Mamata Banerjee Writes to Modi, Threatens to Cut Ties with DVC Over Bengal Flood Crisis

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 20th Sept. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday sent a four-page letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring her state’s intention to sever all ties with the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). This move comes in response to what Banerjee describes as the “unilateral release” of water from DVC-controlled dams, which she claims has led to severe flooding in South Bengal.

Banerjee stated that approximately five million residents have been affected by the floods, prompting her to urge the Prime Minister for immediate central funds to alleviate the crisis. She emphasized that the flooding, impacting districts such as Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Howrah, is largely a “man-made” disaster, asserting that the DVC’s management of water releases has exacerbated the situation.

The Chief Minister cited a sudden increase in water discharge—from 90,000 cusecs to 250,000 cusecs within hours—as a primary factor contributing to the disaster, resulting in significant loss of crops, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of residents.

In sharp contrast, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari responded with skepticism, challenging Banerjee to follow through on her ultimatum and warning that cutting ties with DVC could plunge several districts into darkness. He criticized the Chief Minister for relying on DVC for power generation during her tenure and accused her of neglecting infrastructure improvements.

Adhikari further highlighted that DVC generates a substantial portion of the state’s power and questioned how Banerjee plans to address potential power shortages if she follows through on her threat.

Banerjee also called for urgent dredging and desilting of DVC reservoirs, asserting that a long-standing lack of action on these issues has contributed to the current flooding crisis. She criticized the DVC’s apparent shift in focus from flood control to power generation, arguing that this has harmed the interests of West Bengal’s residents.

The situation remains tense as both leaders exchange heated remarks, with Banerjee committed to holding the DVC accountable for what she perceives as negligence, while the BJP raises concerns over potential repercussions for the state’s power supply.