State plans Rs 4,100 crore project to protect Sunderbans from cyclones and erosion

Kolkata: The state government is coming up with a holistic planning involving 12 government departments, World Bank with technical support of Dutch Water Resources experts to address the issue of coastal erosion and increase in the intensity of cyclones at Bay of Bengal that has buttressed erosion flooding.

The planning is an integral part of the Rs 4,100 crore project proposed by the state Irrigation and Waterways department for protection of lives and livelihood of the residents of Sunderbans from natural disasters.

A stakeholders’ consultation was held at the auditorium of Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) in which departments like the Irrigation and Waterways, Forest, Fisheries, Animal Resources Development, Sunderban Affairs, Agriculture, Water Resources Investigation & Development, Agriculture Marketing, Food Processing Industries & Horticulture, Transport, Tourism and Panchayats and Rural Development proposed activities leading to holistic development.

“We will incorporate the advice and opinion of all stakeholders present in the meeting and present it before Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the World Bank which is ready to provide loan to the extent of 70 per cent of the total project cost,” said Manas Bhunia, minister in-charge of Irrigation and Waterways department.

The five-year project titled Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources & Economy (SHORE) was approved by the state Cabinet in March 2024. The project stretches across 39 habitable islands in 11 blocks of Sunderbans that cover parts of both North 24-Parganas and South 24-Parganas.

“Our first target is to protect at least 50 per cent of the embankments and at the same time create sustainable livelihood that can withstand cyclonic conditions. We are coming up with climate resilient options and hence the 12 departments have come up with their respective microplan.

The project will showcase the best practices of sustainable development of Sunderban while strengthening embankments, combat erosion and improve climate resilience in the vulnerable lower delta region,” added Bhunia.

A state-level technical steering committee has been formed with the Chief Secretary as Chairman.

Bhunia regretted the fact that the Centre has not yet given its approval to the state to take loan from the World Bank which has prevented the latter from starting work for the project.