PTI, 24 June 2024 : Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in northern West Bengal owing to a trough from Rajasthan to Bangladesh and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, officials said on Monday.
A warning was issued for landslides in the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and a rise in the water level of rivers such as Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh and Torsa owing to the possible downpour, they said.
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur are very likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall till June 28 owing to an east-west trough running from southeast Rajasthan to north Bangladesh and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, the Met Department said in its forecast.
After days of continuous downpour, there was a respite from the rains in the region.
Thunderstorms with lightning are likely to occur at a few places in southern West Bengal, especially in the coastal and adjoining districts, over the next few days, the Met Department said.
Barasat police have announced a helpline to report such rumour-mongering on social media platforms
Snehal Sengupta, Monalisa Chaudhuri, TT, Barasat, 22.06.24 : A 28-year-old man from Madhyamgram was arrested on Friday for allegedly spreading rumours on social media about alleged childlifters in Barasat, North 24-Parganas.
Police said 57 rumour-mongering posts on Facebook had been identified and 41 pulled down by Friday evening.
Abdul Karim was the fourth person arrested for allegedly spreading rumours that led to three persons getting beaten up at two places in Barasat on suspicion that they were child lifters.
Three persons — Pritam Mistry, Sheikh Mijanur Rehman and Payal Talukdar — were arrested on Thursday on similar charges. The police said the trio were administrators of two Facebook groups.
Barasat police have announced a helpline to report such rumour-mongering on social media platforms.
A senior police officer said on Friday that people can report suspicious posts on Facebook or other social media platforms by sending WhatsApp messages to 9163766694.
Karim, the police said, did odd jobs for a living and drove a bike taxi. He had allegedly shared multiple posts and videos aimed at spreading rumours that a gang of child traffickers was active in the area, an officer in the Barasat police district said.
“Karim had also commented multiple times on rumour-mongering posts uploaded on at least two Facebook groups,” the officer said.
Karim has been charged under the Information Technology Act and IPC sections related to mischief and causing breach of peace in society.
An officer said the 57 Facebook posts they had identified were meant to spread rumours and create panic. The posts had been made from various accounts.
The Barasat additional superintendent of police, Sparsh Nilangi, said that of the 57 Facebook posts, 41 hadbeen taken down till 5.30pm on Friday.
“We are in touch with Facebook and have asked them to take down these posts as they are solely aimed at spreading rumours,” Nilangi told Metro.
The Barasat superintendent of police, Pratiksha Jharkhariya, said the four in custody had been actively spreading rumours through two Facebook groups that a gang of child traffickers was active in the area.
“We have arrested 19 people for Wednesday’s assaulton two men and a woman,” she said.
The official said the education department has received complaints that non-teaching employees at times forget to switch off lights, fans and other electric appliances after the classes are over or the campus shuts for the day
Subhankar Chowdhury, TT, Calcutta, 22.06.24 : The state education department has asked the district inspectors (DIs) of schools to be vigilant against consumption of power beyond school hours in government and government-aided schools and run random checks on campuses.
A notice addressed to the DIs and signed by the commissioner of school education says: “You are also requested to ensure visit in the schools under your jurisdiction beyond school hours by yourself and subordinate officials for random checks about any misuse of power consumption.”
The notice was issued on Thursday, hours after chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction in a meeting over the alleged misuse of electricity in government offices and schools.
“The chief minister feels that if the office heads or institution heads remain cautious, the expenditure on electricity bills could be cut down to some extent,” said an official in the state primary education board.
The notice by the commissioner of school education says: “It has come to the knowledge at some places, the use of power/electricity is not efficient. At times, the misuse of power beyond class hours has been observed. It is thus be advised that all school authorities be communicated to remain extremely vigilant with regard to power consumption. Any unnecessary use of electricity must be avoided at each place.”
It further says: “You are also requested to ensure visit in the schools under your jurisdiction….”
