West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday claimed that the deluge in North Bengal was caused by water flowing down from neighbouring Bhutan, and demanded compensation from both the Central government and Himalayan Kingdom.

Banerjee was visiting the disaster-hit Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district to oversee relief and rehabilitation operations.

“It has to be kept in mind that such a big disaster happened because of the waters from Bhutan. So we want them to provide compensation also,” Banerjee said, adding that the state government has borne the burden of rescue and relief work. “Neither Delhi nor others pay for anything,” she said.

Banerjee repeated her long-standing call for an India-Bhutan River Commission that would include Bengal as a member. “Natural calamities are beyond our control, but we have repeatedly said this situation has occurred due to the water from Bhutan. We have long been demanding the formation of an India-Bhutan River Commission, where Bengal must be included as a member. Due to our continued pressure, a meeting is scheduled for the 16th, as far as I know. We will be sending one of our officers to attend it,” she said. She added that the Centre should also announce compensation.

The CM also announced `5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and said one family member will be offered a Home Guard job, she said.

“Those whose houses have been destroyed will be provided with new ones by the government under the Banglar Bari scheme,” Banerjee added.