15/10/2025
DARJEELING MP Raju Bista Urges CM Mamata Banerjee to Notify 'Disaster' - Questions non-use of Disaster Funds
In a pointed appeal amid ongoing recovery efforts from devastating landslides and floods in West Bengal's Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars regions, Member of Parliament Raju Bista has called on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to officially notify the calamity as a "disaster" under national guidelines.
Bista, who also serves as the national spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed cautious optimism about Banerjee's recent site visits but criticized the state government's reluctance to unlock central aid.
"Following the landslides and floods, it is good to see that the Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee ji is visiting some impacted places," Bista stated in a public message. "I am hopeful that seeing the devastation first-hand, she will be convinced to officially notify the calamity that has hit our region as a 'disaster'".
The northern Bengal regions have endured severe damages since 2023, with recent events exacerbating losses to homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Despite the scale of destruction, the West Bengal government has not invoked Section 38 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DMA), which mandates state-level handling of natural calamities.
Bista emphasized that only after such a notification can the Central Government extend further assistance, including from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
Highlighting underutilized resources, Bista pointed to the ₹5,960 crore SDRF allocation to West Bengal by the 15th Finance Commission for 2021-2026, with 75% funded by the Centre (₹4,470 crore) and 25% by the state (₹1,490 crore).
For FY 2025-26 alone, the allocation stands at ₹1,311.20 crore (₹983 crore from the Centre and ₹328 crore from the state).
Yet, Bista alleged, no significant portion of these funds has reached the affected areas.
Recent announcements from the Chief Minister's office include ₹5 lakh compensation for families of the deceased and ₹1.2 lakh for damaged houses. Bista calculated that even with rehabilitation and housing support factored in, total relief spending would likely not exceed ₹10 crore, far short of needs.
"If the State Government were to utilize even 10% of the SDRF allocation (just for the year 2025-26), nearly ₹130 crore could be mobilized immediately to support the victims, rebuild homes, livelihoods, and repair damaged public infrastructure," he said.
Bista accused the state of "malicious" intent by withholding the disaster declaration, effectively blocking essential funds and resources. He stressed that the issue should remain apolitical. "By refusing to notify the tragedy a 'disaster,' the State Government is denying thousands of affected citizens their rightful access to timely and adequate assistance."
Compounding the crisis, Bista lambasted the West Bengal Disaster Management and Civil Defence Department for its "zero disaster preparedness" and failure to implement mitigation measures. The department received ₹3,279 crore for FY 2025-26, but Bista questioned its distribution to northern districts like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
"Even if 10% of this budget was used towards disaster mitigation and response, then ₹327.9 crore could be immediately used to address the disaster in our region. But it seems like the funds and budget... has disappeared altogether."
Bista urged immediate action, "it is high time the Government acts with sensitivity and urgency, recognizing the magnitude of the calamity and prioritizing the welfare of the people from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars."
The state government has yet to respond to Bista's remarks.
