Is Mamata Visiting North Bengal Today for Post-Flood and Landslide Assessment?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee is visiting North Bengal for a critical review of post-disaster conditions.
- Nearly 40 lives were lost due to the recent floods and landslides.
- 12,000 families will receive government assistance to rebuild their homes.
- Compensation of Rs 1.20 lakh will be provided to each affected family.
- Environmental concerns regarding forest loss are under scrutiny.
Kolkata, Nov 10 (ANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will make her way to North Bengal on Monday to assess the aftermath of the severe floods and landslides that struck the region last month, resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 40 lives.
Upon her arrival at Bagdogra Airport this afternoon, she will head directly to Uttarkanya, the main administrative hub for North Bengal located in Siliguri, Darjeeling district.
During her time at Uttarkanya, she is scheduled to lead the first administrative review meeting of the day. Attendees will include the District Magistrate and elected representatives from the Trinamool Congress in the flood and landslide-affected districts which comprise Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar.
A senior official from the state secretariat, Nabanna, confirmed that approximately 12,000 families impacted by the floods and landslides will receive financial aid from the state government for reconstructing their homes.
Furthermore, each affected household will be compensated with Rs 1.20 lakh.
There is also a possibility that the Chief Minister will inaugurate an industrial facility in the Darjeeling district during her visit, according to the Nabanna official.
Previously, the Chief Minister visited North Bengal last month to review the ongoing situation in the disaster-hit areas. Before returning to Kolkata, she pledged to return in November for a further assessment of the situation and rehabilitation progress.
Sadly, around 40 individuals lost their lives in the floods and landslides that occurred last month.
In the aftermath, concerns have been raised regarding the alleged inaction of the state in response to federal reports indicating a rapid decline in forest cover in the Darjeeling hills since 2011, a critical contributor to the recurring landslides and floods in the area.
Just last month, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) requested a report from both the Union and West Bengal governments concerning the frequent landslides in the hills of North Bengal, which disrupt normal life consistently throughout the year.