Mamata warns of potential flood-like situation in 7 West Bengal districts

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday night said a flood-like situation was apprehended in at least seven districts of West Bengal after the release of water from dams in neighbouring Jharkhand. Addressing a press conference, Banerjee said DVC released the water without informing her government. "I have called the Jharkhand CM three times and urged him to regulate the release of water," she said. Banerjee said Birbhum, Bankura, Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman and parts of both North and South 24 Parganas districts are already under water. Meanwhile, heavy rains caused by a deep depression have inundated several low-lying areas in the southern districts of the state, officials said. In Paschim Medinipur district, the Shilabati river was flowing above the danger level, they said. Sub-Divisional Officer of Ghatal in Paschim Medinipur Suman Biswas said the administration has stocked relief materials and kept a camp ready if needed. Paddy and jute farmers of Chandrakona block 1 m