Is DVC's Water Release a Man-Made Catastrophe?
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Synopsis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a strong stand against the Damodar Valley Corporation for its dramatic water release, which she claims has resulted in a man-made disaster across South Bengal. She accuses the Central Government of orchestrating flood-like conditions, raising alarms over the devastating impact on the region's agriculture and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee accuses DVC of increased water releases.
- Claims of a systematic attempt to create flooding.
- 11-fold increase in water discharge noted.
- Significant agricultural and infrastructure damage reported.
- Calls for immediate action against the alleged conspiracy.
Kolkata, Aug 4 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) of a significant increase in water discharge from its dams, which she claims has led to a man-made disaster. She also asserted that there is a deliberate effort by the Central Government to provoke more flood-like conditions across South Bengal.
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister highlighted that there has been an astonishing 11-fold escalation in DVC's water release this year, compared to 2024.
"The flood mismanagement by DVC this year has exceeded its poor track record from previous years. This year, DVC has let down Bengal on an unprecedented scale. The centrally controlled agency is increasingly becoming hostile toward Bengal, mirroring the ecological policies being implemented by the central authority across India today," she stated.
Sharing detailed statistics, the Chief Minister noted that the DVC's water release has surged to an alarming 11 times this year compared to the previous year, raising serious concerns.
“The current release is 30 times more than in 2023! There is an orchestrated effort to incite more frequent flood situations in South Bengal. This is not merely a natural disaster; it's a man-made catastrophe. The data unequivocally supports this claim,” she remarked.
She indicated that the outflow from DVC for June and July 2024 was 4,535 lakh cubic meters, while in June and July 2025, it escalated to 50,287 lakh cubic meters.
This July, West Bengal, particularly in the southern districts, experienced record rainfall due to successive low-pressure areas and cyclonic activity over the Bay of Bengal.
Continuous rains have led to swollen rivers in southern Bengal districts. With DVC releasing water, areas in West Midnapore, East Midnapore, and Howrah have faced flooding due to the already full rivers.
Further criticizing DVC, Mamata Banerjee stated that the water release has destroyed crops and roads, compelling the administration to evacuate residents from various locations.
"This drastic, unanticipated, and excessive release during peak monsoon this year has wreaked havoc in our districts, obliterating vast swathes of crops, breaching numerous embankments, damaging many roads, and forcing thousands to evacuate. The drastic increase in water release this year to inundate Bengal is profoundly troubling and alarming. I sense a deep conspiracy behind this! It must be halted immediately!" the Chief Minister concluded.
Point of View
The allegations made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against DVC reflect broader concerns about governance and environmental responsibility. While her claims warrant investigation, they also underscore the need for a collaborative approach to disaster management across various levels of government to ensure that such crises are minimized in the future.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Mamata Banerjee's accusations against DVC?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Damodar Valley Corporation of significantly increasing water discharge, which she claims has led to flooding and agricultural damage in South Bengal.
How much has DVC increased its water release?
DVC's water release has reportedly increased by 11 times in 2025 compared to 2024, according to Mamata Banerjee.
What are the consequences of DVC's actions?
The excessive water release has reportedly caused flooding, crop destruction, and necessitated evacuations in several districts of South Bengal.
What does Mamata Banerjee suggest about the nature of this flooding?
She describes the current flooding situation as a man-made catastrophe, not a natural disaster, indicating a systematic attempt to create flood conditions.
What has been the impact on local communities?
The increased water discharge has led to significant damage to infrastructure, agricultural losses, and forced evacuations of residents in affected areas.
