Rijiju calls for disaster mapping, promises central aid for north Bengal

Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday urged the West Bengal government to initiate disaster mapping to facilitate proper planning for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in the flood and landslide-affected regions of North Bengal.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Mr Rijiju visited Bijanbari, Thaneline, and Pulbazar in Darjeeling district - some of the worst-hit areas - where a bridge over the Chhota Rangeet river collapsed and several roads were washed away after days of torrential rain. He was accompanied by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba.

Speaking to the media, the Union minister said: "The local administration, MLA, and MP are working tirelessly on the ground. However, the state government must take the lead in conducting disaster mapping to prepare a long-term plan for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of damaged houses, bridges, and roads." He added that the Centre is ready to extend full financial support for rebuilding the affected infrastructure but emphasised that such assistance would depend on the state's planning framework.