Mamata blames Damodar Valley Corporation for floods; announces Rs 5 lakh solatium, job for kin of deceased
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the flooding in the state, describing the north Bengal floods as “man-made”. She announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a government job to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the North Bengal disaster. Before departing for Bagdogra airport on her way to the flood-affected region, Banerjee told reporters that she had received information about 23 deaths in north Bengal. “Rs. 5 lakh and a government job in the Home Guard will be given to the kin of the deceased. Though money cannot compensate for the loss of life, this is our social obligation,” she said. The Chief Minister said Mirik and Nagrakata were the worst affected areas, while Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Jorebunglow, and Kalimpong also suffered extensive damage. Banerjee announced that 45 Volvo buses would be requisitioned for the safe passage of stranded tourists, with the government bearing all related expenses. She added that upstream water from Bhutan and Assam had inundated large parts of north Bengal. “We had requested the Bhutan government to release water slowly. They responded, though it was not exactly an apology,” Banerjee said. She further alleged that the DVC was trying to save Jharkhand by releasing water into Bengal. “I have no problem with that, but how much water can we contain? What happened in north Bengal is a combination of man-made floods and excessive rainfall,” she remarked. Banerjee questioned the utility of dams such as Panchet, Maithon, and Durgapur barrage if their water releases continued to flood the state each year. “It is better not to have such dams from the DVC and let the waters flow on their natural course, so that every state shares the flow evenly,” she said, adding that the situation might have been better without the dams. She also pointed out that there had been no de-siltation of Farakka, Maithon, Panchet, and Durgapur barrage for the past 20 years.
BJP slams Mamata Banerjee over attack on party leaders, criticises handling of North Bengal floods
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today condemned the alleged attack on its leaders Khagen Murmu and Shankar Ghosh in West Bengal, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of having “crossed all limits” and dismantling law and order since assuming power. Speaking at a press conference here, BJP MP and National Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised the Mamata government for its alleged negligence in addressing the severe floods and landslides in North Bengal, pointing out the Chief Minister’s attendance at a Tollywood music carnival in Kolkata instead of focusing on the crisis. “Violence and the breakdown of law and order have become normal in West Bengal since TMC came to power. The insensitivity of the West Bengal Government and Mamata Banerjee has crossed all limits,” said Trivedi. “While much of North Bengal is grappling with floods, there are videos of the Chief Minister dancing at a carnival in Kolkata. These contrasting images are heart-wrenching. The attack on our leaders is both dangerous and unfortunate.” Trivedi further remarked, “If this dastardly incident is said to be the swan song of democracy, it would not be inappropriate.” BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra echoed the criticism, terming the situation in West Bengal as “jungle raj” and alleging that TMC leaders had incited party workers to assault Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh during their flood relief visit, causing serious injuries.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner advises women to be cautious in digital space
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has advised women to be cautious in the digital space and avoid sharing private photos or sensitive information online.He gave the advice while interacting with women entrepreneurs at Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) Connect 2025 here. Sajjanar, who took over as the Police Commissioner last week, posted on ‘X’ on Sunday that he was delighted to interact with inspiring women entrepreneurs at JITO, calling them true symbols of resilience, leadership, and innovation that define today’s India. ” I shared how proud I am that nearly 50% of my team consists of women IPS officers who excel in dual roles every day — managing their homes and fulfilling their demanding professional duties with exceptional dedication and discipline. Women are a source of inspiration and strength for the entire world,” wrote the IPS officer. “However, I also reminded everyone to be cautious in the digital space. Avoid sharing private photos or sensitive information online, as these can be easily misused. Many women fall prey to online fraudsters who conceal their true identities,” said the top cop. “Even after realising they have been deceived, some continue to communicate, which only increases their risk. Stay alert, verify before you trust, and let’s work together to make the digital world safer for everyone,” added the Police Commissioner. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 3 inaugurated JITCO Connect 2025, the three-day exhibition of networking, knowledge and entertainment. With over 600 stalls and six grand arenas, the exhibition features Build Mart, Business Bay, Property Pavilion, Bridal Story, Lifestyle Lane, and AI & Startup Arena. The organisers called it a one-stop hub for business, innovation, fashion, lifestyle, and future technologies The event brought together over 50 eminent speakers from spiritual icons like Baba Ramdev and Kamlesh Patel (Dadaji) to cinema legend Boman Irani, cricket star Surya Kumar Yadav, former Union Minister Smriti Irani, and several financial stalwarts.
Tourists Stranded in Darjeeling as Drivers Hike Fares Amid Landslide Chaos
What has brought devastation for many has turned into an opportunity for some. As North Bengal reels under landslides and torrential rain, tourists stranded in the hills are facing not only nature’s fury but also exploitation from a section of transport operators. “Never imagined our holiday would end like this,” said a tourist from Dum Dum, Kolkata, who came to Darjeeling with 16 family members for the Durga Puja vacation. “The usual car fare from Darjeeling to Siliguri is ₹3,500. Now they’re demanding ₹15,000!” According to several visitors, taxi drivers have sharply increased fares for the 63-kilometer stretch between Darjeeling and Siliguri, claiming roads are blocked due to landslides. “Even after pleading with folded hands, they refused to lower the rate. One driver bluntly said he wouldn’t drive for less than ₹12,000,” the tourist said. The family, who had booked return tickets on the Uttarbanga Express for Sunday, had to cancel them after the calamity struck Saturday night. “We spent the entire night awake at the hotel. Thunder, lightning and heavy rain shook the hills,” said the woman. “On Sunday morning, when we went to the taxi stand at Chowk Bazaar, we found drivers unwilling to go down to Siliguri.” Drivers cited multiple landslides near Pankhabari and Dilaram and said they would have to take risky detours. However, tourists alleged that many vehicles were still plying — only for those ready to pay exorbitant rates. “We’ve run out of money after four days of sightseeing. Two vehicles are needed for our group, but paying ₹24,000 is impossible. We’re stuck,” the woman said. With train and road communication disrupted, hundreds of tourists remain stranded in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. State authorities have advised visitors to stay indoors and avoid travel until restoration work is completed.
