Bengal offers ₹1.8 lakh relief to flood-damaged households in Malda

The West Bengal government will provide ₹1.8 lakh in relief to households that suffered complete damage from flooding in Malda district, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced while presiding over a flood-relief distribution programme in Raghunathpur. The financial assistance marks the state's immediate response to the devastation caused by recent inundation in the region, which has affected thousands of residents across multiple localities.

Along with the compensation package, the state government has tasked the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to address the persistent flooding challenges in Malda. The move signals the administration's intent to develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy to mitigate the district's vulnerability to seasonal floods, which have repeatedly disrupted livelihoods and displaced communities.

Malda district, located in north Bengal bordering Bangladesh, has historically faced recurring flood threats during monsoon seasons due to its proximity to major river systems. The commissioning of IIT-Kanpur for a detailed project report is expected to evaluate existing infrastructure, identify vulnerable zones, and recommend structural and non-structural interventions to enhance flood management capabilities in the region.