The primary education board, secondary education board and the council of higher secondary education have been issued copies of the notice.
There are about 55,000 primary schools run or aided by the government in Bengal. The number of secondary and higher secondary schools run or aided by the government stands at close to 12,000 and 9,000, respectively.
“If misuse of power could be prevented at these institutions, a substantial amount of money could be saved,” said an official.
The official said the education department has received complaints that non-teaching employees at times forget to switch off lights, fans and other electric appliances after the classes are over or the campus shuts for the day.
“The teachers, too, stand accused of dereliction of duty,” the official said.
Swapan Mandal, the general secretary of the Bengal Teachers’ and Employees’ Association, said: “The schools are required to send data about their teachers or other information…. The work for that is done after classes. We have to keep lights and fans on for this work.”
The guardians should know whether the teachers, engaged in schools, deserve tutoring their wards.
SNS | Kolkata | June 21, 2024 : Calcutta High Court today in a ruling asked the state government to upload all requisite information on the teachers teaching in various schools in the state on the government website to make it public for the sake of the guardians, who have the rights to know, who are teaching their wards in the schools.
The guardians should know whether the teachers, engaged in schools, deserve tutoring their wards. Many are still doing jobs as teachers for four to five years without having an appointment letter. It should not be delayed further, observed Justice Biswajit Basu of Calcutta High Court today.
To this, government counsel told the court that it would take at least two months to collect all the requisite information.
Justice Basu observed the state should do it on a war footing. The state should do the needful on teachers on the website at the earliest.
On Tuesday night, the 57-year-old wooden bungalow, a popular destination of many prominent personalities, including former chief minister Jyoti Basu, was gutted in a blaze
The bungalow before the blaze at Holong in the Jaldapara National Park
TT Correspondent, Alipurduar, 21.06.24 : The reconstruction of the famous bungalow at Holong in the Jaldapara National Park of Alipurduar district depends on the approval of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Bengal forest department officers said on Thursday.
On Tuesday night, the 57-year-old wooden bungalow, a popular destination of many prominent personalities, including former chief minister Jyoti Basu, was gutted in a blaze.
Debal Roy, the state’s chief wildlife warden (CWLW), visited the site on Thursday in Jaldapara — the largest habitat of one-horned rhinos in Bengal.
“As of now, we have no plan to reconstruct the bungalow in Holong. This is because such construction can be carried out only if the NBWL approves it. Police and some other agencies are probing the fire,” said Roy.
He, however, didn’t clarify whether the Bengal forest department would approach the NBWL with a proposal to rebuild the bungalow.
After the incident, many people have written posts on social media, seeking the reconstruction of the bungalow the way it was.
Sources in the forest department said construction of any property for commercial purposes — five rooms of the gutted bungalow were with the state tourism department and people could book rooms to stay there — is not allowed in reserve forest areas according to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
“When the bungalow was built (in 1967), the restriction was not there. But now, the decision has to be taken by the NBWL. Even if it is reconstructed, it would most likely be for the use of the department and not for visitors,” said a retired forest officer.
He said the forest bungalow at Jainti in the Buxa Tiger Reserve had also been damaged in a blaze. Later, it was reconstructed but only foresters could stay there.
“No commercial booking is available for this bungalow,” the former forester added.
Around 10 years ago, the state tourist department started constructing a bungalow at a location in Sajnekhali of the Sundarbans on a patch of forest land. Its construction was stopped by the NBWL.
“We understand the emotions of people… but we have to abide by the law,” said Roy, the CWLW.
On Wednesday, the department had constituted a five-member committee to investigate the fire. The team will reach the site soon.
MP irked
Manoj Tigga, the BJP MP of Alipurduar and the former MLA of Madarihat, in which Jaldapara is located, expressed his disgruntlement as foresters stopped him from visiting the gutted bungalow on Thursday.
When Tigga reached the entry gate, which is off Asian Highway 48 and around 8km from the bungalow, foresters posted there denied him permission.
