West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee held an administrative meeting at Basirhat on Wednesday to review the relief measures in the cyclone-affected area. Basirhat was hit by the “severe cyclonic storm” Bulbul last weekend, among other areas of south Bengal.
The meeting was attended by top officials, secretaries of various departments and elected representatives. Banerjee asked the officials to speed up relief work in the affected areas.
She said that the relief should reach everyone and there should not be any discrimination no matter whom the affected persons supported politically. Banerjee has said that those who lost their means of livelihood in the cyclone will be provided employment under the 100 days’ employment programme.
She said that those who live near areas where parts of dams and embankments have been rendered weak by the cyclone would be offered shelter till the areas become safe and fit for living. Banerjee stressed on distribution of medicines, anti-venom and oral rehydrating solutions and said that mobile van service will be started for providing immediate medical care to those who need it.
Keeping in mind that the test exams in schools (for those who will appear for class 10 board examinations) are approaching, the CM asked officials to provide kerosene and lantern for the students and to ensure they are allotted seats in nearby examination centres.
Special care in replanting the uprooted or damaged mangrove trees in the Sunderbans and vetiver grasses on the dams will be taken as these have effectively reduced the extent of damage caused by the cyclone.
