States » EastPosted at: Sep 16 2026 9:01PM


Bengal: Relief distribution in flood-hit Bhutni triggers political row

Siliguri, Sep 16 (UNI) Even as a comparative statement released on flood-relief distribution in Malda’s Manikchak block claims a substantial increase in the quantity of relief materials supplied this year compared with 2024-25, allegations of inadequate last-mile distribution have triggered a political row in the flood-ravaged Bhutni Diara.
The contrasting picture emerged on Wednesday as hundreds of flood-hit residents, including women and children, arrived at Bhutni Bridge in small country boats, locally known as donga, after relief materials sent by the Malda Merchants reached Manikchak. Many of those arriving from inundated pockets were reportedly desperate to collect food and other relief materials.
The comparative figures circulated amid the opposition allegations show that 4,325 people have been accommodated in relief camps in Manikchak this year, compared with 2,960 in 2024-25. The number of tarpaulins distributed has increased from 15,992 last year to 41,034 this year, while relief materials have risen from 219 quintals to 681 quintals.
Similarly, disaster-management kits have increased from 250 to 2,501, while dry-food packets have gone up from 5,250 in 2024-25 to 32,867 this year.
The figures have surfaced at a time when Congress and CPI(M) leaders have alleged that a section of flood victims in several submerged pockets of Bhutni Diara are yet to receive adequate relief, particularly food.
CPI(M) leader Meenakshi Mukherjee visited the affected areas on Wednesday and interacted with residents. She alleged that Bhutni faces flooding almost every year and questioned the level of advance preparedness despite the availability of forecasts.
Mukherjee also questioned the alleged use of voter lists for relief distribution, asking how flood victims could be deprived of assistance if their names were not included in such lists. She further alleged that although medical teams were available, adequate arrangements had not been made for them to function effectively.
Meanwhile, Manikchak MLA Gour Chandra Mondal and English Bazar MLA and Assembly Chief Whip Amlan Bhaduri, along with administrative officials, distributed dry food and other relief materials among the flood victims who gathered near the bridge.
Mondal said relief distribution was being carried out through coordinated efforts involving the government and various organisations and would continue every day until the flood situation improved.
The Ganga, however, continues to remain above the extreme danger level at Manikchak ghat. At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, the river stood at 25.72 metres against the extreme danger level of 25.30 metres—42 cm above the mark—keeping large parts of Bhutni under water and making access to relief a continuing challenge. UNI MBN NST CDS
Tags: #Bengal: Relief distribution in flood-hit Bhutni triggers political row
More News

Ganesh idol immersion turns fatal, 11 drown in Odisha

16 Sep 2026 | 10:11 PM

Bhubaneswar, Sep 16 (UNI) Ganesh festivities turned tragic in Odisha on Wednesday as at least 11 people, including six children, drowned in separate incidents during Ganesh idol immersion, police said on Wednesday.

see more..

Manipur Chief Secretary tours Kangpokpi , meets displaced persons

16 Sep 2026 | 9:40 PM

Imphal, Sep 16 (UNI) Manipur Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur conducted a comprehensive review meeting at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Complex on Wednesday. The visit was aimed at evaluating the implementation of ongoing government schemes, development programmes, and welfare measures across the district.

see more..

New political party formed in Manipur

16 Sep 2026 | 9:34 PM

Imphal, Sep 16 (UNI) Manipur Indigenous Alliance (MIA), a new political party, was formally launched at Meitram on Wednesday.

see more..

Masked men hurl petrol bombs at DMR office in Meghalaya

16 Sep 2026 | 9:10 PM

Shillong, Sep 16 (UNI) Three masked men lobbed two petrol bombs at the office of the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) here in the Meghalaya capital on Wednesday, partially damaging a privately owned vehicle.

see more..

Bengal: Relief distribution in flood-hit Bhutni triggers political row

16 Sep 2026 | 9:01 PM

Siliguri, Sep 16 (UNI) Even as a comparative statement released on flood-relief distribution in Malda’s Manikchak block claims a substantial increase in the quantity of relief materials supplied this year compared with 2024-25, allegations of inadequate last-mile distribution have triggered a political row in the flood-ravaged Bhutni Diara.

see more..