Mamata Banerjee Accuses DVC of Unilateral Water Release Amid Flood Crisis

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 22nd Sept. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has again written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the ongoing flood situation in the state, alleging that the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) released water from its reservoirs without consulting her government, leading to widespread inundation across several districts.

In her latest letter, Banerjee countered claims made by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil, who had stated that West Bengal officials were informed at every stage about the water release to prevent a disaster. She asserted, “While the hon’ble minister claims that the release from DVC dams was carried out by consensus, I may respectfully disagree. All critical decisions are made unilaterally by representatives of the Central Water Commission.”

Banerjee further criticized the notification process, stating that peak water releases occurred with only 3.5 hours of notice, inadequate for effective disaster management. In her letter dated September 21, she noted that approximately 5 million people have been affected by the floods and urged for immediate central funds to address the devastation.

Paatil responded to her concerns, explaining that the releases were managed by the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee (DVRRC), which includes representatives from the Central Water Commission, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and DVC. He emphasized that the release from the Maithon and Panchet reservoirs was reduced by 50% from September 14 to 17 at West Bengal’s request due to heavy rainfall.