CM hands over compensation to landslide victims’ families in Hills

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday handed over compensation to the next of kin of 16 victims who lost their lives in the devastating landslides that struck the Darjeeling Hills following continuous rainfall on 4-5 October.

The chief minister visited Dudhia, near Siliguri, where a major bridge collapse has disrupted connectivity between Mirik and Siliguri. During her visit, she met family members of 16 victims and personally handed over cheques of Rs 5 lakh each to the bereaved families. A family that lost three members received Rs 15 lakh as compensation.

Advertisement

According to official reports, 23 people have died in the Darjeeling Hills, including 11 in Mirik, while two were from outside the Hills and five were Nepal nationals. In addition, five deaths have been reported from Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that as more bodies continue to be recovered, the administration has been instructed to identify them properly. Bodies that appear to have been swept in from Nepal or Bhutan will be handed over to the respective authorities after due verification.

Addressing the gathering, Miss Banerjee said: “Criticism is not a solution right now when people are in deep trouble after such a natural calamity. We must stand by the victims and focus on relief and restoration.”

She directed the administration to continue relief operations in all affected areas of north Bengal and ensure that no family is left unattended.

After inspecting the damaged bridge site at Dudhia, the chief minister instructed engineers to construct a temporary bridge within 15 days to restore connectivity.

She further announced that one member from each bereaved family will be appointed as a special home guard within 15 days, irrespective of educational qualifications.

“Reading and writing ability will be the only qualification required,” she said.

Miss Banerjee also directed engineers to begin immediate restoration work on the Rohini Road, which connects Darjeeling with the plains. A 500-metre stretch of the road has reportedly been washed away and partially caved in due to the landslides.

The chief minister also instructed officials to continue operating community kitchens in the affected areas until normalcy is restored.

During her interaction with the families at Dudhia, Miss Banerjee assured them of full government support and directed Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief Anit Thapa to stay in constant touch with the affected families and monitor their day-to-day situation.

The chief minister also cautioned residents of Mirik against constructing houses on unsafe hilltops and urged them to choose locations within the safe zones, reminding that the hills are still geologically “young” and vulnerable to landslides.

Expressing concern over large dams in Sikkim and Bhutan built for hydroelectric projects, Miss Banerjee remarked, “These dams pose serious risks for regions like Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar. I do not support constructing dams that obstruct the natural flow of rivers.”

On her return to Uttarkanya, the chief minister met North Malda MP Khagen Murmu, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Siliguri.

“I heard he was injured. He is now stable, nothing serious. I have seen the doctor’s report — he is a diabetic and should remain under observation. He sustained injuries near his ear, but he is recovering well. I pray for his good health,” Miss Banerjee said.