MP seeks Governor’s intervention for disaster fund release, CAG audit
The Statesman | 12 November 2025
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has written to West Bengal Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose, seeking his immediate intervention for the release of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) allocations to aid victims of the devastating landslides and floods that hit the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions in early October 2025.
In his letter, Bista also urged the Governor to initiate a comprehensive audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) into the utilisation of SDRF funds, alleging large-scale mismanagement and discrimination by the state government in providing relief.
The calamity, triggered by incessant rainfall on the night of October 4-5, claimed 33 lives and left hundreds injured across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts. It caused widespread destruction of homes, roads, and infrastructure. Despite the severity, the West Bengal government is yet to officially declare the incident a “disaster,” thereby denying affected communities access to SDRF-backed relief — 75 per cent of which is funded by the Centre.
Citing data from the Union ministry of home affairs, Bista noted that as of 1 April, Rs 5,244.30 crore remained in the state’s SDRF account, with an additional Rs 655.60 crore — the first instalment for 2025-26 — recently credited, bringing the total to Rs 5,899.90 crore.
“Despite the availability of funds, the state government has failed to provide adequate relief or rehabilitation to victims of the Teesta floods in 2023 or the recent landslides and floods,” Bista said, adding that the state has not allocated any resources for rebuilding damaged roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure.
The MP urged the Governor to direct the state government to immediately release SDRF funds for victim assistance and reconstruction efforts, while also calling for a detailed CAG audit to ensure transparency and accountability in fund utilisation.