Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Lack of Bengal Representation in Modi-Hasina Meeting: Particularly Regarding Teesta water-sharing Issue

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/9th July 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her discontent on Monday over the exclusion of Bengal representatives from the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Banerjee expressed her displeasure, highlighting the absence of state officials in discussions that significantly impact Bengal, particularly regarding the Teesta River water-sharing issue.

“They said they will share water from Teesta with Bangladesh, but where is the water in Teesta? No one from Bengal was called to the meeting. It is very unfortunate,” Banerjee remarked. This statement underscores her concern about the central government’s unilateral decisions affecting regional resources without consulting the state directly involved.

Continuing her critique of the NDA-led central government, Mamata Banerjee pointed out the government’s inaction in addressing the Ganges river erosion. She recalled her tenure as a Member of Parliament, noting that a substantial package of Rs. 7000 crore was proposed to mitigate the erosion issue. However, she claimed that not a single rupee from this package was allocated to Bengal, highlighting the central government’s neglect towards the state’s pressing environmental concerns.

With the monsoon season triggering flood-like conditions in several districts of North Bengal, Banerjee advised tourists to avoid the hilly regions during this period. The state government has established nine flood centers, providing refuge to affected residents. Banerjee mentioned that districts like Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri are significantly impacted by water flowing from Bhutan, exacerbating the flood situation in Bengal, which is surrounded by numerous rivers.

“Sikkim Floods Fallout: 2 Killed & 4 Injured Trying To Open Mortar Shell Brought Along By Overflowing Teesta” – highlighting the tragic consequences of the region’s severe flooding.

Discussing the flood situation in South Bengal, Mamata Banerjee criticized the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for releasing water without prior notice, which leads to flooding. She emphasized the need for DVC to inform and seek permission from the state before releasing water. Banerjee also called on the central government to address the lack of dredging at DVC, urging the state’s irrigation department to communicate these issues to the Union Irrigation Minister.

In her detailed critique, Banerjee underscored the central government’s neglect of Bengal’s environmental and infrastructural challenges. She pointed out that while the central government promises cooperation on inter-state matters like water-sharing with Bangladesh, it often fails to engage with the affected states meaningfully.

By highlighting these issues, Mamata Banerjee aims to bring attention to the central government’s responsibilities and the necessity for better coordination and resource allocation to address Bengal’s unique challenges. Her statements reflect the ongoing tension between the state and central governments, particularly concerning resource management and disaster preparedness.

As Bengal braces for the monsoon’s impact, Banerjee’s call for better management and communication underscores the need for collaborative governance. Her critique not only addresses the immediate concerns of flood management and river erosion but also calls for a more inclusive approach to federal decision-making that directly affects state resources and welfare.