Rijiju calls for disaster mapping, promises central aid for north Bengal
The Statesman | 9 October 2025Mr Rijiju visited Bijanbari, Thaneline, and Pulbazar in Darjeeling district — some of the worst-hit areas — where a bridge over the Chhota Rangeet river collapsed and several roads were washed away after days of torrential rain. He was accompanied by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba.
Speaking to the media, the Union minister said: “The local administration, MLA, and MP are working tirelessly on the ground. However, the state government must take the lead in conducting disaster mapping to prepare a long-term plan for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of damaged houses, bridges, and roads.”
He added that the Centre is ready to extend full financial support for rebuilding the affected infrastructure but emphasised that such assistance would depend on the state’s planning framework.
“The central government needs the state’s detailed project report (DPR) for financial approval. After the collapse of the Chhota Rangeet bridge at Pulbazar, the state should immediately prepare a DPR to facilitate central support,” Mr Rijiju said.
Describing the extent of destruction, Mr Rijiju remarked, “I have visited Darjeeling many times, but this time the damage is unprecedented. Beyond political identities, there must be unity between the state and the Centre to plan long-term rehabilitation and infrastructure reconstruction.”
“After returning to my office, I will submit a detailed report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Mr Rijiju said.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista described the devastation in Pulbazar as “heart-breaking.” He said the swelling of the Chhota Rangeet river had washed away several people, including a young man named Upendra, whose body was recovered after three days. “People here are still struggling to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy,” he said.
Mr Bista reiterated the demand for the state government to officially declare the calamity a disaster, saying, “At this critical time, full cooperation between the state and central governments is essential. Such coordination will ensure faster deployment of relief materials, proper rehabilitation of the affected families, and urgent reconstruction of key infrastructure.”
At least 15 houses have been completely destroyed, forcing families to take shelter with neighbours or relatives. Both Mr Rijiju and Mr Bista paid homage to Upendra’s body on Wednesday and met the bereaved families.
“We listened to their concerns and assured them that we will rise above politics to support the victims in every possible way,” Mr Bista said.
According to administrative sources, Darjeeling Hills alone have reported 406 landslides, 546 damaged houses, 67 affected roads, 10 collapsed bridges, and 59 disrupted water connections since the heavy rains began.
