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Master plans to control floods in north Bengal
The state Irrigation department is preparing two master plans to give respite to the people of North Bengal from the devastating floods.
While replying to a question in the state Assembly on Thursday, state irrigation minister said: “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed us to prepare the master plan and we have taken steps to develop the same to check floods or flood-like situation in North Bengal. The work for that has already begun.”
One master plan is for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Darjeeling districts while the other is for Malda, North and South Dinajpur. The Chief Minister mentioned that a consultant is being engaged to conduct a survey and prepare necessary assessment for the master plan for Malda, North and South Dinajpur.
The detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared after the assessment report is ready. The process to engage a consultant for the survey to prepare the master plan for the four other North Bengal districts has also already begun.
Execution of the master plan will ensure strengthening of the existing embankments where necessary, including building proper drainage channels t and other infrastructural enhancements for better irrigation. At the same time, all the 32 sluice gates in north Bengal will be upgraded.
The funding pattern has not been finalised yet, according to the minister: either the State Government will fully fund the master plans or it might approach the World Bank for part of the funding.
