As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Dudhia near Mirik on Tuesday, senior BJP leaders, including Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, toured various landslide-affected areas in the region. While Banerjee outlined the relief measures being enacted by the state government, Rijiju stressed the necessity for both state and central governments to collaborate in supporting those impacted by the landslides that occurred on the night of October 4 and early morning of October 5.
The calamity has resulted in 23 fatalities, with Mirik sub-division being the hardest hit, recording 11 deaths and numerous homes being swept away. At Dudhia, Banerjee informed, “We are building a proper bridge here, but it will take up to a year to complete. In the meantime, a temporary bridge made of pipes will be constructed within 15 days, allowing only small vehicles to cross.”
Currently, access to Mirik from Siliguri via Dudhia road is blocked, forcing residents to travel via Ghoom. In an effort to assist grieving families, Banerjee distributed cheques of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and announced job opportunities for one member from each affected family as home guards. “They will get work within 15 days, and requirements like height and educational qualifications will be relaxed,” she added. Scholarships for students affected by the disaster were also announced, along with plans to establish special camps to assist those who lost important documents in the landslides.
Banerjee instructed that the Rohini Road-a key route connecting Darjeeling and Kurseong to Siliguri-be restored promptly, as it remains unusable due to landslides. Rijiju and Adhikari visited locations such as Mechi Dara Gaon, where extensive destruction occurred, including the loss of four family members, two of whom were young girls aged 8 and 19.
Local residents accused the administration of negligence, voicing concerns over drainage issues they reported back in 2024, which they believe contributed to the disaster. In comments to the press, Rijiju stated, “The Prime Minister has sent me to assess the situation. The Centre and State will jointly prepare a report. I assure full support to those affected.” He also highlighted the imperative to relocate families whose homes were destroyed and committed to discussing the issue further with the central government.
When questioned about calling the incident a “national disaster,” Rijiju maintained, “This is definitely a disaster. Declaration is a technical matter. The priority now is ensuring people receive necessary aid.” Responding to Banerjee’s accusation that the Prime Minister was politicizing the tragedy, Rijiju asserted, “In times of tragedy, there should be no politics. This is a humanitarian issue.” He clarified that the central government funds 75% of the assistance through the State Disaster Response Fund, with the state covering the remaining 25%.
Adhikari remarked, “We are not here for politics or votes. We will extend support in our own way. BJP MPs and MLAs will provide Rs 2 lakh each to the affected families.” He criticized Banerjee, claiming she is more focused on politics than addressing grievances, and suggested she avoided visiting the most affected hill areas, unlike himself.
Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, present in various parts of Mirik, noted that the Prime Minister had announced compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Additionally, the Education department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) announced a closure of all educational institutions in the area until October 13, citing ongoing disruptions from landslides and rainfall.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/cm-central-leaders-visit-landslide-hit-mirik-relief-measures-undertaken-restoration-works-directed
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