Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Bengal Minister Warns Bulldozer Action Against Illegal Brick Kilns
Flooding has affected parts of East Midnapore in Bengal.
Minister Agnimitra Paul visited the damaged areas and spoke with people in a relief camp.
She checked whether residents had food, water, medicines and other necessities.
The administration has opened 80 relief camps.
Nearly 1,000 people have been moved to safer, higher places.
Paul said silt had made the Kelaghai river narrower.
She also said illegal brick kilns may have been built in or beside the river.
She warned that bulldozers could be used to remove kilns that are found to be illegal.
Minister Agnimitra Paul warned illegal brick kilns near or in the Kelaghai river would be removed.
Paul said siltation and alleged brick kilns had reduced the river’s water-carrying capacity.
She inspected flood-hit areas, embankments and a relief camp in East Midnapore.
The district administration has established 80 relief camps and is distributing essential supplies.
Nearly 1,000 people have been moved to elevated locations, including about 40 families from Patashpur’s Barchowka basin.
- Who
- Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul, flood-affected residents and district administration officials.
- What
- Paul inspected flood response efforts and warned that illegal brick kilns near or in the Kelaghai river would be removed.
- When
- Tuesday.
- Where
- Flood-hit areas of East Midnapore, including Patashpur, Bhagabanpur, Mohammadpur, Amgachhia and Naipur.
- Why
- Paul said siltation and alleged illegal brick kilns had reduced the Kelaghai river’s carrying capacity, contributing to concern during flooding.
- Relief camps
- The district administration has set up 80 relief camps.
- Evacuations
- Nearly 1,000 people have been evacuated to elevated locations across the district.
- Relocated families
- Around 40 families from low-lying areas of the Barchowka basin in Patashpur were moved to safer ground.
- Distributed supplies
- Dry food, drinking water, medicines and tarpaulins are being distributed.
- Inspection sites
- Paul inspected the Kelaghai river and embankments at Mohammadpur and Amgachhia in Patashpur.
- Planned reporting
- Paul said she would submit a report on the situation to the Chief Minister.