Kolkata, 24 October (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a slew of major developmental initiatives for the Sundarbans, including upgrading the Gangasagar Mela to international standards and carving out Kakdwip as a separate district. Addressing a public gathering in Kakdwip on Saturday, the Chief Minister also declared that the construction of the much-awaited bridge over the Muriganga river will be completed and inaugurated by the year 2029.

Emphasizing his government's commitment to uplifting the historically neglected Sundarbans region, Adhikari stated that the services of the Sundarbans Development Department would be expanded to the most remote areas, with comprehensive development projects rolling out over the coming months. Launching a scathing attack on the previous administration, he alleged massive corruption and the gross misappropriation of funds previously allocated for the region's development.

Focusing on infrastructure and connectivity, the Chief Minister outlined plans for improved drainage systems, the construction of culverts, and the installation of pontoon jetties to facilitate smoother transit. He also highlighted several new initiatives aimed at boosting local tourism and agriculture, directly distributing various government service benefits to local farmers during the public meeting.

Speaking on the Muriganga bridge project, Adhikari claimed that the previous government merely made empty promises without executing essential groundwork, such as land acquisition or preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Furthermore, he announced the construction of 4,81,242 new concrete houses in the district, assuring residents that no 'kutcha' (mud) houses would remain. Criticizing the past government's housing scheme corruption, he alleged that funds were systematically siphoned off by presenting cowsheds as residential homes.

On the healthcare front, the Chief Minister promised to bring the local populace under the ambit of the 'Ayushman Bharat' and 'Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana' schemes. He also shared that the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) has been directed to expedite the issuance of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) certificates to refugee families residing in Kakdwip. Additionally, Adhikari instructed the local administration to maintain strict vigilance against drug smuggling and illegal sales, while making a strong public appeal to prevent child marriages and ensure girls are not married before the age of 18.

Utilizing the political platform to corner the previous regime, the Chief Minister urged victims of the Amphan cyclone relief fund embezzlement and the 2021 post-poll violence to formally register their complaints. He also addressed the controversial incident in Kakdwip's Suryanagar, where an idol of Goddess Kali was allegedly transported in a prison van.

Concluding his address, Adhikari announced that he will visit the region on January 10 to officially inaugurate the Gangasagar Mela. He reiterated his firm resolve to elevate the annual pilgrimage to a global platform, develop the Sundarbans into an 'ideal model' region, and successfully establish Kakdwip as an independent administrative district.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh