and other vital rivers.

"The river beds have become so shallow due to lack of dredging that they cannot hold the excess rainwater, leading to severe drainage problems across the region," she stated, drawing a stark contrast to the 2007 floods where riverbeds were deeper. Her accusation highlights a long-standing issue that, combined with the relentless downpour, has created a perfect storm for inundation.

The Chief Minister also expressed grave concern over the safety of citizens, particularly following reports of electrocution deaths in waterlogged areas.

She directed strong criticism towards CESC, accusing the power utility of not proactively disconnecting electricity supply in submerged zones. "Why are they not switching off power in areas where water has entered homes? This negligence is unacceptable and has led to tragic loss of life," she asserted, emphasizing the paramount importance of public safety during such extreme weather events.

With a low-pressure area hovering over Gangetic West Bengal and an active monsoon trough fueling the relentless rains, the state is bracing for continued hardship.

Areas such as Howrah, Hooghly, West Midnapore, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas are among the worst affected. The situation has been further exacerbated by high tides, locally known as "Bhanra Kotal," which impede the natural drainage of floodwaters into the sea.

In response to the escalating crisis, CM Banerjee has urged all citizens to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, prioritizing their safety above all else.

She has also instructed state officials to be on high alert, coordinating relief efforts and ensuring rapid response to any emerging challenges. The administration is reportedly taking all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the floods, including providing assistance to those displaced and working to restore normalcy once the rains subside.

The unfolding situation underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure maintenance and coordinated disaster management to protect lives and livelihoods in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.