CM, Central leaders visit landslide-hit Mirik Relief measures undertaken, restoration works directed

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING, : 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, were also seen touring various landslide-affected areas in and around Mirik.

While Chief Minister Banerjee spoke about the relief measures being taken by the State government, Union minister Rijiju emphasized the importance of both the Centre and State working together to support those affected by the landslides that occurred during the night of October 4 and early morning of October 5.

Twenty-three people have been killed following multiple landslides at different parts of Darjeeling hills. Mirik sub-division was worst-hit with 11 casualties and several houses were washed away.

Speaking at Dudhia, Banerjee said, “We are constructing a proper bridge here, but it will take up to one year to complete. In the meantime, a temporary bridge made of pipes will be built in 15 days. However, only small vehicles will be allowed to use it, not large ones.”

Currently, Mirik remains cut off from Siliguri via the Dudhia road, and people have to travel via Ghoom instead.

The Chief Minister also handed over cheques of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the landslides. She announced that one member from each such family would be given a job as a home guard.

“They will get work within 15 days. Requirements like height and educational qualification will be relaxed,” Banerjee said. She also announced a scholarship for a Class 10 student affected by the disaster and the setting up of special camps within seven days to help those who lost official documents in the landslide.

She directed that the Rohini Road be restored at the earliest. Rohini Road is the shorter route which connects Darjeeling and Kurseong to Siliguri. It is presently inaccessible due to landslides.

Meanwhile, Kiren Rijiju and Suvendu Adhikari visited several affected locations, including Mechi Dara Gaon in Mirik, where six houses were completely destroyed and four members of one family, including two girls aged 8 and 19, lost their lives.

Locals alleged administrative negligence, claiming they had complained about poor drainage in 2024 but no action was taken, which they believe led to the disaster.

Speaking to reporters, Rijiju said, “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 emphasized the need to relocate families whose homes have been destroyed and said he would raise the matter with the Centre and coordinate with the State government.

When asked about the demand to declare the situation a "national disaster", Rijiju said, “This is definitely a disaster. Declaration is just a technical matter. The priority now is to ensure people get the help they need.”

Responding to Banerjee's remark that the PM was politicizing the tragedy, Rijiju said, “In times of tragedy, there should be no politics. This is a humanitarian issue.” He also clarified that the Central government contributes 75% of the funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), with the remaining 25% provided by the State.

Suvendu Adhikari added, “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 affected families.”

Criticizing the Chief Minister, Suvendu claimed she “understands nothing but politics” and accused her of neglecting North Bengal. He alleged that Banerjee deliberately avoided visiting the worst-affected hill areas, stopping only at Dudhia, unlike him who visited deeper into the affected zones.

Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who was also present in different parts of Mirik, said the Prime Minister had announced compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Meanwhile, the Education department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), citing continued disruption due to landslides and rainfall, has ordered that all educational institutions in the GTA area will remain closed and reopen on October 13.