CM assures jobs, aid to Mirik landslide-hit families

PRASHANT ACHARYA

MIRIK, : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday afternoon visited the landslide-affected Dudhey area, where an iron bridge had collapsed, and met with the families of the deceased from the Mirik subdivision.

During her visit, Banerjee distributed compensation cheques of Rs 5 lakh each and assured government jobs in the Home Guard for the next of kin of the victims. She also announced the construction of a temporary bridge over the Balason river within 15 days for light motor vehicles, until a permanent concrete bridge is built.

All affected families from the Mirik blocks - those who lost their loved ones or whose homes were damaged in the devastating landslides - were called to Dudhey for the CM’s visit.

Banerjee directed GTA chief executive Anit Thapa, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb, and Mirik Municipality Chairman L.B. Rai to closely monitor the situation and report to the concerned departments regarding the needs and development issues of the people. She also instructed District Magistrate Preeti Goyal to ensure that the families of all landslide victims are provided jobs, regardless of their educational qualifications or documents.

“To get a job, it is not necessary to be highly educated or have a specific height or qualifications. The person just needs to be able to read and write,” Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister stated that while no one can stop the fury of nature, losing lives is a deep loss. “Food, clothing, and shelter are essential, and the government will provide all possible support,” she assured.

Banerjee also reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work being carried out by the district administration, accompanied by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant.

She handed over Rs 5 lakh compensation cheques to the families of 12 deceased individuals who lost their lives in the Mirik subdivision. In addition, she distributed essential relief items, including blankets, to 49 families from Dudhey and 72 other families from across Mirik.

The Chief Minister also instructed the district administration to set up special camps to help victims reissue official documents lost or destroyed in the landslides.