Mamata clashes with Jharkhand government over Bengal flooding, seals border
What's the story
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered the sealing of the inter-state border with Jharkhand amid a severe flood crisis in her state. Banerjee accused the Damodar Valley Corporation (which operates a multipurpose river project in West Bengal and Jharkhand) of releasing five lakh cusecs of water over three days, leading to floods in 11 southern Bengal districts. She also criticized her Jharkhand counterpart and opposition bloc ally Hemant Soren for not responding to her appeals.
Escalating tensions
Banerjee announces severance of ties with DVC
Banerjee announced that her government was "severing all ties" with the DVC, accusing it of "flooding Bengal to save Jharkhand." She criticized the corporation for its mismanagement of water release. In response, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya labeled the decision as "hasty and unreasonable," warning that they might block goods trucks carrying essential commodities to Bengal.
Retaliation threat
JMM warns of retaliation, border checkpoints established
Bhattacharya also mentioned that Jharkhand's reservoirs were near the danger mark due to heavy rainfall and an inter-state committee oversees water release from dams. Following Banerjee's order to seal the border, the Soren-led JMM warned of retaliation after Bengal Police began blocking trucks and other commercial vehicles from Jharkhand at the Dhanbad-West Burdwan border near Kulti.
Accusations
Banerjee accuses DVC of causing floods, not sharing information
Banerjee reportedly contacted the DVC chairperson and Soren, urging them not to release water due to its severe impact on Bengal. She attributed the loss of over 26 lives and displacement of 2.5 lakh people to the floods, accusing DVC of not sharing information about water release from Jharkhand's dams. "Why should Bengal always suffer? Why will DVC always try to keep Jharkhand safe? I need to protect Bengal," she said.
Visits and responses
Banerjee visits flood-affected areas, DVC and Centre respond
Responding to Banerjee's accusations, DVC Executive Director Anjani Dubey stated that they had "reduced the release of water, corresponding to reduction in rainfall." The Centre also denied Banerjee's accusations, with the Jal Shakti and power ministries affirming that all norms were followed and all concerned parties were informed about expected weather conditions and water release.