Cyclone Motha Aftermath: Experts Warn Unregulated Development Increases Flood Risks in North Bengal

As the remnants of Cyclone Motha continue to lash North Bengal with heavy rains, experts are sounding the alarm on the region's vulnerability to floods and landslides due to uncontrolled development. Just last month, the area witnessed one of the worst natural disasters in over 30 years, with overflowing rivers and relentless downpours killing people and destroying homes, roads, and bridges.

While the West Bengal government has blamed the unprecedented rainfall and poor flood management by the Central Government, experts believe that the real culprit lies in the unchecked construction and tourism activities in the ecologically sensitive hills. They warn that the craze for "off-beat tourist destinations" is promoting the unregulated building of hotels and homestays right beside the rivers, blocking the natural drainage system and reducing the carrying capacity of the water bodies.

Deforestation of mountain forests to make way for easy construction has also emerged as a major concern, as the roots of trees act as natural reinforcements, binding the fragile soil and preventing erosion and landslides. Experts caution that the rapid highway and tunnel construction in the region, as well as the construction of dams along the Teesta River, have further exacerbated the problem by disrupting the natural flow and ecology of the waterways.

As the region braces for more heavy rains in the coming days, the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to tourism and development in North Bengal has become increasingly clear. Experts are calling for strict regulations, scientific mapping of the hills, and a holistic plan to ensure that the delicate balance between nature and human activity is maintained.