Dana: CM Mamata calls for urgent relief to 2.16 lakh affected people, sets Kali Puja deadline

In the aftermath of Cyclone Dana, which impacted 2.16 lakh residents across West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened a virtual meeting with District Magistrates (DMs) from the state’s affected districts. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, CM Banerjee issued a series of directives to speed up relief and ensure thorough post-cyclone assessments.

According to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, multiple areas, including Sandeshkhali, Basirhat, Bankura, Kolkata, and Hooghly, faced severe flooding, compounded by continuous rain and waterlogging. The Kapil Muni Ashram was reported submerged, and areas such as Diamond Harbor remained heavily waterlogged. Banerjee expressed appreciation for the Disaster Management Department’s quick response and explained her commitment to personally monitoring relief.

CM Banerjee’s top priorities are preventing waterborne diseases and securing safety in affected regions. To this end, she ordered the distribution of mosquito nets and called on the Forest Department to assist in removing wildlife hazards, like snakes, from flooded areas such as Namkhana and Bakkhali. Additionally, she advised DMs to prepare and submit a detailed report on damaged houses, crops, and educational buildings starting tomorrow.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of safe drinking water and sanitation for those in relief camps. She tasked the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department with delivering water tanks to impacted areas and with checking that all relief camps have adequate resources.

Pointing to long-term planning, Banerjee instructed DMs to expedite the Ghatal master plan over the next three years to improve flood resilience in affected areas. The CM also expressed disappointment over the lack of financial support from the Central Government in handling these recurring natural disasters.

As the rain subsides, CM Banerjee has promised residents a prompt assessment of all damages, with solutions underway. She stressed her goal to stabilize conditions in Bengal before Kali Puja, pledging a strong support network for all affected families.