Mamata govt to urge Centre to delay domestic flight services to WB due to Cyclone Amphan

After deployment of Army units in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has w said that state government will urge Centre to postpone resuming domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports as state will be managing dam caused by Cyclone Amphan. flight services are scheduled to begin on May 25.

CM Banerjee told reporters on Saturday evening that she has asked chief secretary to request Civil Aviation Ministry to defer services at Kolkata airport to May 30 and at Bagdogra airport to May 28. state has already urged Centre to put off movement of special trains till May 27. CM Banerjee said authorities will ask people returning to state to go for home quarantine for 14 days but urged m to cooperate with government and follow protocols. She also said re will be testing facilities in each district for returnees.

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Citing an MHA order on preventing any religious garing, she urged people to celebrate Eid-ul-fitr at home this year. "Please cooperate with us. Bengali New Year could t be held earlier due to lockdown and coronavirus pandemic. Annapurna puja could t be held. Please avoid garings to offer Eid prayers w. A large garing may cause contamination within a few seconds," she said. 

READ | Mamata Banerjee urges for state-Centre team effort after PM Modi visits Amphan-hit Bengal

West Bengal Asks Railway Board To t Send Shramik Trains till May 26

In wake of Cyclone Amphan, West Bengal on Saturday wrote to Indian Railway Board to t send any Shramik special trains to state till May 26. Chief Secretary of West Bengal Rajiv Sinha in his letter mentioned that "As district administration is involved with relief and rehabilitation works (due to Cyclone Amphan), it will t be possible to receive special trains for next few days." Sinha furr added that y will revise proposal dated May 20 and send it back soon. 

READ | Cyclone Amphan: West Bengal asks Railway Board to t send Shramik trains till May 26

Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal

Cyclone Amphan which reported winds up to 190 kmph made landfall at Digha coast of West Bengal at 2.30 pm on Wednesday, hitting Kolkata a few hours later. re were widespread power cuts in large parts of Kolkata, rth 24 Paraganas, and South Paraganas. Mobile, internet services, and electricity were also down in parts as cyclone had damd several communication towers and electrical grid. Till Saturday, 81 people have died due to Cyclone. 

READ | After state's request, Army to send five columns to West Bengal to assist restoration work