“I wanted to speak with senior foresters to know how the fire broke out. But they didn’t allow me. It seems the department is trying to conceal something,” said Tigga.
The chief commissioner of railway safety (CCRS), Janak Kumar Garg, of the Northeast Frontier Circle has been investigating the incident in which a goods train rammed into the rear end of the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express near the Rangapani station of the Darjeeling district
Workers cover the mangled coaches at the accident site on Thursday: Picture by Passang Yolmo
Bireswar Banerjee, TT, Siliguri, 21.06.24 : The claim by loco pilots of the Northeast Frontier Railway that their training is deficient has gained ground as instructors and others associated with the zonal training centre of the NFR have been brought under the ambit of the probe into the collision of the two trains near Siliguri on Monday.
The chief commissioner of railway safety (CCRS), Janak Kumar Garg, of the Northeast Frontier Circle has been investigating the incident in which a goods train rammed into the rear end of the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express near the Rangapani station of the Darjeeling district.
“Those associated with the zonal training centre in Alipurduar have been called. Their statements would be recorded. In the course of the inquiry, all possible angles would be explored to find out what has led to the accident,” Surendra Kumar, the divisional railway manager of the Katihar division of the NFR, said on Thursday.
He said statements of 16 persons had been recorded since Wednesday.
After the accident, loco pilots and representatives of the All India Loco Running Staff Association had said although an automated signalling system had been introduced in the NFR, they were not trained properly.
“The loco pilots need proper training so that they can run trains along stretches where the automatic signalling has been introduced and also if the system is not running,” a representative of the association had said.
In the NFR, loco pilots are provided with practical training at the specialized loco training institute in Siliguri Junction station.
“The would-be loco pilots are trained for two months at the institute. After the training, he/she is declared eligible as an assistant loco pilot. In due course, he takes further training to be promoted as a loco pilot,” said a source.
In one batch, around 60 candidates can be trained at the institute.
From there, the candidates are sent to the Multi-Disciplinary Zonal Railway Training Institute in Alipurduar for further training.
Also, loco pilots, station managers and others working in different wings of the railways are provided with training at the centre.
The training modules include theoretical and practical classes and are followed by exams and interviews.
“According to the rule, a loco pilot has to pass the exam and the interview. Only then, he/she gets a certificate which mentions that the loco pilot or the assistant loco pilot is proficient to run trains along stretches where there is an automatic signalling system,” said a source.
A loco pilot based at NJP has said that as the instructors and others who provide training have been called for the inquiry, it is evident that the CCRS will record their statements to find out whether adequate training was provided to loco pilots, station managers and others associated with railway operations.
Kumar, the DRM, however, rejected the charge raised by loco pilots.
“Training is conducted systematically.” he said this evening.
GRP jawans walk near the accident site on Thursday: Picture by Passang Yolmo
TT Correspondent, Siliguri, 21.06.24 :
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has engaged workers at the accident site near the Rangapani station of Jalpaiguri district to place green-coloured meshes to cover the wreckage while the final repair of the tracks is in progress.
Mangled coaches and other debris were still lying at the site on Thursday when the workers placed the meshes.
“It will discourage curious onlookers from swarming the site. Also, trains are running along the route and passengers are standing near the doors to catch a glimpse of the wreckage. This is risky. That is why the wreckage has been covered,” said a source in the NFR.
After the mishap on Monday, railways restored train movement along the up track (the second track) around 5.40pm on the same day. Repairs were carried out throughout the night and on Tuesday morning, the down track where the accident had occurred was restored for movement of trains.
“However, some final repairs have to be done as trains are moving at a lower speed along the stretch. That work is going on at the site in an intermittent manner and trains are passing through the area with utmost caution,” the source added.
Personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have been posted at the site. Sources said they are using carbolic acid to keep themselves safe.
“It is raining these days and snakes can be seen near the site. That is why, necessary precautions are being taken,” said a source.
