Mamata blames Centre for overlooking Bengal`s water interests

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday blamed the Centre for releasing water from Teesta and Farakka barrages to Bangladesh overlooking the interest of the state and said this was not accepted.

"I have nothing against Bangladesh, rather I too love that country. But, I am accountable to the people of my state. I have neither any prejudice, nor any objection. Centre must protect the interest of people of the state," she said. She criticised the Centre for not having any proper agreement on sharing Teesta and Ganga water with Bangladesh. "The Centre is ruining the state by not having any proper agreement with Bangladesh on sharing of Teesta and Ganga water," she said. "When we need a certain quantity of water to maintain our Kolkata Port and fulfil the need of farmers, water is released from Teesta and Farakka barrages to Bangladesh sacrificing the state`s interest," Banerjee regretted. Earlier in July this year, Banerjee had stated her government would agree to the India-Bangladesh Teesta water sharing treaty only after getting nod for it from the people of the state. After coming to power in 2011, the Trinamool Congress government in the state had appointed an expert committee to study the Teesta water-sharing issue under the chairmanship of river expert Kalyan Rudra. Banerjee had pulled out from the Prime Minister`s entourage for the Dhaka trip in 2011 on the issue.