Mamata Blames Bhutan for Bengal Floods, Demands Compensation

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for compensation from Bhutan, alleging that water surging from the Himalayan kingdom triggered catastrophic floods in north Bengal. Speaking at a government program in Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri district, Banerjee attributed the region’s extensive losses to rainwater cascading through rivers from Bhutan.

"We have suffered massive losses due to water flowing from Bhutan. They must compensate us," Banerjee declared during her visit to the flood-ravaged area, where she is overseeing relief and rehabilitation efforts. The floods, caused by heavy rainfall on October 4, have claimed at least 32 lives and left thousands homeless in landslides and flooding across northern districts, including Darjeeling and its foothills.

Banerjee also pushed for West Bengal’s inclusion in an Indo-Bhutan Joint River Commission, a demand she has raised repeatedly. She noted that a meeting is scheduled for October 16, where state officials will represent West Bengal’s interests. The Chief Minister criticized the central government for allegedly withholding financial aid for disaster management, intensifying the state’s challenges.

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This marks Banerjee’s second visit to north Bengal since the disaster struck. She previously spent four days in the region starting October 5 to monitor relief operations and is set to remain until Friday to continue supporting affected communities. Visiting relief camps in Bamandanga, one of the hardest-hit areas, Banerjee reaffirmed her commitment to rehabilitation efforts while pressing for accountability from Bhutan to mitigate future flood risks.

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