Mamata distributes flood relief, warns of more rain
The Hindu
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reviews flood situation, urges alertness amid cyclonic storm formation in Bay of Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (September 23, 2024) chaired an administrative review meeting in the State’s Purba Bardhaman to assess the flood situation in the region and urged the administration to remain alert in the wake of cyclonic storm formation in the Bay of Bengal.
The Chief Minister who distributed relief materials to the people said all officers and staff have been asked to work proactively to control the flood situation.
“There are cyclonic storm formations in the Bay of Bengal in the next two to three days. If it rains more, and DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation) releases more water, flooding will occur. In such areas I have asked Block Development Officers and other officials to convince people to move from their homes if it is too risky,” Ms. Banerjee said.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata issued a press statement saying that a cyclonic circulation lies over Central Bay of Bengal extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level tilting southwestwards with height. “Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over westcentral Bay of Bengal & neighborhood during the next 24 hours,” the statement added.
The Chief Minister assured farmers that her government will provide compensation for loss of crops.
The administrative review meeting of the Chief Minister comes at a time when Ms. Banerjee had blamed the release of water from the Damodar Valley Corporation for inundation of several districts of south Bengal. The Chief Minister had written two letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatening to sever all ties with the DVC. She also visited flood affected areas in Howrah and Hooghly. Two officials of the State government have also resigned from the committees of the DVC.
The DVC has claimed that the release of water has been in consultation with the State. The BJP leadership in the State had described the Chief Minister visiting the flood-affected areas as a photo opportunity and alleged that the State government has done nothing in embankment repair.
Families of Red Fort blast victims await government compensation, facing financial struggles and lack of communication from officials.
Uttar Pradesh deletes 2.89 crore names from draft voter list; voters can contest deletions starting January 1, 2026.
The Union and State governments provided support in several ways to the needy people, but private institutions should also extend help, especially to those requiring medical assistance, said C.P. Rajkumar, Managing Director, Nalam Multispeciality Hospital, here on Saturday. Speaking at a function to honour Inspector General of Police V. Balakrishnan and neurologist S. Meenakshisundaram with C. Palaniappan Memorial Award for their contribution to society and Nalam Kappom medical adoption of Type-1 diabetic children, he said the governments implemented numerous welfare programmes, but the timely help by a private hospital or a doctor in the neighbourhood to the people in need would go a long way in safeguarding their lives.
Mannargudi residents demand urgent road repairs due to prolonged sewage work causing dangerous potholes and safety risks.
Vizianagaram's real estate booms in 2025, driven by infrastructure growth and affordable housing near Visakhapatnam.
Depleted workforce hinders GRH’s ability to maintain standards of premier tertiary institution
DMK firmly rejects Congress's demand for power-sharing in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Indian officials refute Bangladeshi claims of Hadi’s killers fleeing to Meghalaya, asserting the suspects have not crossed the border.
DGCA warns airline operators to enhance preparedness and compliance with safety regulations to ensure aviation safety and passenger convenience.
Fort Kochi will celebrate New Year's with Pappanji effigies set ablaze at two venues for enhanced crowd management.
Congress announces application details for GBA elections, with reduced fees for women and deadlines set for January 15.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat urges Sonia Gandhi to return Nehru's letters to the Prime Ministers' Museum for national heritage.
Gautam Adani praises Sharad Pawar as a mentor, inaugurating an AI center and signing an MoU for development initiatives.