West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK :  The monsoon season approaches, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed the state administration to initiate immediate disaster management preparations in North Bengal, a region prone to severe flooding due to its geographical location and proximity to neighboring countries. 

During her ongoing three-day tour of North Bengal, Banerjee emphasized the urgency of strengthening communication channels between the northern districts and the rest of the state. She instructed officials to establish dedicated disaster response teams in each district to ensure swift action during emergencies.  

Highlighting the recurrent issue of flooding caused by heavy rainfall in neighboring Sikkim and Bhutan, Banerjee revealed that the state government has requested the central government to coordinate with Bhutan for a joint water management mechanism. This collaborative effort aims to better tackle the flooding situation in the northern districts.  

In addition to disaster preparedness, Banerjee addressed the importance of vigilance in border areas. She directed all district administrations in North Bengal to remain alert to illegal cross-border movements, including potential terrorist threats. Banerjee stressed that even with the presence of the Border Security Force (BSF), state administrative officials must remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of the region. 

To bolster disaster management efforts, Banerjee suggested the establishment of a 24/7 disaster management system at Uttarkanya, the administrative headquarters of North Bengal. This initiative aims to provide continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities during the monsoon season. 

Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored the need for emergency preparedness in the health sector, including assessing hospital bed strength and the availability of ambulances. These measures are intended to ensure that medical facilities are equipped to handle potential emergencies arising from monsoon-related disasters. 

Banerjee also highlighted the strategic importance of the 'Chicken's neck' corridor, which connects the Northeast with the rest of the country. She emphasized the need for development activities and the expediting of pending projects in North Bengal to enhance the region's resilience against natural calamities.  

In a high-level flood control meeting convened in Jalpaiguri, officials assessed pre-monsoon flood risks across Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar districts, and the Siliguri subdivision. The meeting focused on evaluating potential flood scenarios and strategizing effective responses to mitigate the impact on affected communities. 

As the monsoon season looms, the West Bengal government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in North Bengal. Through coordinated disaster management efforts, cross-border vigilance, and infrastructure development, the state aims to minimize the adverse effects of monsoon-related disasters in the region.