Bengal Cabinet clears land for 33 industrial units, approves flood protection and sports initiatives

MP, Kolkata, August 21, 2026 : The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved leasehold land allocation to 33 industrial units across two industrial parks, expected to generate 65,839 jobs.

Approval was granted for the leasehold allocation of land to 24 industrial units across eight West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) industrial parks, covering a total area of 463.14 acres and 6,397.23 square feet, which will generate employment for 62,712 people.

Additionally, 78.1786 acres of land will be allotted to nine industrial units across four West Bengal Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBIIDC) industrial parks, which will create jobs for 5,872 individuals.

Employment generation and the allocation of land for strengthening infrastructure to tackle floods were among the key decisions.

The Cabinet also cleared a series of proposals aimed at supporting sportspersons and strengthening sports infrastructure in the state.

In Alipurduar, the government has decided to take back control of around 118.42 acres of land that had become unusable following erosion caused by the Sankosh River.

The Cabinet also approved the transfer of land at the Chamurchi tea garden in Jalpaiguri for the construction of a new Frontier Check Post and an OCR complex of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau.

Land acquisition has also been approved for river rejuvenation works in Howrah and for implementing the Ghatal Master Plan, aimed at addressing the region's long-standing flood and waterlogging problems.

The Cabinet has further approved the introduction of "Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Sports Assistance Scheme" for promoting sporting excellence, strengthening the sports ecosystem and encouraging wider participation in sports throughout the state and also approved a substantial increase in prize money for medal winners at national and international competitions.

The cabinet also gave the go-ahead to a Rs 2,250-crore project, backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving waste management and promoting sustainable agriculture. The ADB will provide Rs 1,795 crore in financial assistance for the project.

Another proposal approved on Wednesday involves the construction of an underpass near Kolkata airport, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic movement in the area.