The new Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled West Bengal government has agreed to implement the state’s important flood control and drainage project, the “Ghatal Master Plan,” jointly with the Union government. This decision involves sharing the project’s expenses equally between the Centre and the state. The project had faced delays previously due to the reluctance of the Trinamool Congress-led state government to collaborate with the BJP-led Union government.
With the new government in power, the project’s implementation hurdles were addressed during a key meeting chaired by CM Adhikari at the state secretariat Nabanna. The meeting, attended by departmental secretaries, saw the Chief Minister instructing the state Irrigation Department to determine the state’s financial obligations and prepare an agreement blueprint with the Union government promptly.
The implementation of the project aims to address the persistent issue of flooding in significant parts of South Bengal, particularly in West Midnapore district and nearby regions, during the monsoon season. Additionally, during the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for timely execution of central health schemes in the state and directed the Health Department to finalize the modalities for implementing Ayushman Bharat by June 8.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of generating employment in the state and urged officials to kickstart the 100-day job scheme under the VB-G RAM G project, formerly known as MGNREGA. Central funds for this project had been stalled due to alleged corruption in the scheme’s previous administration.
