Union minister Kiren Rijiju visits landslides-hit Mirik region
After visiting landslides-battered Mirik region in Darjeeling and talking to the affected people and the rescue teams, union minister Kiren Rijiju today lauded the paramilitary forces of Sasastra Seema Bal (SSB) and National Disaster Response Force for their rescue and evacuation efforts. The Minister, along with leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista visited the landslides-affected areas of Mirik yesterday afternoon and talked to the people and authorities to assess the ground reality. “While taking stock of flood damages in Darjeeling, I met SSB personnel at Khaprail Camp and at Mirik Alay Ground. The rescue and relief efforts by SSB and NDRF are commendable,” Rijiju, who visited the area as an emissary of Prime Minister Narandra Modi, said in a post today. “On ground at Soureni Toklang Dhar, Mirik, Darjeeling district, inspecting flood-hit areas and meeting families facing the aftermath. The courage and resilience of the people shine even in adversity,” he added. The union minister said that he reviewed relief measures and assured continued support for every affected family. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in an appeal urged everyone to come together with compassion and humanity to rebuild the shattered north Bengal. “Let us stand united to support the people of North Bengal in rebuilding their lives. Your prayers, contributions, and support can make a difference,” the Nandigram MLA said on X. Adhikari’s visit included, among others, the flood-ravaged areas around Mirik, including Dudhia, along with the Kiren Rijiju and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. “The devastation is widespread; families have lost their loved ones, homes, livestock, and livelihoods. The pain and struggle of our brothers and sisters in these areas are unimaginable, yet their resilience inspires us all,” Adhikari continued. He also visited the relief camps, talked to the people to know their plight and assured them that they would surely be taken care of after the matters are communicated to the Prime Minister.
North Bengal situation improves, but political storm continues
The flood and landslide-hit hills, Terai, and Dooars regions of North Bengal saw further stabilization in the past 24 hours with no casualties reported. Officials said the absence of fresh rainfall has helped accelerate relief, rescue, and restoration work, preventing the situation from worsening. In Darjeeling district, the worst affected by the disaster, repair work on several damaged roads has been completed. However, the main connecting route between the hills and the plains remains out of service. “Alternative routes such as Tindharia Road and Pankhabari Road are being used to bring down stranded tourists from the hills. Most of them have already reached Siliguri safely,” said a district administration official. Weather officials have predicted no heavy rain across North Bengal in the next 24 hours, although light to medium showers are expected in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts today, for which a yellow alert has been issued. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who spent the last two days touring affected areas and overseeing relief operations, is scheduled to return to Kolkata this afternoon. She is likely to share further updates on administrative measures after reaching the state capital. Her visit, however, has not been free from political controversy. The Chief Minister stopped by a Siliguri hospital where BJP MP Khagen Murmu is undergoing treatment after he and the party’s chief whip in the Assembly, Shankar Ghosh, were allegedly attacked in Bamandanga, Jalpaiguri, while distributing relief materials yesterday evening. While Murmu met the Chief Minister briefly, Ghosh reportedly declined to meet her. “I refused to meet me. Khagen da (Khagen Murmu) was not in a position to speak, so she met him. She was there for 2 minutes, and his media team kept clicking photographs. This is nothing but a gallery show,” Ghosh said. The BJP has sharply criticized Banerjee’s move. The party’s IT Cell chief and central observer for Bengal, Amit Malviya, accused her of “cheap publicity,” alleging that the incident of violence was the handiwork of ruling party supporters. “It comes as no surprise that this was yet another crass attempt by the Chief Minister to gain cheap publicity, especially after the violence unleashed by marauding mobs in Bamandanga under Sulkapara, an area long used to settle illegal Bangladeshis,” Malviya wrote on social media. However, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh termed the Chief Minister’s visit as a humanitarian gesture. “This is what we believe in the Trinamool Congress. The BJP is responsible for the people’s anger. But the Trinamool does not support physical attacks as an expression of that anger, it condemns them. We wish Khagen Babu a speedy recovery,” Ghosh said. “At the same time, we ask: ‘have you forgotten the attacks on Trinamool leaders and workers in Tripura by the BJP? And the repeated attacks on Mamata Di during the CPM regime?’ Mamata Di stands for non-violence. The CM believes in the politics of courtesy,” he added. The political blame game has only added to the tension in North Bengal, even as the administration continues its focus on restoring normalcy in the disaster-stricken hills and plains.
