West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju are set to visit Darjeeling this week as the region struggles to recover from the recent landslides and flash floods. The twin visit aims to assess the scale of damage and coordinate relief measures for affected families. After days of heavy rain that battered the hills, authorities are now working tirelessly to restore normal life.
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Over the past few days, landslides have blocked several key roads, including National Highway 10, which connects Siliguri to Sikkim. This has hampered the supply of essential commodities, fuel, and relief materials. The heavy downpour triggered multiple landslips across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, damaging homes, bridges, and tea gardens. The district administration, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), continues to clear debris and rescue stranded residents.
Mamata Banerjee is expected to meet local officials and affected families to ensure that relief reaches every corner of the district. She has instructed the state machinery to stay on high alert and maintain close coordination with the Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The Chief Minister has also announced ex-gratia compensation for families who lost loved ones and promised to rebuild damaged homes.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who oversees Earth Sciences and Disaster Management, will review the situation with the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Geological Survey of India (GSI). His visit is expected to strengthen coordination between state and central agencies. Rijiju has already spoken with the West Bengal government, assuring full central assistance for rehabilitation.
Officials said the twin visits signal a unified approach between the Centre and the state. For years, Darjeeling’s steep terrain and fragile ecology have made it prone to landslides. Experts from GSI have already begun assessing the geological impact of the rainfall and identifying vulnerable zones for preventive measures.
Local residents said this was one of the worst natural disasters in recent years. Many areas remained cut off for over 48 hours as torrential rain washed away connecting bridges. In several villages, power supply and internet connectivity have yet to be restored. Relief camps set up by the district administration are sheltering hundreds of displaced people, providing food, blankets, and medical care.
The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that Banerjee will first visit Kurseong and Kalimpong before heading to Darjeeling town. She is expected to hold a review meeting with district officials and announce fresh measures to accelerate recovery. “Our focus is to restore road connectivity, repair damaged schools and hospitals, and ensure clean drinking water reaches every household,” a state official said.
In a social media post earlier, Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the loss of lives and thanked rescue teams for their relentless efforts. She urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid landslide-prone zones until conditions stabilise.
On the other hand, Rijiju’s presence highlights the Centre’s concern over the growing frequency of natural calamities in Himalayan states. He is likely to propose a joint task force to monitor hill stability and recommend long-term mitigation plans. “We must strengthen early warning systems and encourage eco-friendly development in the region,” Rijiju said during a briefing in New Delhi before his visit.
Tourism, one of the main sources of income in Darjeeling, has taken a severe hit. Many hotels and homestays have reported cancellations. Local associations are urging the government to provide financial assistance to small businesses affected by the disaster. Authorities hope that as roads reopen and weather improves, the tourist flow will gradually return.
Environmentalists have again raised concerns about unregulated construction on fragile slopes. They urged authorities to revisit land-use policies and prioritize sustainable development. The state government has promised to integrate expert recommendations while planning future rehabilitation projects.
As the weather improves, focus has now shifted from rescue to restoration. Power lines are being repaired, and road-clearing operations continue across key routes. With both the Chief Minister and Union Minister personally visiting the region, residents hope for faster relief and lasting solutions.
The calamity has once again underscored the urgent need for coordinated disaster management in the Himalayan belt. Joint efforts between the Centre and state could pave the way for better infrastructure and preparedness. Darjeeling, known for its scenic beauty and tea estates, now stands united in its resolve to rebuild and recover.
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