Mamata mourns 32 deaths, announces disaster fund
The Statesman | 16 October 2025The chief minister detailed that 21 deaths occurred in Darjeeling, nine in Jalpaiguri, and two in Mathabhanga, Cooch Behar.
The calamities have left behind massive destruction, washing away bridges, embankments, and roads, damaging crops and houses, and displacing thousands across the hills and plains. Ms Banerjee estimated that the losses could run into thousands of crores, affecting both public and private properties.
Appeal for people’s fund
Instead of waiting for central aid, Ms Banerjee announced the launch of a public contribution drive under the West Bengal Disaster Management Authority, urging citizens and well-wishers to come forward and rebuild Bengal together.
A dedicated bank account has been opened with ICICI Bank, Howrah branch — Account No: 628001041066 — for voluntary contributions.
Setting a personal example, the chief minister said she would donate Rs 5 lakh, while her cabinet ministers, legislators, and mayors will each contribute Rs 1 lakh. “We will not beg. We will rebuild our land with our own people,” she declared, drawing applause from the officials present.
Relief, rehabilitation, and rewards
Following the review meeting, Ms Banerjee directed chief secretary Manoj Pant to form a monitoring committee comprising departmental ministers, the GTA chief, Siliguri mayor, district magistrates, superintendents of police, and other officials to oversee restoration and reconstruction works on a routine basis.
She praised the efforts of those who worked tirelessly during rescue operations in Mirik and Darjeeling, honouring 21 frontline workers from civil defence, fire brigade, police, even BDO and SDO for their “unimaginable courage” in the face of danger.
In a touching moment, the chief minister announced that a forest official (DFO) would also be rewarded for rescuing an elephant calf after its mother was swept away in the floodwaters — the baby elephant, now named “Lucky,” has become a small symbol of hope amid the tragedy.
Relief operations at a glance
According to official data shared by the chief minister, nine blocks and four municipal areas in Darjeeling district were severely affected.
Over 1,300 people were rescued, while 30,000 people took shelter at one point in 17 relief camps in the Hills.
Currently, 750 people remain in shelters, and those rendered homeless will receive new houses under the Banglar Bari scheme, along with Rs 1.20 lakh financial aid per family.
Appointment letters for Special Home Guards have been handed over to all 32 families who lost members in the disaster.
Across flood and landslide-hit zones, 37 relief camps were set up, and the administration shifted 20,000 families to safer areas.
The calamities also damaged 81 roads, 11 bridges, and numerous culverts. Over 1,128 metres of embankments were breached, and 12,680 metres of riverbank protection works were washed away.
Electric infrastructure was hit badly — though 272 transformers and 1,340 electric poles have been restored, many areas are still waiting for full reconnection.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee also sought the cooperation of the Hills, urging that the state government and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) work hand-in-hand for restoration and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. She said that several schools, health centres, and drinking water systems have been severely affected by the recent calamities.
According to the chief minister, a total of 94 primary schools and 79 secondary schools have been damaged across the affected areas, and immediate steps are being planned to ensure that education and essential services can resume at the earliest.
Support for farmers and families
The chief minister said surveys are underway to assess crop damage. “Our farmers will not be left alone. Financial aid will be provided through the state’s crop insurance scheme,” she assured.
In a humanitarian gesture, Ms Banerjee also directed the chief secretary to issue special home guard appointments to families of seven migrant labourers from Murshidabad, who recently died in Bengaluru.
She added that 12 more candidates from families of those who died due to electrocution in Kolkata and South 24-Parganas will also receive such appointments. “Their appointment letters will be handed over in Kolkata on 17 October,” she announced.
Wednesday’s meeting ended not with a speech, but a sentiment — a call to rebuild north Bengal from its wounds. “We have lost lives, homes, animals, and dreams,” Ms Banerjee said, adding, “But Bengal has never bowed to calamity. Let us stand together once again — and let the world see how compassion can rebuild what nature has tested.”