Mizoram reports highest Malaria incidence rate in India 6 dead since January Minister
Mizoram currently holds the highest malaria incidence rate in the country and efforts are on to eliminate the mosquito borne disease in the state, state Health Minister Lalrinpuii said on Tuesday. The state reported six deaths due to malaria since January, though the number of cases has declined, she said.Addressing the inaugural programme of a three-day regional review meeting on malaria elimination for GFATM project states here, Lalrinpuii said that four districts – Lawngtlai, Mamit, Lunglei and Siaha – are still in high endemic category and nearly 80 per cent of malaria cases in Mizoram were reported from these districts. GFATM refers to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. At least six people have died due to malaria and 7,321 people contracted the mosquito borne disease between January and September this year, according to the state health department. South Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, which shares border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, reported the highest cases at 3,151, followed by Lunglei district (1,788) and Siaha district (1,080), it said. “Massive efforts should be made to eliminate malaria as Mizoram now holds the dubious distinction of being the highest malaria incidence state in the country,” Lalrinpuii said. Although the number of people contracting malaria and death due to the disease in the state has slightly declined this year, it is still very high as compared to other states, which caused a big concern, she said.Altogether 16,899 malaria cases were reported and seven people died due to the disease last year, it said. In 2023, 13 people from 18,005, who contracted malaria, have died, according to the health department data. The minister said that 100 health workers will be recruited to be forerunners in malaria elimination programme.She also called for collective efforts from NGOs and Mizo community to fight the disease.
BJP MLA Manoj Oraon allegedly attacked in Alipurduar in North Bengal
Another tribal MLA from BJP Manoj Kumar Oraon was attacked while distributing relief materials in his Alipurduar constituency in North Bengal, a day after BJP MP Khagen Murmu was badly assaulted in the neighbouring district of Jalpaiguri.The BJP blamed the Trinamool Congress supporters for orchestrating the attacks on Oraon, which was denied by the West Bengal ruling party. According to party sources, Oraon was distributing relief material to flood-affected villagers in his constituency Kumargram when he and his entourage were surrounded and assaulted by a violent mob. The attackers allegedly hurled stones, vandalised vehicles and snatched weapons from security personnel providing protection to the lawmaker representing the Alipurduar constituency. Oraon sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Speaking from the hospital, he claimed, “While trying to help flood-hit people, I was suddenly surrounded and attacked. This is the state of democracy under the TMC.” Oraon was also attacked yesterday while distributing the materials to the flood hit people. The attack on Oraon happened barely 24 hours after BJP MP from Malda Uttar Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh were assaulted by a mob at Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri. Murmu was undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Siliguri. “A group of TMC workers attacked me and my supporters when we were distributing relief items among flood-affected villagers in Kumargram,” Oraon alleged.
Woman, swept away by swollen Damodar river, rescued 45 km downstream in Bengal
In what locals described as a miraculous escape, a 65-year-old woman who was swept away by the swollen Damodar River amid heavy rains and water discharge from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was rescued alive nearly 45 km downstream, police said on Monday. Police said, “The incident took place at Jakta village in Burdwan’s Rayna area. The woman, identified as Maturi Tudu (65), had gone to bathe in Damodar river alone on Sunday afternoon. However, due to strong currents following DVC’s water release and rains, she was swept away.” With the combined efforts of police and villagers, she was rescued 45-50 km downstream and was taken to Jamalpur Rural Hospital, where doctors said she had fallen ill after being in the water for a prolonged period, police added. Later, she was shifted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. “I went to bathe in the river when suddenly the current increased, and I was swept away. I somehow managed to hold onto something until villagers rescued me,” Tudu said. Jamalpur Block Trinamool Congress president Mehemud Khan said, “The elderly woman was admitted to hospital and later handed over to her family after police confirmed her identity. She survived purely by luck.”Police later escorted Tudu safely back to her home in Rayna. and rains,” he said.
