(a) whether any action has been taken by the Government to make the river Ichhamati perennial and navigable; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
(a) whether any action has been taken by the Government to make the river Ichhamati perennial and navigable; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES & MINORITY AFFAIRS ( SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Recently, in June 2011, the dredging of Ichhamati river in a common reach of about 20 Km. with Bangladesh from Barnaberia to kalanchi Bridge has been completed by Government of West Bengal, however, the removal of excavated soil is in progress. The approved cost of dredging work is Rs. 38.23 crore. Government of India is providing 100% Central assistance. This work shall improve navigability and may also help in making river perennial besides, providing relief from flood congestion in the up-stream areas of 24 North Pargana and Nadia districts of West Bengal. In addition to this, Government of West Bengal has also carried out de-siltation of the Ichhamati river from Kalanchi to Tentulia bridge in the Indian territory in July, 2006.