Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Kolkata : In a significant move aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of flooding in the Ghatal sub-division of West Midnapore, Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya proposed an allocation of Rs 500 crore for the completion of the Ghatal Master Plan during the state budget presentation. The announcement was met with widespread optimism among the residents of Ghatal, who have long faced the consequences of seasonal flooding in the region.
The Finance Minister outlined that the entire Ghatal Master Plan would be completed within two years, and emphasized the importance of the state government’s proactive steps in mitigating the effects of river erosion. As part of the budget, the government has also allocated Rs 200 crore to tackle river erosion and introduced a new project titled “Nadi Bandhan” (River Bond), with a proposed budget of Rs 200 crore for its execution.
The Ghatal sub-division is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its geographical layout. The Shilabati River flows through the town, but Ghatal itself is situated in a bowl-like depression, which results in water accumulating from all directions without an adequate drainage system. As a result, even a small amount of rainfall during the monsoon season causes devastating floods, severely affecting the local population.
The issue of flooding has been a major concern for residents and was a focal point during the last Lok Sabha elections in the Ghatal constituency. The Ghatal Master Plan was highlighted as a key solution to these recurring problems. The state government has repeatedly accused the central government of failing to cooperate in completing the plan, despite its importance.
During the election campaign, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in support of the Trinamool Congress candidate, actor Dev, made a strong pledge to ensure the state would take the lead in implementing the Ghatal Master Plan, even without central assistance. Following the announcement, the state began allocating funds for the project, with Rs 65 crore already earmarked for the construction of a 3.5 km-long guard wall.
In her address after presenting the budget, Mamata Banerjee reiterated the state’s commitment to addressing the flooding issue, announcing that a total of Rs 1500 crore would be spent on the Ghatal Master Plan, with an initial Rs 500 crore allocated this year. However, she also expressed disappointment over the central government’s lack of support for the initiative. As of now, Rs 340 crore of the initial Rs 500 crore has already been spent on the project.
