Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Suvendu Adhikari Promises Stronger Embankments After Malda Flood Damage
Flooding has badly damaged embankments in Malda.
Suvendu Adhikari said about 1,400 metres had been washed away.
He said more embankments must be built to help protect Bhutni and Ratua.
The government plans to ask IIT Kanpur for technical help.
Adhikari said a Rs 3,700-crore project is already under way for the affected region.
People in low-lying areas who are often flooded may be moved to safer, higher ground and given land and permanent homes.
Farmers will be helped to grow other crops because paddy cannot be planted right away.
Officials were also told to repair damaged tube wells and schools and keep three boats at Bhutni police station.
Suvendu Adhikari surveyed flood-hit Malda and said about 1,400 metres of embankment had been washed away.
He said about 2,200 metres of embankment would need to be built or rebuilt around Bhutni and Ratua.
The state government plans to seek technical assistance from IIT Kanpur to address recurring floods and erosion.
Adhikari said a Rs 3,700-crore project had been taken up for the flood- and erosion-affected region.
Officials were directed to support farmers with alternative crops and repair damaged tube wells, schools and local infrastructure.
- Who
- Suvendu Adhikari and West Bengal government officials
- What
- Plans to strengthen and rebuild flood-damaged embankments and assist affected residents and farmers
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Flood-affected Malda in north Bengal, including Bhutni and Ratua
- Why
- Flooding and long-standing erosion have damaged embankments and repeatedly inundated the region.
- Embankment washed away
- About 1,400 metres
- Embankment work identified
- About 2,000 metres in Bhutni and 200 metres in Ratua
- Regional project
- A Rs 3,700-crore project has been taken up for the flood- and erosion-affected region
- Technical assistance
- The government plans to seek assistance from IIT Kanpur
- Relocation plan
- Residents of repeatedly inundated low-lying areas may be shifted to higher ground and provided land and permanent houses
- Alternative crops
- Pulses, wheat and mustard were proposed for post-flood cultivation
- Boats
- Three boats are to be provided permanently at Bhutni police station