What is the Estimated Loss of State Property Due to the North Bengal Disaster?
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Synopsis
The devastating natural calamities in North Bengal have led to a provisional loss of Rs 10.62 crore in state property across Darjeeling and Kalimpong. As the death toll rises, the true extent of damage remains to be seen. Explore the impacts and ongoing recovery efforts in this pressing situation.
Key Takeaways
- Provisional loss of Rs 10.62 crore in state property.
- Significant damage to infrastructure including roads and housing.
- Death toll has tragically reached 39.
- Rescue operations are ongoing with challenges in remote areas.
- Final loss assessments are yet to be completed.
Kolkata, Oct 9 (NationPress) The estimated financial impact of the destruction to state property in the two hill districts of West Bengal, Darjeeling and Kalimpong, due to recent natural disasters affecting the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions, stands at Rs 10.62 crore, according to official reports released on Thursday.
It is important to note that this figure is provisional, and the final assessment of the loss to public assets in these districts will require additional time for accuracy.
The assessment for losses in the plains districts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, which encompass the Terai and Dooars areas, has not yet been finalized. It is anticipated that once these calculations are complete, the overall damage to state property across all four districts will be significantly higher.
According to the loss data compiled by the district administrations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong on Thursday, the damage has resulted from the destruction of roads, culverts, and water tanks, among various other infrastructures.
The hills' blocks that have suffered the most significant road damage include Pedong, Lava, Gorubathan, and Kalimpong. Reports indicate that a total of 21 houses across these districts have been affected due to heavy rainfall and landslides, with 13 completely destroyed and 8 partially damaged.
The main route linking the hills to Siliguri, the key gateway town in north Bengal, remains impassable, leading to transportation being rerouted through Tindharia Road and Pankhabari Road.
However, due to the challenging terrain of Pankhabari Road, there is a significantly higher burden on Tindharia Road.
With the recovery of additional bodies in the past 24 hours, the official death toll across the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions has tragically increased to 39 as of Thursday morning. Local officials fear that this number may rise further in the coming days as rescue operations progress in the more isolated areas.
The recently recovered bodies have yet to be identified.
Point of View
I observe that the current crisis in North Bengal highlights not only the fragility of our infrastructure but also the resilience of our communities. We must support recovery efforts and ensure that both immediate and long-term solutions are implemented to prevent future disasters.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are affected by the disaster in North Bengal?
The affected areas include the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, as well as the plains districts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.
How much loss has been reported so far?
The provisional loss of state property in Darjeeling and Kalimpong is estimated at Rs 10.62 crore.
What infrastructure has been damaged?
Damage includes roads, culverts, and water tanks, among others.
What is the current death toll?
As of Thursday morning, the official death toll has risen to 39.
How are rescue operations progressing?
Rescue operations are ongoing, with concerns that the death toll may increase as more remote areas are reached.