In the ADRM’s office in New Jalpaiguri, the hearing of railway staff continued for the second day today. A number of employees appeared before the chief commissioner of railway safety (CCRS) and got their statements recorded.
“Their statements, along with documentary evidence would be corroborated. The inquiry is likely to continue for some more time as various information has to be gathered,” said Surendra Kumar, the divisional railway manager of the Katihar division of the NFR.
The railway authorities are yet to talk to Manu Kumar, the assistant loco pilot of the goods train, who is under treatment.
“Our doctors will speak with doctors who are treating him to know his condition. Once he recovers, we will talk to him. His statement is vital as the loco pilot of the goods train has died in the accident,” said an official.
New trains
The NFR has decided to start two pairs of Garib Rath Express from July to connect Calcutta with the Northeast.
While a pair will run between Agartala and Kolkata stations, the other will connect Kolkata station with Guwahati.
Both would be weekly trains and will stop at different stations in Bengal and the Northeast.
“There will be 16 AC-III economy coaches in each train,” said an official.
After Tamil Nadu CM Stalin, Bengal CM writes to Modi; Manish Tewari demands new laws must go through Parliament again
TT, 21.06.24 : Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday joined the ranks of Opposition leaders who have opposed the three new criminal laws that are to come into effect on July 1.
The new laws, the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, are to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.
Parliament passed the three new laws – one of the big projects of the new government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi – during the monsoon session in August last year.
“Any far-reaching legal, change requires meticulous groundwork beforehand to ensure effective enforcement and administration and we do not have any reason to avert such homework,” Mamata wrote in her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
Earlier, civil liberty activists such as senior Supreme Court lawyer Indira Jaising have raised concerns over the new laws.
Critics of the government and legal activists say that only 20 to 25 per cent of the provisions are new and that they give too much power to the police. The new laws have provisions that could criminalise dissent, the critics of the government say.
“The new criminal Laws that come into effect from July 1st 2024 lay the foundations of turning India into a Police State. Their implementation must be stopped forthwith and Parliament must re-examine them,” Congress leader Manish Tewari posted on X on Friday, with a link to his article in the New Indian Express headlined ‘New criminal laws must go through Parliament again’.
A few days earlier, Tewari had posted: “The three new Criminal Laws were arbitrarily passed in Parliament after suspending a record 146 MP’s belonging to the opposition. These three Laws therefore reflect the will of only a section of Parliament those who then sat on the Treasury benches. They do not reflect the collective wisdom of Parliament. Even the dissenting views expressed by learned members of the Standing Parliamentary Committee of Home Affairs were not taken on board. The implementation of these Laws from July 1st 2024 will tantamount to throwing a spanner into India’s legal system. The operationalisation of these Laws must be put on hold till the time Parliament does not “ collectively reapply” itself to these three legislation’s
“Certain provisions in these laws represent the broadest assault on Civil liberties since the foundation of the Indian Republic,” he had posted. .
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has also earlier this week reportedly written to the Centre on the new criminal laws, urging Prime Minister Modi take the states’ views into consideration.
He had reportedly said that the new laws had been pushed through “without adequate deliberations and consultations”.
He had also pointed to the Constitution.
“These enactments are falling within List III – concurrent list of the Constitution of India and hence extensive consultation ought to have been done with the State Government,” he reportedly wrote. “The States were not given adequate time to express their views and the new laws were passed by the Parliament without the participation of the opposition parties.”
He had pointed to things like Section 103 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) allegedly having two subsections for two distinct classes of murder with the same punishment.
Pradip Chatterjee, MP, 19 June 2024, Kolkata: In a visionary move to bolster support for those entering their golden years without a steady income, the Bengal government is poised to expand its benevolent old-age pension scheme, embracing an additional 50,000 deserving individuals.
