Mamata Banerjee Blames Bhutan — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sparked a fresh debate over the recurring floods in North Bengal, directly holding Bhutan responsible for the damages caused by water released from its upstream dams. During a recent administrative review meeting, Banerjee demanded that the neighbouring country take responsibility for the flood devastation and contribute to the cost of rebuilding affected areas, particularly in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts.
The Chief Minister expressed frustration at the scale of destruction witnessed in the northern region every monsoon, citing that uncontrolled release of water from Bhutanese dams had worsened the situation this year. “We share a friendly relationship with Bhutan, but friendship doesn’t mean we have to silently suffer every year because of floodwaters,” Banerjee remarked.
She urged the Union Government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to engage with Bhutan diplomatically and formulate a bilateral mechanism to regulate the discharge of water during heavy rainfall. “If Bhutan opens its gates, Bengal is flooded within hours. Thousands of families lose their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods. There has to be accountability,” she added.
Mamata Banerjee Blames Bhutan: Devastation Across North Bengal
The floods have caused widespread destruction across Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar, submerging villages, damaging roads and bridges, and affecting power supply. The state’s disaster management team reported that over 50,000 people were displaced and several hundred hectares of agricultural land were ruined. Relief camps have been set up in schools and community centres, where officials are providing food, water, and medical assistance.
According to district administration reports, the situation in Alipurduar remains critical as rivers like the Torsa, Kaljani, and Raidak continue to flow above the danger mark. The release of excess water from Bhutan’s rivers — which merge with Indian rivers downstream — has amplified the flooding, cutting off several rural areas.
The state irrigation department confirmed that the volume of water released from the Bhutan side this season has been unusually high. “We have requested Bhutanese authorities to issue prior intimation before releasing dam water, but the response has not been consistent,” a senior official said.
Political Reactions and Central Government Response
Banerjee’s comments have ignited political discussions. Opposition leaders accused her of using the floods as a means to shift focus from alleged administrative failures in flood management. BJP leaders argued that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has not adequately invested in strengthening embankments and drainage infrastructure.
However, several environmental experts supported Banerjee’s statement, arguing that cross-border water management agreements between India and Bhutan need to be re-evaluated. They point out that while Bhutan’s hydropower projects benefit India by supplying electricity, the lack of flood-control coordination often causes disproportionate damage to West Bengal.
Sources in the Union Water Resources Ministry said that they are aware of the issue and are in touch with the Bhutanese government through diplomatic channels. However, they maintained that natural rainfall intensity also plays a key role in such disasters and that joint hydrological data exchange is necessary to forecast flood patterns accurately.
State Government’s Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts
Following the devastation, the Chief Minister instructed the district magistrates of Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri to expedite the distribution of relief materials. She emphasized the need to focus on rebuilding rural infrastructure, including damaged roads, culverts, and irrigation channels.
The state has sanctioned ₹200 crore for emergency relief and has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to assist stranded families. Medical camps have been established to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and dengue.
Banerjee also promised compensation to affected farmers and families who lost their homes. “Our government stands with every citizen affected by this tragedy. No one will be left behind,” she assured during her review meeting.
Environmental Concerns and Expert Opinions
Environmentalists and river experts have long raised concerns about the impact of transboundary rivers flowing from Bhutan into North Bengal. Many argue that the current flood pattern is a result of uncoordinated dam operations, rapid deforestation, and climate change.
Dr. Ranjan Ghosh, a hydrologist at North Bengal University, noted that Bhutan’s catchment areas experience intense rainfall, which increases the pressure on downstream rivers. “While Bhutan manages its dams for hydropower efficiency, India bears the brunt of the overflow. A joint monitoring mechanism between both countries is essential,” he said.
Experts also stressed that the Bengal government must focus on flood-resilient infrastructure, such as elevated embankments, improved drainage systems, and early warning technologies.
A Call for Bilateral Cooperation
This is not the first time the Bengal government has raised the issue with Bhutan. Past discussions have often ended with assurances but little tangible progress. Banerjee now insists that the time for formal dialogue has arrived.
She has asked the Centre to initiate talks under the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty (2007), emphasizing the need for revised water-sharing protocols. “We are not blaming Bhutan but seeking a sustainable solution. Both countries must work hand in hand to prevent such disasters,” Banerjee said.
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs have hinted that a joint working group could be formed to study river basin management and coordinate flood alerts between the two sides.
Voices from the Ground
For residents in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, the floods have become a tragic annual event. Farmers like Prakash Roy of Kumargram have lost their paddy fields for the third consecutive year. “Every monsoon, our land goes underwater. We rebuild, and it gets destroyed again. We need a permanent solution,” he said.
Local NGOs, including the North Bengal Rural Relief Collective, have urged both governments to collaborate on long-term flood mitigation strategies. They stress that villagers often receive no prior warning when Bhutan releases water, leaving them stranded.
In Jalpaiguri’s Dhulabari village, dozens of families have taken shelter in government schools. “We don’t have food or drinking water. The government officials came, but we need continuous support, not just during the flood,” said a local resident.
Looking Ahead
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed state departments to prepare a comprehensive post-flood rehabilitation blueprint, which will include assessing infrastructure loss, providing compensation, and improving future preparedness.
She is expected to write formally to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking intervention from the central government in facilitating talks with Bhutan. Sources in the State Secretariat (Nabanna) confirmed that an inter-departmental report detailing flood damages is being prepared for submission to the Centre.
The government also plans to work with international organizations like the World Bank and UNDP India for technical support in flood resilience and sustainable river basin management.
Government and Official Reference Links
- Government of West Bengal – Disaster Management & Civil Defence Department
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
- Central Water Commission, Government of India
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- India Meteorological Department – Weather Updates
- World Bank – Climate Adaptation & Resilience Projects in India
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