Residents Shape Development as Balurghat Municipality Clears 32 Projects Under Participatory Scheme

Transforming Balurghat

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat 

The Balurghat Municipality on Friday issued work orders for 32 new development projects under the West Bengal government’s participatory initiative, “Amader Para, Amader Samadhan” (Our Neighborhood, Our Solution), reinforcing the state’s push toward grassroots-led urban planning.

The work orders were formally handed over at a programme held at the Subarnatat auditorium of the Balurghat Municipality. Among those present were the municipal chairman, Surajit Saha; the executive officer, Ajay Kumar Prasad; and councillors Shyamal Kumar Saha and Aparna Chatterjee, along with other elected representatives.

Municipal officials said that of the 32 approved projects, 31 involve civil construction work and one relates to electrical infrastructure. The total estimated cost of the projects stands at approximately ₹60.5 lakh.

The Amader Para, Amader Samadhan programme was launched by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with the aim of enabling citizens to directly identify and prioritize development needs at the booth and neighborhood levels. Based on feedback collected from residents, local bodies are tasked with planning and executing projects that address area-specific concerns.

Speaking at the event, Mr.Surojit Saha described the initiative as one of the Chief Minister’s flagship programmes. “In this project, ordinary citizens themselves have informed us about what their localities need most,” he said. “On the basis of those opinions, we are moving forward with development work across Balurghat. Today, we have handed over work orders for 32 such projects.”

Local residents have welcomed the move, saying that their direct involvement in decision-making has made the process more transparent and responsive. Many expressed hope that timely completion of the projects would strengthen the city’s infrastructure and improve everyday civic amenities.

Municipal authorities said monitoring mechanisms would be in place to ensure that the works are completed within the stipulated timeframe.