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.
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.
Mamata Banerjee to visit North Bengal tomorrow to review flood and landslide situation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that she will be visiting North Bengal tomorrow to personally assess the situation caused by continuous heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides that have wreaked havoc across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and adjoining districts. Speaking to media over the phone, Banerjee said, “I will be travelling to North Bengal tomorrow along with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant. By afternoon, I will reach Siliguri and monitor the situation from there.” For now, the Chief Minister has been stationed in the control room in Nabanna, keeping a close watch since this morning. She added that she had already held a virtual meeting with officials of five North Bengal districts and has been monitoring developments since 6 am. Torrential rain has battered Darjeeling and Kalimpong, triggering multiple landslides, road blockages, and rising river levels since yesterday evening. At least 13 deaths have been reported so far from Darjeeling district alone. Nine people were killed when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik, seven lost their lives in Sukhiapokhri, and another was reported dead in Bijanbari. Tourists remain stranded as several key roads have been cut off, and communication with Kalimpong and Sikkim has been completely disrupted, officials said. Banerjee attributed the worsening conditions to heavy rainfall in Bhutan, which has swelled rivers in North Bengal. “The rainwater from Bhutan has flooded our region. This calamity is extremely unfortunate. Disasters are beyond human control, but we are deeply distressed,” she said. The Alipore Meteorological Department had already issued a warning of heavy rainfall in Darjeeling, and by Saturday night, the region was lashed by continuous downpours. The Teesta river has risen sharply, flooding stretches of National Highway 10 near 29 Mile Balukhola in Teestabazar, leading to the closure of the crucial road link. In addition, part of the iron bridge between Mirik and Doodhia collapsed, cutting off connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik, as well as severely hampering access to Darjeeling town — an unusual occurrence. Rescue operations are underway, though officials admitted that bad weather has made the task extremely challenging. The Additional Superintendent of Police (Kurseong) said that five bodies had already been recovered from Mirik, with two more earlier, and four confirmed dead in Sukhiapokhri. “Roads via Rohini and Dilaram are completely blocked. We are trying to rescue those stranded in Mirik and evacuate residents from affected areas,” the official said. Police later confirmed at least 13 deaths, warning that the toll could rise further. Landslides near Dilaram have also blocked the main road leading to Darjeeling, while routes towards Kalimpong and Sikkim remain closed. Wild animals have also been displaced by the floods, with two deer rescued after straying into villages. Several rivers are now flowing above the danger mark. Meanwhile, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) issued an advisory on Sunday morning, temporarily closing popular tourist spots like Rock Garden and Tiger Hill. Visitors have been urged to exercise caution amid the continuing natural disaster. Banerjee is expected to chair high-level meetings in Siliguri after reaching North Bengal on Monday and coordinate further relief and rescue operations.
Four killed as heavy rain triggers landslides, floods in north Bengal; red alert issued
Incessant rainfall over the past few days has triggered landslides and flash floods across north Bengal, claiming at least four lives and severely disrupting normal life, officials said on Saturday. A major landslide struck Mirik in Darjeeling district, leaving four persons dead and several others injured. The 10th National Highway, connecting Siliguri with Darjeeling, has been blocked at multiple points due to landslides, cutting off road connectivity between the plains and the hills. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall till Monday morning. Several tourists have been stranded in the hills as vehicular movement remains severely restricted. The bridge at Dudhiyara, linking Mirik and Siliguri, has suffered extensive damage, while portions of the 29 Mile area and Baluwakhani have been submerged by the overflowing Teesta river. In Siliguri’s Porajhar area, a breach in an embankment led to inundation of vast tracts of land and several houses. Rivers including the Teesta, Mahananda, Jaldhaka and Torsa are flowing above the danger level, triggering fears of worsening flood conditions. District administrations have started evacuating residents from vulnerable zones to safer locations and initiated relief operations. Officials said the situation may deteriorate further if the rain continues unabated over the next 24 hours.
