Bengal plans 3.5-kilometer wall to prevent floods

Bengal is planning to build its longest riverbank wall to help protect Ghatal from flooding. The new wall will be 3.5 kilometers long, 27 feet tall, and 2.5 feet deep. It will be located along the Shilabati River and is expected to cost around Rs 155 crore. Part of this cost includes buying about 38 acres of land from private owners. Construction is set to begin in May, but the timeline is uncertain due to land acquisition issues. State irrigation minister Manas Bhunia emphasized the importance of the wall, calling it part of the Ghatal Master Plan. He noted that local landowners have shown a willingness to sell their land for the project and that they will be compensated fairly. On March 17, officials met with farmers and traders to discuss the plan. The state has already allocated Rs 500 crore for the project, which will be funded in three parts over three years. The retaining wall will be built on the left side of the Ghatal Circuit embankment. To support the wall, two pump houses will be built in Ghatal town. Each will have eight pumps to help drain floodwater and will be elevated to 21 meters. This additional part of the project will cost another Rs 60 crore, and the sluice gate in Ghatal municipality will also be enlarged.