Bengal govt to reinstate state representative in DVRRC
Kolkata, May 19
West Bengal government has taken an in-principle decision to reinstate a nominee in the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee, which was withdrawn by the previous Trinamool Congress-ruled and Mamata Banerjee-led state cabinet.
In September 2024, Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, communicating her decision to withdraw representation from the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee because the Damodar Valley Corporation had been releasing water from dams in the state during the monsoon without giving prior intimation to the state government, resulting in inundation of several pockets in South Bengal.
The decision had attracted strong criticism from both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, with the latter claiming that since water from Damodar Valley Corporation reservoirs is released based on discussions within the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee, which has representation from the state government as well, the allegations of releasing water without prior intimation to the state government were baseless.
"Now, with the same ruling party at both the Centre and in West Bengal, the past days of confrontation with the Damodar Valley Corporation are over, and hence the new state government has decided to send its representative to the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee soon, definitely before the monsoon. A formal announcement on this count will be made soon," said an insider from the current state secretariat of Nabanna.
He further said instructions from the Chief Minister's Office had been sent to the state power department and the state irrigation department to work in close coordination with the Damodar Valley Corporation on the matter.
In fact, during her tenure as Chief Minister from 2011 to 2026, Mamata Banerjee consistently claimed that all critical decisions, including the release of floodwater, were taken unilaterally by the Central Water Commission and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti without reaching a consensus with the state government.
She had also accused the Damodar Valley Corporation of often releasing water from its reservoirs without prior notice to the state government, ignoring the state government's requests and views.
Now, with the new regime in place, the state government has decided to focus more on cooperation with the Damodar Valley Corporation rather than conflict to prevent flood situations in the state.
— IANS
Reader Comments
So it took a change of government to realise that coordination works better than confrontation? Sad that thousands suffered floods in 2024 because of politics. At least the new government is taking corrective steps before monsoon. Let's hope the DVRRC functions properly now.
This is good news for residents of South Bengal! The 2024 floods were devastating. Whether it was due to lack of communication or not, the people suffered. Now with both governments under same party, at least there is coordination. But let's not forget, Mamata did raise valid concerns about flood safety. The new govt should ensure state's voice is heard, not just toe the party line.
I'm just a common citizen but this seems like more political drama. Earlier she pulled out for "lack of consultation", now it's "cooperation". The DVC has been releasing water based on rainfall data since forever. This flip-flop only shows everything was political. But yes, better late than never - let's hope no more floods this year.
As someone from Bardhaman, I remember the floods of 2024 vividly. Our fields were destroyed. Whether it was DVC or state government failure, the people paid the price. This decision to reinstate representative is welcome but I want to see concrete action - regular meetings, real-time data sharing, and early warning systems for villages downstream. That will help more than just a committee seat.
Interesting how quickly things change when the party matches at Centre and state! But honestly, this is better for West Bengal. Cooperation beats confrontation any day. The DVC is a joint venture between Centre and states - it needs all
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.