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Ganga Flooding Expands Across Bhutni as Malda Crisis Deepens
Floodwater from the Ganga is spreading across Bhutni islet in Malda.
The river rose above its extreme danger level on Monday.
Many parts of Uttar Chandipur are now underwater.
A local resident said nearly one lakh people are dealing with the flood.
The police station and health centre had to move because water entered their buildings.
Officials fear that even more villages could be flooded soon.
The BJP said the government is providing food, boats, doctors and special help for pregnant women.
Congress leaders asked for more relief and a lasting solution to the river erosion.
The Ganga rose to 25.64 metres on Monday, 0.34 metres above the extreme danger level.
More areas of Uttar Chandipur panchayat on Bhutni islet were inundated, affecting nearly one lakh people, according to a resident.
A breach at Kesharpur initially flooded 29 localities on Saturday; the number rose to 62 on Sunday and could exceed 150.
The Bhutni police station and health centre were relocated after their premises became waterlogged.
Political leaders reported relief efforts but differed over responsibility and called for a permanent solution to Ganga erosion.
- Who
- Residents of Bhutni, local officials, and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress and Trinamool Congress are involved.
- What
- Flooding on Bhutni islet worsened as the Ganga rose and inundated additional areas.
- Where
- Bhutni islet in Malda district, including Uttar Chandipur, with possible spread to Dakshin Chandipur and Hiranandpur panchayats.
- When
- The situation deteriorated on Monday; an embankment breach occurred on Saturday and the number of affected localities rose on Sunday.
- Why
- The flooding followed a Kesharpur embankment breach and rising Ganga levels, while ongoing river erosion contributes to recurring suffering.
Government and BJP Response
Opposition Criticism
Responsibility for the crisis
Government and BJP Response
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said the state government and party workers were doing their best to provide relief and serve affected residents.
Opposition Criticism
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Gour Chandra Mandal blamed the Trinamool Congress and alleged corruption in earlier anti-erosion and relief work contributed to the catastrophe.
Relief measures
Government and BJP Response
The BJP said cooked food, free boats, medical services and special arrangements for pregnant women were being provided at relief centres.
Opposition Criticism
Indian National Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhury said the state must provide adequate relief and health services.
Long-term solution
Government and BJP Response
The BJP statements focused on immediate relief and mitigation measures.
Opposition Criticism
Isha Khan Choudhury said a permanent solution to Ganga erosion was needed to prevent Bhutni's yearly suffering.
Key facts
- River level
- 25.64 metres on Monday
- Danger threshold
- 0.34 metres above the extreme danger level
- Affected population
- Nearly one lakh people, according to a local resident
- Localities affected
- 29 initially, rising to 62; officials fear the number could exceed 150
- Flood location
- Bhutni islet, Manikchak block, Malda district
- Emergency response
- Relief centres are providing cooked food, boat services, medical visits and arrangements for pregnant women
- Infrastructure affected
- The Bhutni police station and health centre were shifted after waterlogging
Quotes
Gour Chandra Mandal
BJP MLA of Manikchak
“Enough relief materials are being provided in Bhutni. Cooked food is being served at all relief centres. Free boat services have been initiated. Doctors are visiting the relief camps and addressing health issues of the people. Special arrangements have been made for pregnant women from the inundated areas.”
telegraphindia.com
“I am a son of the soil. I know the plight of the people. The monumental corruption of the erstwhile state government and Trinamool in the name of anti-erosion work and distribution of relief materials is the root cause of the catastrophe faced by the residents of Bhutni”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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