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In the aftermath of the devastating floods that have claimed numerous lives, the Opposition Congress party has accused the state government of failing to provide timely alerts to the public. Congress MLA Sudip Barman, in particular, has criticized the government’s preparedness, calling it a “total failure.”
During a press conference at the state Congress headquarters, Barman accused the state administration of not issuing timely warnings before the floods, which left many vulnerable communities unprepared for the disaster. He pointed out that, despite attending an all-party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, his main question remained unanswered: “Did the state government or the concerned administration receive any alert from the IMD regarding the incessant showers that led to the unprecedented flood situation in Tripura?” Barman emphasized that if such alerts had been received, the government should have taken immediate steps to warn the public through various channels, such as advertisements and social media. He suggested that timely warnings could have potentially mitigated the extent of the destruction.
At the all-party meeting, the Congress party proposed several measures to improve emergency coordination, particularly in situations where political or NGO-related tensions arise. Barman expressed his disappointment over instances where opposition parties faced difficulties in distributing food, and NGOs encountered challenges in providing relief to those affected in camps. He described these incidents as “shameful” and urged that such issues not be repeated.
Regarding the estimated Rs. 15,000 crore loss mentioned by the Chief Minister, Barman called for the formation of all-party committees at every level, from Blocks to Districts, to assist the flood victims. He stressed the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of the destruction through proper surveys, starting with a preliminary evaluation and followed by house-to-house verification before the disbursement of compensation.
Barman also questioned whether the government had conducted a department-wise survey of the losses, as Minister Ratan Lal Nath had mentioned damages exceeding Rs. 600 crore to the Agriculture and Power Departments. He expressed doubts about whether the proposed compensation of approximately Rs. 15,000 crore would be sufficient to cover the losses suffered by the people.
In addition to these criticisms, Barman highlighted the silence of two BJP MPs who were reportedly absent from the state during the flood crisis. He expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” did not mention the Tripura floods, and he urged the central leadership of the ruling party to release a special package for Tripura to aid the victims.
Barman also demanded a comprehensive survey to assess the full scope of the disaster, including damage to homes, property, and agriculture. The press conference was also attended by TPCC president Asish Kumar Saha, who supported Barman’s statements and concerns.