This initiative aims to ease the financial strains often encountered in the twilight of life, offering a beacon of hope and security to more of the state’s elderly population. The Mamata Banerjee government presently extends a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to approximately 20.15 lakh beneficiaries throughout the state. With the addition of 50,000 new recipients, the total number of beneficiaries under this scheme will soon increase to an impressive 20.65 lakh. This significant expansion demonstrates the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting its elderly citizens in their time of need.
Extending support to people of all ages and from all walks of life with a humane approach, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2021 had proposed to provide old age pension to every person above 60 years of age and widows above 18 years of age in the state aiming to provide stable source of income to senior citizens of the state.
It was learnt that out of the financial allowance of Rs 1,000 to all individuals, the Centre is supposed to provide Rs 200 in case the beneficiaries belong to the 60-80 age bracket. The Centre is supposed to bear its share of Rs 300 out of a total of Rs 1,000 if the beneficiaries are above 80.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had repeatedly criticised the Centre for stopping funds in connection with old age pensions. Earlier this year, Banerjee had announced that her government would be extending benefits of old age pension to another 9 lakh women while another 1.04 lakh will get benefits of widow pension.
Incidentally, the Chief Minister in 2022 announced that women receiving the widow pension would also be entitled to the benefits of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Social security pensions of Rs 1,000 per month are provided to women in Bengal. In the case of Lakshmir Bhandar, women in the age group of 25-60 years get Rs 1200 for the SC/ST and OBC while for the general caste, the amount is Rs 1000 per month.
MP, 20 June 2024, Kolkata: The Centre has not released to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore under Samagra Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) on the ground that the state has not signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Union government on PM (Prime Minister) Shri Scheme.
“In PM Shri Scheme, the Central share is 60 per cent while the state’s share is 40 per cent so why should it be christened as PM Shri? It will either be called PM-CM Shri or by any other name.
Moreover, this scheme has nothing to do with SSA through which Mid Day Meal is provided to students.
They are trying to deprive the students of their share of Mid Day Meal. The stopping of funds under SSA is inhuman, barbaric and a shame for the federal structure,” state Education minister Bratya Basu said.
A senior official of the state Education department said that Rs 1,200 crore is due for the year 2023-24 while for this year (till today), another Rs 400 crore (considering that the amount for SSA is given in three to four installments) is due.
KalimNews, Kalimpong, 19 June 2024: The district administration of Kalimpong has imposed restrictions on all vehicular movement along NH10 during nighttime hours. In a notification issued today by Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong, it has been announced that the movement of all vehicles, including heavy vehicles and small vehicles, is prohibited from 6 pm to 6 am, effective immediately until further notice.
The decision comes in response to significant damage caused by recent heavy rainfall near Melli Bridge, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu Veer along NH10. These measures are necessary to facilitate repairs and ensure the safety and security of the public.
However, the administration has allowed for the movement of heavy vehicles, including buses, from Seti Jhora to Rangpoo and vice versa via NH10 during daytime hours from 6 am to 6 pm until further notice. Similarly, small vehicles are permitted to travel this route from 6 am to 8 pm.
Additionally, it has been advised to maintain single-lane traffic at Bhalu Khola, Gareri Khola, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu bhir.
For diversions, small vehicles are recommended to take alternative routes from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong, 17 Mile, Algarah, Lava, and Gorubathan, operational round the clock. Heavy goods vehicles, buses, and small vehicles can use the Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan route to Siliguri and vice versa, also accessible 24/7.
Police (Traffic) will enforce necessary restrictions at Rangpoo Check post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, 29 Mile, and at the district border along NH10 to assist with the route diversions.
Agencies, 16 June 2024, Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has directed the Bengal government to ensure one per cent reservation for transgender persons in all public employment in the state. Noting that the state government adopted a policy of equal treatment in employment to transgenders, the court said the reservation has, however, not yet been made for them.
Justice Rajasekhar Mantha directed the chief secretary of the Bengal government to ensure one per cent reservation for transgenders in all public employment.
