Hill Leaders Condemn Bengal Government: Political tension has escalated across the Darjeeling hills and Dooars as local leaders from multiple parties lashed out at the West Bengal government for its alleged apathy and failure to declare the recent catastrophic floods and landslides in North Bengal as a state disaster. The accusation, led by hill representatives and opposition parties, has brought the spotlight back to Bengal’s long-standing issues of disaster management, fund transparency, and regional neglect.
The torrential rains that struck the northern districts earlier this month devastated vast stretches of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. The deluge triggered massive landslides, washed away roads and bridges, displaced hundreds of families, and caused multiple casualties. Despite the extensive loss of life and property, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government has refrained from granting the incident an official disaster tag—a move that would unlock central relief funds and formalize recovery efforts.
BJP’s Sharp Attack Over Disaster Declaration and Fund Transparency
Darjeeling’s BJP MP Raju Bista led the criticism, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led government of deliberately avoiding the “disaster” classification to restrict scrutiny over fund utilization. “Despite the magnitude of devastation, the state government has failed to notify it as a disaster under Section 38 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Without this declaration, the Centre cannot provide further financial assistance,” Bista said.
He further alleged that the West Bengal government had received ₹5,900 crore from the 15th Finance Commission for disaster management between 2021 and 2026, but there is no clear record of its utilization. Bista claimed that out of the available ₹1,311 crore in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for FY 2025–26, only ₹10 crore was reportedly used for relief.
“Where did the rest of the money go? People are dying, homes are collapsing, and yet funds are lying unused. This is not just negligence—it’s misgovernance,” he asserted.
Hill Leaders and Opposition Unite in Criticism
Interestingly, even allies of the state government have joined the chorus of discontent. Anit Thapa, chairperson of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Sabha and an ally of the TMC, called on the government to take immediate action. “The hills have suffered enough. People have lost everything—from homes to livelihoods. A disaster declaration is not about politics; it is about people’s survival,” Thapa emphasized.
Leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front (IGJF) also condemned the administration’s silence, accusing it of playing politics over humanitarian aid. They warned that withholding the disaster classification could delay essential rehabilitation and reconstruction projects for months.
Government’s Defense and Mamata Banerjee’s Response
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during her recent visit to flood-affected regions, defended her government’s handling of the situation. She maintained that relief measures were already in motion and criticized opposition parties for exploiting the crisis for political mileage. “We are working round the clock to help those affected. Relief camps have been set up, and compensation is being processed. Some are spreading misinformation for political gain,” Banerjee said.
She also raised concerns over the role of water inflows from neighboring Sikkim and Bhutan, blaming them for intensifying flooding in Bengal’s foothills. “We face challenges that are not entirely within our control. The release of water from upstream regions has worsened the situation,” she remarked.
Banerjee’s government has announced a special financial package for rebuilding damaged infrastructure, but opposition leaders claim that the measures are “too little, too late.”
Lives in Limbo: The Ground Reality
In the hills and Dooars, the situation remains grim. Hundreds of residents have been displaced, with many taking refuge in temporary camps or staying with relatives. Roads remain blocked in several areas, isolating entire villages from essential supplies. Agricultural losses have been severe, with tea gardens, orange plantations, and paddy fields submerged.
Locals in Kalimpong and Kurseong report that relief materials are inadequate. “We have received some tarpaulin sheets and food packets, but no medical help. Many are falling ill due to waterborne diseases,” said Maya Rai, a resident of Relling village.
Many fear that the absence of an official disaster declaration will limit the long-term rehabilitation process. Without the disaster tag, affected families may not receive the compensation and rebuilding grants mandated under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines.
Expert Opinions: Disaster Classification Is Crucial
Disaster management experts have stressed that formal recognition of the calamity is essential for effective recovery. “When a calamity is officially declared a disaster, it activates a structured chain of response mechanisms—financial, administrative, and logistical,” explained Dr. A.K. Mukherjee, an environmental policy expert at Jadavpur University.
“Without that classification, coordination between the state and central agencies weakens. It slows the flow of aid, and people on the ground suffer the most,” he added.
The Disaster Management Act, 2005, mandates that state governments notify disasters under specific criteria—scale of damage, loss of life, and the impact on infrastructure. Once classified, the Centre can allocate special funds under the NDRF and SDRF, enabling large-scale reconstruction, rehabilitation, and livelihood restoration.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Neglect
Beyond the political tug-of-war, activists and local leaders allege deeper structural failures in Bengal’s disaster governance. Many accuse the state of failing to maintain transparent databases on disaster fund allocation, delaying audits, and using relief funds for non-disaster purposes.
Reports also indicate that pre-monsoon preventive measures—such as clearing river channels, inspecting vulnerable slopes, and reinforcing hill roads—were not adequately implemented. “Every year, the hills face landslides and flooding, yet there is no permanent disaster mitigation plan,” said Nima Lama, a Darjeeling-based activist.
He added, “Funds come and go, but there’s no accountability. We need long-term planning, not post-disaster politics.”
Hill Leaders Condemn Bengal Government: Demand for Central Intervention
Several political figures, including BJP’s Raju Bista, have appealed to the Union Home Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for direct intervention. They have urged a central survey of affected regions and the release of emergency funds independent of the state government’s notification.
“If the state refuses to act, the Centre must step in under constitutional provisions. People’s lives cannot wait for political convenience,” Bista insisted.
He has also written to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) requesting an immediate inter-ministerial team visit to assess the situation.
The Humanitarian Angle: A Plea for Urgency
At the heart of the political debate lies an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Displaced families are struggling to rebuild homes, farmers have lost entire harvests, and schoolchildren are unable to attend classes as institutions remain closed or damaged.
Social welfare groups and NGOs have stepped in, providing food and medicine to affected families, but their resources are limited. “The government must prioritize rehabilitation over rhetoric,” said Sister Maria, a volunteer with a Siliguri-based aid organization.
The Road Ahead
As the political confrontation deepens, the real challenge remains ensuring swift rehabilitation for those devastated by the floods and landslides. Experts argue that beyond assigning a disaster tag, the Bengal government must strengthen disaster preparedness in North Bengal—through improved forecasting, risk mapping, and community-based resilience training.
For the residents of the hills, the debate over funds and classification means little compared to the urgency of restoring normal life. The state’s credibility will ultimately depend on how transparently and efficiently it handles rehabilitation in the coming months.
For further reading and updates on disaster management and climate resilience in West Bengal:
- West Bengal Disaster Management Department
- National Disaster Management Authority
- India Meteorological Department – Weather Updates
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