Bengal Flood: Governor CV Ananda Bose Advises Mamata Banerjee to Fulfil Her Duties

Governor CV Ananda Bose of West Bengal has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to focus on her responsibilities following the state's flood situation. He advised against blaming the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the flooding, according to a source from Raj Bhavan. Earlier, Bose had also inquired about the state's flood preparedness and response efforts.

Banerjee informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that West Bengal plans to cut ties with DVC. She accused them of releasing water unilaterally, causing floods in several southern districts. Banerjee also visited some of the affected areas to assess the damage firsthand.

Flood Causes and Expert Opinions

Bose's recent letter to Banerjee referenced expert reports indicating that Bankura, Birbhum, and Paschim Medinipore districts are not part of the Damodar Valley river system. The flooding there resulted from heavy rainfall over Kangsabati, Silabati, and Dwarakeshwar rivers. The DVC is not responsible for these areas, as per the governor's communication.

The governor highlighted that significant water releases from the state-owned Mukutmanipur Dam on the Kangsabati River contributed to the flooding. This dam breached protective embankments, worsening the situation in affected districts.

Role of Dams in Flood Management

Dams managed by DVC serve multiple purposes: flood control, irrigation, industrial water supply, and drinking water provision. Bose noted that dams act as barriers to moderate floods but cannot completely prevent them if inflows exceed capacity. Excessive inflows without corresponding releases could compromise dam safety.

Bose pointed out that the Kangsabati dam, under state management, released water when it could no longer retain it. This was a primary cause of flooding in Bankura, Purba Medinipore, Paschim Medinipore, and Howrah districts, according to expert inputs included in his letter to Banerjee.

Governor's Actions and Requests

In an earlier communication, Bose asked Banerjee for details on the state's flood response and preparedness measures. He has formed a task force to predict potential floods and plans to visit some affected areas himself.

The governor requested a comprehensive report from Banerjee on actions taken by the state government to address the flood situation. He also sought information on measures to ensure safety and security in inundated areas and those at risk due to adverse weather conditions.

Governor's Experience with Natural Disasters

Bose has extensive experience managing natural disasters from his tenure as Central Drought Relief Commissioner. During recent landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district, he visited his home state and prepared a project report for rebuilding efforts.

Bose spent four days in North Bengal during its recent floods. He has requested a response from Banerjee under Article 167 of the Constitution, which outlines the chief minister's duties.