The high court order was passed on a petition by a transgender person, who succeeded in the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) 2014 and also in the TET 2022, but was not called for counseling or interview. A
In the order passed on Friday, Justice Mantha noted that the Supreme Court had declared in a 2014 case that ‘hijras’ and eunuchs, apart from binary genders, be treated as “third gender” for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under Part III of the Constitution.
The apex court had also upheld transgender persons’ right to decide their self-identified gender, and directed the Centre and state governments to grant legal recognition of their gender identity such as male, female or as third gender.
Justice Mantha also noted that the top court had directed the Centre and the state governments to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens, and “extend all kinds of reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments”.
SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, JUNE 16, 2024 : Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday called upon the Centre to manage the stretch of the National Highway 10 from Sevoke to Rangpo. His demand followed his visit to the border town of Melli on Saturday where he assessed the significant damage caused by flash floods and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood of October 3 last.
Talking to newspersons, the Chief Minister highlighted the critical condition of the 50-kmstretch of NH 10 running along the banks of the Teesta River in West Bengal. “The road from Sevoke near Siliguri to the Rangpo border in Sikkim, although part of NH 10,is maintained by the West Bengal Government. While the funding is provided by the Union government, Sikkim does not receive the necessary support under state management,” Golay said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that, in contrast, the road from Rangpo to Gangtok was managed as a National Highway by Central agencies. This allowed for better maintenance and support. He stressed that the current condition of the stretch of the road under the management of West Bengal was in adequate; particularly in view of its strategic importance.
“This road is vital for Sikkim and the Indian army, given Sikkim’s strategic border position.
Heavy vehicles struggle on these precarious roads, causing a rise in goods prices due to detours through Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts,” Golay explained
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused West Bengal of experiencing a surge in extortion rackets reminiscent of 1990s Mumbai. He cited recent shootouts and dacoities, suggesting a deteriorating law and order situation, and highlighted violence against opposition party workers. Minister Firhad Hakim linked recent crimes to out-of-state miscreants.
PTI, 16 June, 2024, Kolkata : Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday alleged that extortion rackets were thriving in West Bengal, drawing parallels to the notorious activities of Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan gangs in Mumbai during the 1990s.
He claimed that instances of shootouts and dacoities in jewellery shops over the last couple of months prove that the “law and order situation in the state is not good.” Majumdar, also the state BJP president, alleged that these developments are reminiscent of past criminal activities in Mumbai, suggesting a worrying trend in West Bengal.
“I am reminded of the way Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakil, Chhota Rajan gangs used to operate extortion rackets in Mumbai in the 1990’s. Similar rackets seem to have started in West Bengal,” Majumdar said.
He further alleged that opposition party workers have been subjected to attacks while such criminal activities continue unchecked.
Majumdar, who met with BJP workers claiming to be victims of post-poll violence perpetrated by supporters of the ruling party in West Bengal, highlighted an incident where motorbike-borne assailants shot at a businessman’s car on the busy B T Road here on Saturday.
In the early hours of Saturday, a shooting incident took place at Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata. The incident stemmed from an altercation between two men, reportedly linked to a road rage incident the previous day.
West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim attributed the recent dacoities in jewellery shops, including the latest one at Raniganj a few days ago, to miscreants from neighbouring states. In this connection, two persons were arrested from Jharkhand in a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the police forces of both states, officials said.
While the sub-Himalayan districts are facing disruption in a few areas owing to heavy rain, some districts in south Bengal are likely to experience heatwave and severe heatwave conditions for the next few days, the weather office said
PTI, Calcutta, 14.06.24 : The southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the whole of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and some parts of Gangetic West Bengal in the next four to five days, the Met Department said on Friday.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places is very likely to continue over the state’s northern districts, which are reeling under relentless downpour for the past few days.
While the sub-Himalayan districts are facing disruption in a few areas owing to heavy rain, some districts in south Bengal are likely to experience heatwave and severe heatwave conditions for the next few days, the weather office said.
