Mamata Banerjee writes to PM on floods; Bengal officials kept informed, says Union Min

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Friday wrote a letter to PM Modi, stating that «Bengal is now facing the biggest flood in Lower Damodar and adjoining areas since 2009», with more than 8 districts under water and «nearly 5 million people» affected. She requested immediate release of central funds to address the devastation.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil, responding to Banerjee's letter, said that West Bengal officials were consulted and following «request from Bengal officials, releases from the two reservoirs was initially curtailed to almost 50% from Sept 14-17.»
«However, due to very heavy rainfall on Sept 16 and Sept 17, it became imperative for the Committee to substantially enhance the releases to avoid any catastrophic impact due to possible dam failures. Even during this event, though the maximum inflow to the two reservoirs is estimated to be 4.23 lakh cusec, the combined releases from them was regulated to about 2.5 lakh cusec,» the letter read.

In the letter to Modi, Banerjee had called it «man-made flood» and blamed DVC for it. Banerjee has already said she would sever all ties with Damodar Valley Corporation for «unilaterally releasing water» which led to floods in south Bengal districts.