October 6, 2025 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced financial compensation for victims of the ongoing floods in North Bengal, while alleging that the disaster is partly man-made due to poor infrastructure and water management. The statement comes as heavy rains continue to affect multiple districts, disrupting normal life and damaging crops.
Flood Situation in North Bengal
Several districts, including Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, are experiencing severe waterlogging due to continuous rainfall over the past few days. Rivers are swelling, and low-lying areas have been inundated, affecting thousands of residents and their homes.
Authorities have reported:
- Displacement of families to relief shelters
- Damage to roads, bridges, and crops
- Disruption of local transport and communication
CM Mamata Banerjee’s Announcement
Addressing the situation, Mamata Banerjee said:
“The state government will provide immediate compensation to affected families. However, the floods are not purely natural; negligence and poor planning have worsened the impact.”
She added that relief measures are being coordinated at both district and state levels to ensure aid reaches vulnerable populations quickly.
Relief Measures
The West Bengal government has announced:
- Financial aid for affected families to rebuild homes.
- Emergency shelters with food and medical assistance.
- Deployment of rescue teams in high-risk areas.
- Continuous monitoring of river levels and rainfall by disaster management authorities.
Officials are urging citizens to remain indoors, avoid flooded areas, and follow updates from local authorities.
Allegations of ‘Man-Made’ Flooding
Mamata Banerjee claimed that some of the flooding could have been mitigated if proper infrastructure planning and river management had been in place. She cited:
- Encroachments along riverbanks
- Blocked drainage systems
- Delays in government maintenance projects
Her statement highlights concerns over long-term urban and rural water management policies in North Bengal.
Impact on Agriculture and Local Communities
North Bengal is a key agricultural region, producing rice, jute, and vegetables. The floods have:
- Damaged standing crops
- Threatened income for farmers
- Disrupted supply chains to nearby markets
Farmers’ associations have requested rapid assessment of losses and support packages to minimize long-term financial impact.
Public Advisory
Authorities have advised residents to:
- Avoid traveling through flooded roads
- Stay in designated shelters if necessary
- Ensure children and elderly are kept safe
- Follow local news and official government advisories
Disaster management teams remain on high alert, with boats and medical aid ready for emergency deployment.
Looking Ahead
Meteorologists predict more rainfall over the next 24-48 hours, meaning relief and rescue operations need to continue uninterrupted. The government has emphasized collaboration with district officials, NGOs, and local volunteers to manage the crisis efficiently.
CM Banerjee’s announcement of compensation and her criticism of infrastructure gaps are expected to fuel further discussion on flood prevention and long-term water management policies in the state.
Conclusion
North Bengal continues to grapple with floods caused by heavy rains, affecting thousands of residents. CM Mamata Banerjee’s statement stresses both immediate relief measures and the need for better infrastructure planning, calling attention to human factors that have worsened the impact.
Summary
Mamata Banerjee announces compensation for North Bengal flood victims, describing the disaster as partly man-made. Authorities continue rescue operations amid heavy rains affecting residents, crops, and infrastructure.