Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday assured that the long-pending Ghatal Master Plan will be implemented within one year if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal. He made the statement while addressing a rally in Debra, targeting the Trinamool Congress over delays in the project.
The Ghatal Master Plan is aimed at addressing recurring floods in the Ghatal subdivision of West Midnapore. The issue has remained unresolved for decades despite repeated discussions between the Centre and the state.
Shah targets state over delays
At the rally, Amit Shah claimed that the Centre had already taken steps for the project. He said, "We had sent the Ghatal Master Plan proposal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a project worth Rs. 1,500 crore and was ready to provide 60 per cent of the funds. But Trinamool created obstacles."
He further alleged that lack of maintenance has worsened the flood situation. He said, "About 26 million cubic metres of silt has accumulated in the Rupnarayan river, but Mamata Banerjee is not paying attention."
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Shah assured that the BJP would fast-track the project if voted to power.
Long-pending project and political claims
The Ghatal Master Plan dates back to 1982, when its foundation stone was laid during the Left Front government. The project covers 12 blocks and five municipal areas across two Midnapore districts.
Over the years, it faced multiple delays due to administrative and funding issues. In 2017, it cleared the approval stage but stalled over funds. In 2022, the Centre cleared around Rs. 1,500 crore, but the work did not progress.
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Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also assured implementation. In the 2025 state budget, Rs. 1,500 crore was allocated, with a target to complete the project within three years. However, land disputes have slowed progress.
Trinamool MP Deepak Adhikari (Dev) has maintained that the project will be completed. Meanwhile, the BJP has alleged that no real work has been done and accused the state of mismanagement.
Shah's remarks have once again brought the Ghatal Master Plan into the centre of the election campaign.
