Mamata Banerjee Slams DVC for Releasing 65,000 Cusecs of Water During Festivities
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come down heavily on the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) accusing it of deliberately releasing 65,000 cusecs of water during the festive season and thereby inflicting suffering on thousands of families across the state. Her strong words reflected the growing frustration among locals who have already been dealing with unpredictable weather conditions during Durga Puja.
Speaking to the media, Mamata Banerjee said the timing of the release was unacceptable. “Why should people suffer during the most important festival of the year? Families are preparing for Durga Puja but instead of joy they are now anxious about water entering their homes,” she said.
The Scale of the Release
According to state officials, the release of 65,000 cusecs of water has the potential to affect vast stretches of low-lying areas across South Bengal. Villages and towns near riverbanks are on high alert as embankments may weaken under pressure. With the festivities drawing large crowds outdoors, the fear of sudden flooding has cast a shadow on community celebrations.
Banerjee claimed that the decision could not be dismissed as routine. “This is not just about water management, it is about sensitivity to the people’s sentiments. Releasing such a large volume during Puja only adds misery when families should be celebrating.”
Festivities Marred by Anxiety
Durga Puja is the cultural heartbeat of Bengal. Pandals are decorated with lights, artistry thrives in every neighborhood, and families gather in festive clothing to celebrate the goddess. Yet this year, the joy appears muted in several districts. Residents in affected regions have expressed fear that the immersion of idols on Dashami could become chaotic if water levels rise further.
A resident of Howrah said, “We have decorated our pandal for months but all anyone talks about now is whether the river will overflow. Instead of happiness there is tension.” The sense of uncertainty has been palpable, as shopkeepers, artisans, and small businesses depending on festive sales worry about declining footfall due to weather and flood risks.
Political Undertones
Mamata Banerjee’s criticism of DVC is not just an administrative concern but also carries political undertones. She has often clashed with central agencies over issues related to Bengal’s infrastructure and resource management. Her charge that the DVC’s actions were timed to cause distress during the state’s most celebrated festival has sparked political debate.
Opposition parties have questioned whether the state government was caught unprepared to handle the release. However, Banerjee dismissed such criticism, insisting that her administration had been proactive in monitoring the situation and providing relief to vulnerable regions.
Call for Accountability
The Chief Minister has demanded accountability from DVC and asked for immediate coordination with state authorities before any further release of water. “We are not against scientific water management. But the lives and emotions of millions cannot be ignored. A festival like Durga Puja should not be overshadowed by unnecessary misery,” she stated.
Relief teams have been deployed in sensitive districts to manage emergencies. Schools and colleges in certain areas have been kept on standby to serve as temporary shelters if evacuations become necessary.
A Cloud Over Celebrations
For many Bengalis, the Puja season is a rare moment of collective joy, but this year nature and administrative choices have combined to create an uneasy atmosphere. Even as pandals glow with artistry and cultural programs fill the evenings, the looming threat of flooding has weighed heavily on hearts.
As Banerjee put it, “The people of Bengal look forward to this time all year. It is unacceptable that they should spend these days worrying about water entering their homes instead of celebrating the goddess.”
With her strong remarks, the Chief Minister has placed the spotlight on DVC’s decision-making and its consequences. For now, families across the state continue to pray not just to the goddess for blessings but also for safe and dry homes through the remainder of the festivities.
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