Death toll rises to 29, CM visits Nagrakata, assures support
The Statesman | 7 October 2025Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday visited flood relief centres in Nagrakata, interacted with flood-affected families, inspected a vulnerable spot, and handed over cheques of Rs 5 lakh each as compensation to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the calamity.
She announced that one member from each bereaved family would be given employment as a special home guard in the state police department, and instructed the families to contact the superintendent of police to facilitate their appointments.
Speaking to reporters, the chief minister said, “Five persons have died in Nagrakata, while 23 have lost their lives in the Darjeeling Hills. The state government will provide one job per family to those who have lost their loved ones.”
It may be noted that among the victims in Darjeeling, five were Nepal nationals, and the total number of deaths in the Hills stands at 24, primarily due to massive landslides triggered by heavy rains.
CM slams Centre over relief funds
Ms Banerjee strongly criticised the Central government, alleging that it has not released a single paisa for flood relief operations. “The Centre has not yet released any funds for flood relief. The state, from its own resources, has extended all possible support to the flood and disaster-affected families,” she said.
“It is the Centre’s responsibility to provide funds in coordination with the state. But the current attitude reflects deliberate deprivation against Bengal. However, Bengal will not bow down before such neglect,” she asserted.
The chief minister assured the people of Nagrakata that the administration would begin damage assessment immediately and extend all possible assistance — from rebuilding homes to providing utensils, materials, and financial support to restore livelihoods.
Condemnation of political violence in Dooars
Without naming anyone, Ms Banerjee also condemned the attacks on political leaders in the Dooars region earlier in the day.
It may be recalled that North Malda MP Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh were accompanying state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar during his visit to flood-affected tea garden areas in Nagrakata, when a group of people heckled and attacked them. The leaders managed to escape, but Mr Murmu sustained head injuries after being struck by stones.
Appealing for peace, the chief minister said, “Please stay calm, do not believe in rumours, and help those around you. Let us avoid any unpleasant incidents during this time and face this challenge together, with mutual support and solidarity.”
She further remarked, “Others will come, visit, talk to the people, and return. But if they arrive with a convoy of 40 cars, naturally, the disaster-affected people will react.”
Restoration and relief efforts
Ms Banerjee said that restoration work would begin once floodwaters fully recede and the administration completes a thorough assessment.
After visiting Hasimara, she travelled to Nagrakata, and will proceed to Mirik, where 11 people died in the landslides. She has directed engineers to build a temporary bridge at Dudhia, which connects Mirik, until the new bridge under construction is completed.
Highlighting the geographical challenges of the region, the chief minister said that the rivers flowing down from Bhutan and Sikkim are the primary cause of flooding in the Dooars. “I had requested the Prime Minister to set up an Indo-Bhutan River Commission for flood management, but there has been no response yet,” she added.
Impact on tea plantations
The chief minister also mentioned that the government would look into the damages and losses suffered by tea plantations in the flood-hit areas.
According to the Tea Association of India, an estimated loss of over Rs 12 crore has been reported across five tea gardens in Nagrakata, where swollen rivers have changed their courses, inundating large plantation areas and disrupting operations.
Message of hope
Concluding her visit, Ms Banerjee expressed deep sympathy for the affected people and made a heartfelt appeal:
“This disaster has caused severe losses to many people, and we deeply feel their pain. Yet, even in these difficult times, we must remember that unity and patience are our greatest strengths. I urge everyone not to lose courage. Please remain calm, disciplined, and alert. The government and administration are doing everything possible to stand by the people, and together we will overcome this crisis.”