It also warned of landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.
The water level is likely to rise in rivers flowing through the sub-Himalayan districts, including Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh and Torsa, it said.
The Met Department recommended regulation of traffic and avoiding movement in landslide-prone areas in the hills.
In the past 24 hours till 8.30 am on Friday, Rongo in Kalimpong district recorded the highest rainfall in West Bengal at 150 mm, followed by Alipurduar (140 mm), Jhalong (140 mm), Dhupguri (120 mm), Sevoke (100 mm), Pundibari (100 mm) and Champasari (80 mm), it said.
The weatherman forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the next few days, with extremely heavy rainfall in Alipurduar district till Saturday.
PTI, Kolkata, Jun 14, 2024 : Following incessant rainfall causing devastation in neighbouring Sikkim resulting in overflowing of the Teesta river, the West Bengal Irrigation department issued an alert for the northern districts of the state, an official said on Friday.
The release of water from the barrages has resulted in rising the water level of the Teesta and because of that there is a threat of flood in areas on both sides of Teesta in Jalpaiguri district, he said.
Teesta is one of the major rivers of the state, and Jalpaiguri district is in the floodplain of this river. A barrage across the river was built at Gajoldoba in the district. Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the northern part of West Bengal share borders with Sikkim where rain-triggered landslides left a trail of destruction and six dead people on Thursday.
“The water of Teesta is rising because of the release of water from barrages in Sikkim. Teesta is coming down with great speed and an alert has been issued in this regard. We have taken all precautionary measures. Leaves of all the officials have been cancelled,” the official told PTI.
The Jalpaiguri district administration has been using public address system asking inhabitants near the Teesta to move to higher land, he said, adding that the fishermen were advised not to venture into the river.
“In several places, Teesta is almost getting into townships. So much water is coming down from the mountain that it is not possible for the barrage to stop that. As a result, plain lands will be affected. Irrigation department officials have been sent for on-site inspection,” he added.
When contacted, an official of the Jalpaiguri Sadar Sub-Divisional office said the alert has been sounded in all blocks.
“Everything from boats to rescue equipment has been kept ready. Residents have been asked to leave river banks,” he said.
On Thursday, a sub-divisional magistrate went to Maynaguri to review the flood situation of the Jaldhaka River, he said, adding that the administration is working to evacuate the villagers of Odlabari gram panchayat to a safe distance.
In neighbouring Sikkim, at least six people were killed and 1,500-odd tourists stranded as massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall caused devastation in Mangan district on Thursday.
A newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed snapping the link between Mangan with Dzongu and Chungthang. Landslides blocked stretches of roads and several houses were inundated or damaged, while electricity poles were swept away.
MP, 12 June 2024, Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee advocated zero-tolerance against illegal occupying of government land and directed the administration to take immediate measures for freeing such land.
Banerjee, while chairing her first administrative meeting after the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at Nabanna, sought a report from all government departments about respective lands belonging to them and ordered that if any such land is found to be illegally occupied, the police should take action and return it to the respective departments.
All ministers in her Cabinet, department heads and the district magistrates too were virtually present in the meeting.
The majority of the government departments have some quantity of land under them but in a good number of cases, due to lack of surveillance, such lands are being grabbed.
Sources said when a senior official of the Food Processing and Horticulture department (FPI&H) raised the issue of their land for the food processing hub at Bamanghata in Bhangar being illegally encroached upon, Banerjee ordered Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goel to take immediate measures for freeing the land.
The FPI & H department will set up a food processing unit– the first of its kind in the state at the government level at Bamanghata.
Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) will be executing the project which will have a four-storey building providing space for small food processing units and a market for processed food and vegetables.
It is learnt that the Chief Minister’s office (CMO) in the recent past has received complaints related to illegal occupation of land and in some cases, allegations have surfaced that the character of land has also been altered.
