(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Pulbazar, a village in the foothills of Darjeeling, saw a critical bridge give way after the area received heavy rain. The collapse cut off a main route that many locals depend on to reach market towns and health centres. In addition to the bridge, several houses were damaged or washed away by the relentless downpours. Residents have begged the state government to repair the bridge and rebuild water‑logged homes as soon as possible.
“We’ve lost a lot of property,” said local resident Indra Subba. “The bridge was vital for our daily life. If another storm hits, none of us will make it through. I urge the government to fix it quickly and help the families who lost their houses.”
The disaster caught the attention of the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, who toured the flood‑hit districts earlier this week. Rijiju inspected damaged areas, met with victims, and met with Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. He called on the West Bengal government to step up relief efforts, map the disaster zone and push for long‑term rehabilitation.
“Public officials are doing their best, but the state must respond faster,” Rijiju said. “The relief measures need to cover livelihoods and homes that the people have lost.” Bista echoed the call for better disaster mapping and a faster response from the state apparatus.
BJP MLA Neeraj Zimba described the situation in the district as “stalled.” He added that both state and central governments are working together to provide aid, but frayed relations and insufficient funding are hampering progress. The state government has not yet declared an emergency, though the heavy rains and subsequent landslides have left many devastated. The community feels overlooked, citing a perceived lack of urgency from authorities in Kalimpong and the region.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed that 27 people have died in the recent storm and landslides, including a Nepali and a Bhutanese national. She visited the site of a bridge collapse near Mirik on Tuesday, stressing that the disaster was “man‑made, flash flood and landslide with heavy rain.” Banerjee said restoration work is ongoing in Nagrakata and Mirik, and that all departments are working hard on the rescue mission.
“I know many families are suffering because we have not received adequate funds from the central government for five years,” Banerjee said. “We are trying to rebuild infrastructure, but the delay in funding has made the situation worse for the people. We will keep working to restore life and help the survivors.”
The casualty toll remains high. According to district officials, at least 18 people died on Saturday night and early Sunday after heavy rains intensified across North West Bengal. The death count includes 11 in Mirik, four in Jorebunglow, two in Sukhia Pokhari, and one in Darjeeling Sadar, the authorities noted.
As rainfall continues to threaten the foothills and valleys, the state’s response and timely reconstruction of bridges and homes remain crucial to preventing further loss of life and property. The community, politicians, and residents hope that the West Bengal government will act swiftly to strengthen infrastructure and provide the needed relief and rehabilitation.
Source: aninews
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