FIVE-DECADE FLOOD PROJECT GETS FRESH ₹1,200-CRORE PUSH WITH JUNE 2027 DEADLINE

September 30, 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a ₹1,200-crore allocation for the long-delayed Ghatal Master Plan, directing officials and local legislators to accelerate work on the flood-control project.

The government has set a target of completing the project by June 2027, before the next monsoon. Work is expected to be accelerated after Durga Puja, while funds for land acquisition will also be made available through the Disaster Management Department.

The Centre is expected to contribute 50 per cent of the project cost, with the remaining amount to be borne by the state government. The overall estimated cost of the Ghatal Master Plan has risen to around ₹1,500 crore from its original estimate of ₹50 crore.

The project is designed to address recurring floods in the Ghatal region of Paschim Medinipur and adjoining areas by improving drainage, dredging riverbeds, strengthening embankments and channelising excess water through rivers and canals towards the Rupnarayan.

The plan covers 11 blocks and five municipalities across Purba and Paschim Medinipur districts, encompassing an area of about 1,659 square kilometres. The region has experienced repeated flooding during the monsoon, making flood management a longstanding public concern.

The project dates back several decades, with its origins tracing to recommendations made in the late 1950s and a foundation stone laid in 1982. Repeated delays and revisions have since pushed up both its implementation timeline and projected cost.

With the latest funding commitment and a June 2027 completion target, the state government is seeking to move the project into an accelerated implementation phase ahead of the next monsoon season.