November 15, 2014
WB Govt to build concrete embankments in Aila-hit areas by March, 2015
The State government has decided to construct 50 km of concrete embankments in Aila-hit areas of Sunderbans in South 24-Parganas and part of East Midnapore before March 2015.
The State Irrigation Minister Mr Rajib Banerjee said that his department had already constructed 21 km of concrete embankments there, which was badly affected by cyclone Aila in 2009. On the issue of flood-control measures taken by the state government, Mr Banerjee said that a master plan had been prepared to combat flood in North Bengal in collaboration with the Brahmaputra Board.
Regarding steps taken to tackle erosion of the Padma and the Bhagirathi in Malda district, he said that the government had sought fund from the previous UPA-II government but that was not provided.
Mr Banerjee said that a meeting was held recently with the concerned authorities of the Union water resources ministry and it was expected that some funds would be released by the Centre. Regarding dredging of rivers, he said, that was beyond the financial capability of the government because of limited resources.
