The West Bengal government has decided in principle to reinstate a nominee in the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee, a move previously withdrawn by the Trinamool Congress-led state cabinet under Mamata Banerjee. This decision comes after criticism following the withdrawal of representation in September 2024 due to issues with water release from dams by the Damodar Valley Corporation.
The Union Jal Shakti Ministry and the Bharatiya Janata Party had criticized the decision, emphasizing that water release was based on discussions within the committee, which includes state government representation. With the same ruling party now at both the Centre and in West Bengal, the state government plans to send its representative to the committee before the monsoon to enhance cooperation.
An insider from the state secretariat of Nabanna mentioned that the Chief Minister’s Office has instructed the power and irrigation departments to collaborate closely with the Damodar Valley Corporation. This move marks a shift towards cooperation rather than conflict, aiming to prevent flood situations in the state, a departure from past confrontations with the corporation.
During her tenure, Mamata Banerjee had criticized unilateral decisions by central authorities regarding floodwater release and lack of communication from the Damodar Valley Corporation. The new regime’s focus is on fostering collaboration with the corporation to address flood-related challenges in West Bengal.
