Should Mamata Banerjee Be Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Geography and Botany?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari mocks Mamata Banerjee's proposal for mangrove planting.
- The suggestion was made during a meeting in Darjeeling.
- Mangroves are crucial for coastal ecosystems but may not be suitable for hilly terrains.
- Political tensions are heightening in West Bengal amid environmental discussions.
- Banerjee blames the Damodar Valley Corporation for flooding issues.
Kolkata, Oct 16 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has mocked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her recent proposal to plant mangrove saplings in the hills as a solution to flooding issues in northern West Bengal.
This suggestion was made during an administrative review meeting held in Darjeeling, where the Chief Minister discussed the recent flood and landslide devastation affecting the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions of North Bengal.
In response to Banerjee's proposal, Adhikari took to social media, humorously nominating her for the next Nobel Prize in Geography and Botany for her 'groundbreaking' concept of “Mangroves in the Mountains!!!”
He clarified that mangroves are specialized salt-tolerant trees that thrive in coastal areas with salty and brackish water.
Adhikari emphasized that mangrove forests serve as nature's protective barrier, playing a vital role in coastal defense, biodiversity habitat, and climate change mitigation.
"They act as a living defense system for coastal areas, safeguarding them from hazardous waves, storms, cyclones, and various marine threats. These muddy saline wetlands are essential habitats for a wide variety of insects, fish, reptiles, birds, and other wildlife," he elaborated.
He warned that implementing the Chief Minister's plan to introduce mangroves in North Bengal's hilly terrain could disrupt the local topography.
"People in West Bengal are eagerly anticipating a positive change. Our state has become a laughingstock nationwide due to her foolishness..." Adhikari asserted.
During the same meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated her accusations against the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the region's flooding, urging them to either frequently dredge or dismantle their dams in the state.
"You cannot tamper with nature. You must allow the river to flow naturally. Therefore, either ensure proper dredging or eliminate your dams," stated Mamata Banerjee during her speech in Darjeeling.