Nandigram Reels Under Aftermath of Yass, Awaits Relief from Govt

Kolkata: A fortnight after the devastation wreaked by the cyclone Yass, Nandigram continues to reel under its consequences as Haldi river remains swollen, inundating a few blocks. In this context, Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest outside the office of the BDO, drawing attention to the dearth of relief measures by the government. Many from Sonachura, Kendemari and Bhekuria participated and showed their dissent.

East Medinipur and Nandigram continue to be affected by the havoc wreaked by the cyclone Yass. Many villages including Sonachura, Terpakhai, Mangalchak, and Gopalchak remain inundated, while many mud structures have been broken and fields of paddy and vegetables have been the worst-hit. According to reports, carcasses of cows, goats and fish are being found in the flooded areas, which pose a risk of vector and waterborne diseases to the residents. While many organisations as well as red volunteers have been helping the residents amid this crisis, the relief from the government is awaited. A resident of Kalicharanpur told reporters that they have not even received tarpaulin sheets from the government as their home remains dilapidated in the aftermath of Yass. 

It should be noted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in the recently conducted Assembly polls, had contested from Nandigram and lost. People from Nandigram have, therefore, been wondering if the absence of relief measures could be linked to the CM’s defeat. As a result, many joined the demonstration led by the CPI(M) to question the government’s indifference.

CPI(M) has been also running a free medical assistance centre and a community kitchen in Nandigram.   

During the protest led by the CPI(M), many demands were raised: compensation for farmers and fishing communities, for residents of mud and semi-mud houses and funds to repair the river embankment.