West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in recent rain-related incidents across the state. She also urged the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) to provide Rs 5 lakh to the families of those electrocuted in Kolkata due to waterlogging.
At least 10 people have died since Tuesday, including nine in Kolkata who were electrocuted after coming in contact with unattended or open electric wires, officials confirmed.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ekdalia Durga Puja in south Kolkata, Banerjee assured that the state would provide employment opportunities to family members of the deceased.
The state government will provide Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of those electrocuted yesterday. Money cannot replace lives, but even if CESC does not provide jobs, we will ensure special employment is given to family members,” she said.
Banerjee Defends Govt, Blames Centre and Metro
Banerjee defended her government’s handling of the unprecedented rainfall that left Kolkata and adjoining areas waterlogged, claiming that water had been drained out from most parts of the city within hours.
“Within seven hours, we managed to clear the water. This has been possible because of people’s cooperation. Till 2 am, I was monitoring whether fresh water was entering the city. Water from most of the areas of Kolkata has been drained out,” she said, while admitting that Thanthania, College Street and Ballygunge remained waterlogged.
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Comparing the deluge to the 1978 floods, she said, “It was a cloudburst kind of rain. We have not seen such rainfall in years… it was even more than 1978.”
The Chief Minister blamed the Centre for failing to dredge the Ganga, alleging that neglect by agencies like Kolkata Port, Farakka Barrage and DVC’s Maithon worsened the situation. “Nature is not in our hands. Whenever it rains in Bihar or UP, water flows into West Bengal. We have to manage everything ourselves,” she said.
Banerjee also accused Metro Railway authorities of aggravating waterlogging in Salt Lake due to construction debris. “Metro work is underway, and sandbags, pipes and other materials have been left unattended. Yesterday, I went to Salt Lake, and there was a huge amount of water,” she said, adding that drains often get blocked due to waste and debris being dumped.
Large parts of Kolkata were paralysed on Tuesday as heavy overnight rainfall submerged streets, stranded commuters, and disrupted civic life.
