Stand with people of Bengal and Odisha

At a time when people across the country are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive crisis situation because of a terribly ill planned lockdown – the cyclone Amphan which struck on the eastern coast of India, has wrecked havoc on large parts of West Bengal and Odisha. The situation is West Bengal is particularly alarming, with 4 districts – Howrah, East Midnapore, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas, facing the maximum damage. Most kachha structures, including small shops, houses, slums were devastated. Transformers blasts led to power shortages across cities and villages.

Large scale destruction of Sunderbans, an ecological hotspot is less reported and spoken. Large scale tree falling in Kolkata and other places led to destruction of homes, roads, electricity poles and building. Places close to the coastal gangetic planes like Basirhat, Namkhana and others are badly affected.

It has been over 72 hours, electricity is yet to be restored in many places. Phone and internet connections have been severely affected, with people still unable to contact those in the affected areas. According to Govt estimates, at the time of releasing this, the death toll stands at 86, which is expected to increase. People’s lives have been devastated, with no roof over the head, no drinking water, no food, no electricity, at this time when already the COVID and lockdown resulted into humanitarian crisis.

In the midst of all this, instead of focusing on saving the lives of people, the Modi government at the Centre has not only been late in responding, the Government also seems apathetic in helping Bengal and Odisha in rebuilding and relief. The Mamata Banerjee government can’t abdicate its responsibility but needs to step up relief works. Rather than declaring Amphan a National Disaster, the centre has announced a mere relief of Rs. 1000 crore to the state of West Bengal and mere 500 crore assistance for Odisha. To put this figure in perspective, it is just one third of the cost for building the Statue of Unity and mere 5% of the 20,000 crore Central Vista project!

We also cannot forget how the Modi government is holding on to the dues that are rightfully pending for payment to states under devolution of taxes. Bengal itself has more than ₹10,000 crore owed by the Centre which hasn’t released it even during this time of national crisis.

This is the time to focus on saving people, on reconstructing West Bengal & Odisha, but with a relief amount so low, it doesn’t seem that the Modi government is interested in either. We appeal to you to stand by the people of West Bengal and Odisha. Please send your contributions for the relief work and reconstruction of the areas affected by the Cyclone Amphan.

All India Students Association

A/C no.- 4895000100016798

IFSC Code – PUNB0489500