MANAS R BANERJEE | SNS | SILIGURI, 21 MAY, 2025 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced the establishment of a central control room at Uttarkanya to monitor and coordinate disaster management efforts across North Bengal, as the region braces for a potentially severe monsoon season.
To address these recurring challenges, she announced that a dedicated control room at Uttarkanya will coordinate with state-level authorities for quicker response and disaster management. She further instructed district administrations to:
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Set up block-level control rooms
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Keep disaster management teams ready
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Ensure adequate stockpiling of relief materials
The Chief Minister also urged the Chief Secretary to initiate talks with the Centre to include West Bengal’s representatives in the Indo-Bhutan Joint River Commission.
“We need timely information on rainfall in upstream catchment areas of rivers that flow through Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar for effective flood management,” she said.
Concerns Over Unregulated Water Release
Developmental Review and Grassroots Engagement
Apart from disaster preparedness, the Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of developmental projects across districts. While some districts joined virtually, senior officials from Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar were present at Uttarkanya. She emphasised the timely completion of state-sponsored schemes, especially flagship projects introduced by her government.
Turning her attention to Malda, she questioned district officials over recent riots and delays in implementing several welfare schemes.
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant concluded the meeting by instructing all officials to act swiftly on the Chief Minister’s directives and prepare for the next review session.
After the meeting, Mamata Banerjee departed for Kolkata via Bagdogra. On the way, she interacted with tea garden workers — particularly women — underscoring her government’s continued engagement with grassroots communities.
