Floods Cause Chaos at Bengal-Jharkhand Border
On Friday, long lines of trucks were seen at the Jharkhand-West Bengal border after the West Bengal Police restricted vehicle movement due to severe flooding in southern Bengal. The trucks, carrying essential goods, are stuck and waiting for permission to enter Bengal.
Chief Minister’s Orders
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered the border closure after water levels rose and flooded National Highway 16 at Panshkura. The border will remain closed for three days, affecting the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, and Paschim Bardhaman.
Letter to the Prime Minister
CM Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blaming the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the floods. She said the release of 5 lakh cusecs of water from DVC-controlled dams caused the worst flood in the lower Damodar region since 2009, affecting over 5 million people.
Impact of the Floods
The floods have devastated districts like Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Bankura, Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Medinipur, and Paschim Medinipur. The Chief Minister highlighted the loss of crops, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of homes and livestock.
Government Response
The state government is working to provide relief and evacuate people to safer areas. CM Banerjee criticized the DVC for ignoring warnings and increasing water release, worsening the situation. She called for better dam management and urged the Prime Minister to release funds for flood management.
Future Concerns
Banerjee warned that if the DVC’s negligence continues, West Bengal might sever ties with the corporation. She also raised concerns about the lack of action on the Ghatal Master Plan, which has left the region vulnerable to flooding.
Doubts Revealed
Mamata Banerjee -: Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal, a state in India. She is the leader of the Trinamool Congress party.
Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) -: The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is an organization that manages the Damodar River and its dams. It helps in generating electricity and controlling floods.
West Bengal -: West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its festivals, food, and historical places.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the head of the government and makes important decisions for the country.
cusecs -: Cusecs is a unit to measure the flow of water. It stands for cubic feet per second, showing how much water is moving in a river or dam.
Bengal-Jharkhand border -: The Bengal-Jharkhand border is the boundary line between the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand in India. It separates the two states.
flood relief -: Flood relief refers to the help and support given to people affected by floods. It includes providing food, shelter, and medical aid.