Bengal flooded in festive season, Mamata blames mismanagement after centre’s dam release

West Bengal witnessed widespread flooding during Bijoya Dashami after the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), a central government-run entity, released over 150,000 cusecs of water from the Maithon and Panchet dams. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the move as “unilateral and wilful,” calling it “shameful, intolerable, and unacceptable,” indirectly pointing to the central government’s responsibility in the recurring mismanagement.

The sudden surge inundated low-lying villages, waterlogged roads, disrupted transport, and forced emergency evacuations, affecting millions celebrating the festival. Despite prior warnings, the lack of coordination between the DVC and state authorities intensified the impact. Ac cording to state officials, the water released from the Maithon and Panchet reservoirs flowed into the Durgapur barrage and downstream stretches, sparking fears of inundation in four districts. The district administrations have been put on alert to closely monitor vulnerable riverbank areas.

While the DVC cited high inflows and dam-safety requirements as reasons for the release, the state government said it was not adequately informed. Reduced channel capacity downstream due to siltation and limited dredging worsened the flooding, highlighting the recurring vulnerability of communities living along the Damodar.

Officials noted that although flood management protocols exist, the implementation often falls short, leaving residents exposed during high-risk periods. The timing of the release, coinciding with a major festival, raised questions about whether operational decisions fully accounted for social and civic considerations.

This episode underscores the urgent need for transparent communication, coordinated release protocols, and strengthened downstream infrastructure. Without systemic improvements, communities along the Damodar remain at risk of similar crises in the future, with each incident reinforcing the need for accountability and proactive planning between central and state authorities.