September 2004

The Union Minister of Water Resources Shri P.R. Dasmunsi has stated that all possible measures will be adopted to tackle the problem of coastal erosion in West Bengal and top-most priority would be given to flood management as stated in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the Government.

PAddressing an all-party delegation of West Bengal State Legislative Assembly here today, Shri Dasmunsi said that the Government is taking a holistic view of the problem of erosion in coastal areas and a plan is being worked out in consultation with the Planning Commission etc to check the problem in the entire country including West Bengal. Shri Prabodh Chandra Sinha, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Excise, Government of West Bengal led the all-party delegation.

Shri Ganesh Mandal, Minister for Irrigation, Government of West Bengal presented a Memorandum to Shri Dasmunsi drawing his attention towards the problems of coastal erosion, severe floods in several districts of the State and slow progress on Teesta River Project etc.

Referring to the measures taken by Centre for flood management in the State, Shri Dasmunsi informed the delegation about the constitution of the Task Force to suggest ways to tackle the flood problem and also about constitution of sub-Groups to specifically address the flood and erosion problem of West Bengal. Apart from some outside experts, the sub-group also comprises of the member nominated by the Government of West Bengal. The sub- group is likely to submit its interim report by the middle of next month. The Task Force, as announced earlier, will complete its work before the year-end.

He informed the delegation that the State Government has identified the districts and ponds where the restoration of water bodies is to be taken up under a pilot scheme announced in this years Union Budget. Shri Dasmunsi, however, added that the State should make expeditious efforts to utilize the allocated financial assistance being given by the Centre for irrigation schemes.

Referring to the Teesta River Project, the Minister informed the delegation that the Union Government is fully seized of the matter requested the delegates to impress upon the State Government for expeditious action. He assured them of full cooperation by the Central Government.