West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that the recent floods in the northern part of the state were caused by water released from Bhutan. She has officially requested compensation from the neighboring country for the damage and loss of life incurred due to these floods.
Addressing a government program, Banerjee was quoted by PTI as saying, “We have faced losses due to water coming down from Bhutan… We want them to give us compensation.”
She also emphasized that the state government is solely responsible for arranging all relief and rehabilitation efforts, noting that the central government does not provide financial assistance for these measures.
Furthermore, Banerjee highlighted her government’s long-standing proposal for the establishment of an Indo-Bhutan River Commission, with West Bengal as a member. A meeting concerning this matter is anticipated on October 16, where the state intends to send a representative.