Overview
- The chief minister announced on Wednesday that the state has sanctioned ₹1,200 crore for the Ghatal Master Plan, with the Centre reported to contribute about ₹500 crore and the state plus disaster funds covering the remainder.
- Officials have been ordered to begin work urgently after Durga Puja and the chief minister set a target for major completion by June 2027 while some administrators say full implementation may stretch into 2028.
- Land acquisition is under way and local MLAs have been instructed to help fast‑track construction of dredging, canalisation and embankment works intended to channel excess water into the Rupnarayan River.
- The government also announced immediate relief measures, including ₹1.80 lakh for each family in kutcha houses in flood‑affected areas and crop insurance enrolment drives for damaged paddy and vegetable plots.
- The plan covers about 1,659 sq km across 11 blocks and five municipalities in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, revives a scheme first proposed in 1959, and is framed by the state as proof of joint delivery after decades of delays and cost escalation to roughly ₹1,500 crore.