Did CR Patil Disprove Mamata Banerjee's Claims on DVC Water Releases?
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Synopsis
Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil disputes Mamata Banerjee's claims regarding the water released from DVC dams during Durga Puja. This controversy sheds light on the ongoing tensions between state officials and the DVC's operational practices, raising questions about accountability and communication during critical times.
Key Takeaways
- C. R. Patil disputes the water release figures presented by Mamata Banerjee.
- The actual combined release from Maithon and Panchet dams was 70,000 cusecs.
- Water releases were coordinated through the DVRRC.
- The situation in the Lower Damodar area is reported as normal.
- Communication issues between the DVC and state government have been highlighted.
Kolkata, Oct 4 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, has challenged the assertions made by West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the volume of water discharged from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) dams during the Durga Puja celebrations.
The Chief Minister has alleged that over 1,50,000 cusecs of water was released from the Maithon and Panchet dams, among others, during the festival.
She described this as a calculated maneuver to create a disaster and cause suffering to the people of West Bengal while they are engaged in festivities.
In response, Patil referenced data from the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee (DVRRC), which is responsible for managing water releases from the Maithon and Panchet reservoirs.
He stated that the actual combined release from these dams was 70,000 cusecs, contrasting sharply with the Chief Minister's claims.
Specifically, he noted that 42,500 cusecs were released from Maithon and 27,500 cusecs from Panchet.
Patil also countered Banerjee's assertion that the state government was not informed about the water releases.
He emphasized that the releases were made following consultations with the DVRRC secretariat, which invited feedback from the West Bengal Irrigation and Waterways Directorate, but received no responses.
Moreover, he assured that there was no congestion in the Lower Damodar area, stating that current conditions are normal and that water levels at Harinkhola in Hooghly district are below the alert threshold.
Previously, the Chief Minister had expressed concerns about the DVC's water release practices, even reaching out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention.
However, the DVC has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that all water releases are conducted in accordance with discussions held in the DVRRC, where the West Bengal government is represented, making claims of unnotified releases unfounded.
Point of View
The ongoing dispute between Union Minister C. R. Patil and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlights the complexities in intergovernmental communication and resource management. This situation underscores the need for transparency and cooperation to ensure that the welfare of the citizens is prioritized during significant events like Durga Puja.
NationPress
04/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did C. R. Patil say about the DVC water release?
C. R. Patil stated that the actual water release from DVC dams was 70,000 cusecs, significantly lower than Mamata Banerjee's claim of 1,50,000 cusecs.
Was the West Bengal government informed about the water releases?
Patil claimed that the releases were made after the DVRRC sought comments from the West Bengal Irrigation and Waterways Directorate, but no feedback was received.
What are the current conditions in the Lower Damodar area?
According to Patil, the situation in the Lower Damodar area is normal, with water levels at Harinkhola below the warning level.
How has Mamata Banerjee reacted to the DVC's water management?
Mamata Banerjee has been critical of the DVC's practices, previously seeking intervention from Prime Minister Modi to prevent unnotified water releases.
What is the role of the DVRRC?
The DVRRC is responsible for managing and coordinating water releases from the DVC dams to ensure proper regulation and communication with state authorities.
