Could the Rain Catastrophe in Kolkata Have Been Prevented by the Bengal Government?
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Synopsis
Amit Malviya of the BJP has accused the Bengal government of negligence regarding the recent rain disaster in Kolkata, claiming that timely warnings went unheeded. As flooding wreaks havoc across the city, the government faces scrutiny over its preparedness. Discover the unfolding situation and the implications for the citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata experienced severe flooding due to heavy rain.
- Amit Malviya accused the government of negligence.
- The Meteorological Department had issued warnings a month prior.
- Many small traders suffered significant losses.
- The government has set up a control room for relief efforts.
Kolkata, Sep 23 (NationPress) Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP IT cell and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, stated on Tuesday that the government led by Mamata Banerjee is guilty of “criminal negligence” regarding the rain-related catastrophe in Kolkata.
He asserted that the disaster could have been averted if the state had responded to the alerts provided by the Meteorological Department a month prior.
Following a single night of intense rainfall, significant areas of the city experienced severe flooding, resulting in extensive waterlogging, power failures, and several fatalities due to electrocution from submerged live wires.
Malviya characterized the current crisis as a “direct outcome of the criminal negligence and astonishing indifference” of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata’s Mayor, Firhad Hakim.
“The Alipore MET department had issued a warning a month ago regarding persistent rainfall during Puja. One month! What was their response? Complete, deafening silence. No strategies. No preparations. They merely sat back and observed as the waters surged. This is not merely a failure of governance; it is a calculated betrayal of every individual in this city,” Malviya expressed in a post on X.
He further alleged that illegal pond-filling, unauthorized constructions, and neglect in modernizing the drainage system have contributed to the dire circumstances in Kolkata.
“The aspirations of countless small traders have been obliterated, with CRORES in merchandise lost forever. This is the heartbreaking truth of Mamata’s promise to transform Kolkata into a city like London — a hollow, inundated shell where residents pay the ultimate price for corruption. This is a man-made flood of colossal proportions,” Malviya added.
In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday afternoon that a 24-hour control room had been established at the state secretariat to monitor the ongoing situation. She claimed to be personally overseeing relief and rescue efforts.
“I will not be inaugurating any Durga Puja pandal today. I will only attend a few inaugurations in the districts virtually. We must all remain vigilant in the coming days,” the Chief Minister stated.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that while the accusations of negligence hold weight, the broader implications of natural disasters require a comprehensive analysis of infrastructure, urban planning, and emergency preparedness. The situation in Kolkata serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive governance and community resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the recent flooding in Kolkata?
The flooding in Kolkata was primarily caused by heavy rainfall that led to severe waterlogging, exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems and illegal constructions in the city.
What actions has the Bengal government taken in response to the disaster?
In response to the disaster, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the establishment of a 24-hour control room to monitor the situation and claimed to be overseeing relief and rescue operations.
How has the BJP reacted to the government's handling of the situation?
Amit Malviya from the BJP criticized the state government for 'criminal negligence', asserting that timely warnings from the Meteorological Department were ignored.
What are the implications for small traders affected by the flooding?
The flooding has resulted in significant losses for small traders, with reports of crores worth of goods being destroyed, severely impacting their livelihoods.
What long-term changes are needed to prevent such disasters in the future?
Long-term changes include upgrading drainage systems, enforcing building regulations, and improving urban planning to accommodate heavy rainfall and flooding.
