Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Incessant Rain Floods Ghatal, Reviving Demands for Master Plan
Heavy rain has caused flooding in many parts of Ghatal.
The Shilabati River and Kethia Canal have risen, sending water into villages and town wards.
About 40,000 people have been affected.
Roads, homes, farms and everyday activities have been disrupted.
Some farmers said their standing crops were completely damaged.
Officials are watching the worst-hit areas and telling people to stay alert.
Relief and rescue centres have been opened in several places.
Residents and the local MLA say the Ghatal Master Plan could help prevent the repeated floods.
The plan has not yet been fully implemented, although the government has approved some funding and is working toward completion by March 2028.
Flooding has affected around 40,000 people across villages and municipal wards in Ghatal, West Midnapore.
Rising Shilabati River and Kethia Canal waters submerged areas including Panna, Maharajpur, Sultanpur, Manshuka and Elachak.
Ajabnagar 1 and 2 and Dewan Chowk 2 gram panchayats were identified among the worst-affected areas.
Residents reported damaged crops, submerged roads, disrupted connectivity and difficulties maintaining daily activities.
The flooding has renewed demands for implementing the Rs 1,238.95-crore Ghatal Master Plan, with completion currently targeted for March 2028.
- Who
- Around 40,000 residents of Ghatal, including people in affected villages and municipal wards, along with local officials and the Ghatal MLA.
- What
- Incessant rain and rising Shilabati River and Kethia Canal levels caused widespread flooding and renewed demands for the Ghatal Master Plan.
- When
- During the last few days of incessant rain; officials assessed affected areas on Friday.
- Where
- Ghatal subdivision in West Midnapore, including parts of Ghatal municipality and gram panchayats such as Ajabnagar and Dewan Chowk.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall and rising water levels caused the inundation, while the recurring floods have intensified criticism over the delayed implementation of a comprehensive flood-management project.
Calls for Immediate Master Plan Implementation
Phased Government Flood Response
Responsibility for recurring floods
Calls for Immediate Master Plan Implementation
Residents and Ghatal MLA Shital Kapat say annual monsoon flooding continues because the comprehensive Ghatal Master Plan has not been implemented.
Phased Government Flood Response
The government has undertaken parts of the project using state resources, planned remaining components in phases and set a broader completion target of March 2028.
Current response versus permanent solution
Calls for Immediate Master Plan Implementation
Residents emphasize that temporary relief cannot replace a long-term flood and drainage solution, citing damaged crops, roads and daily life.
Phased Government Flood Response
The administration says it is monitoring affected areas, has opened relief and rescue centres, arranged relief supplies and advised residents to remain alert.
- People affected
- Around 40,000
- Worst-affected areas
- Ajabnagar 1, Ajabnagar 2 and Dewan Chowk 2 gram panchayats
- Municipal impact
- Twelve wards of Ghatal municipality were affected
- Main water sources
- Shilabati River and Kethia Canal
- Master Plan estimated cost
- Rs 1,238.95 crore
- Central clearance
- The project received investment clearance from the Centre in 2022 but was not included for central assistance under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme
- Target completion
- March 2028
- Recent land-acquisition approval
- Rs 24.5 crore approved last month