What Compensation Has CM Mamata Announced for Electrocution Victims' Families?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's CM Mamata Banerjee announced financial aid for families affected by electrocution during Durga Puja celebrations. With a call for accountability from CESC, the state government aims to support the grieving families amidst urban flooding challenges. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures.
Key Takeaways
- Compensation of Rs 2 lakh announced for families of electrocution victims.
- CESC urged to provide additional compensation of Rs 5 lakh.
- Infrastructure issues highlighted due to flooding in Kolkata.
- Record rainfall caused widespread waterlogging across the city.
- CM Banerjee calls for greater accountability from electricity providers.
Kolkata, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, declared a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who tragically lost their lives due to electrocution on September 23.
During the inauguration of Durga Puja in southern Kolkata, CM Banerjee urged the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) to extend a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the affected families.
"The state government will provide Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of those electrocuted yesterday. While money cannot replace lives, we will ensure special employment opportunities for their family members, even if CESC does not provide jobs," she stated.
CM Banerjee further called on CESC to take accountability for the electrocution incidents.
"I request CESC to offer Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families, as these tragedies occurred due to their negligence," she added.
CM Banerjee plans to inaugurate approximately 40 Durga Pujas in Kolkata. She had previously postponed puja inaugurations due to flooding.
She mentioned that water levels had receded in most areas of the city following the record rainfall overnight.
"The flooding issue was worsened by decades of insufficient dredging of waterways. After the natural disaster yesterday, I've been working diligently for the last two days. While water has receded from most roads, significant flooding persists in the Hooghly River. Most areas have drained, except for a few low-lying spots," she remarked.
She also criticized the central government regarding the flooding in West Bengal's rivers.
"Nature is beyond our control. The Kolkata Port, Farakka Barrage, and DVC's Maithon have not been dredged in over 20 years. Rain in Bihar or Uttar Pradesh causes water to flow into West Bengal and flood our rivers. We are left to manage everything ourselves," Banerjee stated.
On Tuesday, a month’s worth of rain fell in just five hours, coinciding with a high tide in the Hooghly River, leading to extensive waterlogging throughout the city.
At least 10 individuals were electrocuted in West Bengal, including 8 in Kolkata. Train and metro services were disrupted, and traffic in Kolkata came to a standstill as nearly every road became waterlogged.
While the situation improved by Wednesday morning, it will take time for the city to completely recover from waterlogging.
The Met office reported 252mm of rain in five hours, with 185mm falling between 2:30 am and 5:30 am. According to KMC data, Garia received the highest rainfall at 332mm, followed by Jodhpur Park at 285mm, Ballygunge at 264mm, Ultadanga at 207mm, and Maniktala at 169mm.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the tragic loss of life due to electrocution in West Bengal. The compensation announced by CM Mamata Banerjee is a necessary step, but it also highlights systemic issues in urban infrastructure and emergency response. The call for CESC to take responsibility reflects a growing concern over public safety and accountability in service provision.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the compensation amount announced for electrocution victims' families?
The West Bengal Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each family affected by the electrocution.
How many people were electrocuted in West Bengal?
At least 10 individuals were electrocuted, with 8 of them in Kolkata.
What did CM Mamata Banerjee request from CESC?
CM Banerjee urged CESC to provide Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of those who got electrocuted.
What caused the flooding in Kolkata?
The flooding was exacerbated by a month's worth of rain falling in just five hours, along with a high tide in the Hooghly River.
What is the response from the Chief Minister regarding the flooding issue?
CM Banerjee attributed the flooding problem to decades of inadequate dredging of waterways and criticized the central government for its lack of action.
