CM leaves for Kolkata, vows to return next week to review flood-hit areas

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday left for Kolkata from Uttarkanya after instructing senior administrative officials to continue relief operations across North Bengal.

Speaking to reporters before her departure, Miss Banerjee said she would return to the region next week to personally review the post-disaster situation and take necessary steps for the reconstruction of areas affected by the recent floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall on October 4 and 5.

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“I have directed the district magistrates to continue relief work in the affected areas, particularly in Mirik, Dhupguri, Maynaguri, and Nagrakata,” the Chief Minister said. “The Panchayat Minister will also monitor relief operations and coordinate other necessary measures in Alipurduar district,” she added.

Before leaving Bagdogra Airport, the Chief Minister once again briefed officials on maintaining constant surveillance of the affected zones and ensuring that administrative support reaches all people in distress.

She said the administration had dispatched adequate relief material to the Hills, particularly to Mirik — one of the worst-hit areas where 11 lives were lost in landslides.

In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister wrote that the administration had been working tirelessly for the welfare of the people of North Bengal. “Even today, essential relief and food supplies have reached the affected families,” she stated.

According to her post, each food packet contains 5 kg rice, 2 kg lentils, 5 kg potatoes, 2 kg onions, 100 gm soybeans, 500 gm sugar, 500 gm salt, a 10-gram packet of Amul milk powder, and packets of turmeric, cumin, and dried chili powder, along with 500 ml mustard oil.

Relief materials also include a kit, three tarpaulin sheets, sarees, blankets, dhotis, lungis, kurta-pyjamas, salwar-kameez sets, and children’s clothing.
She further mentioned that the District Magistrates of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri have been sending additional relief packages for the disaster-affected families.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation with special attention. Every human life is precious to us. Our Maa-Mati-Manush government stands firmly beside the people of North Bengal, day and night. I pray that these disasters and hardships end soon and that normalcy is restored quickly,” she added.