200cr to protect ecosystem, support green livelihood
Times of India | 23 June 2026
Kolkata: Finance minister Swapan Dasgupta announced a climate-focused budget framework to strengthen resilience, protect ecosystems and support sustainable livelihoods across West Bengal.
For 2026-27, the govt allocated Rs 200 crore to establish the Bengal Climate Resilience Fund and the West Bengal Climate Finance Facility. These will support the state action plan on climate change, attract external climate finance, unlock carbon-credit revenue and leverage the state's carbon sequestration potential.
The Sundarbans received an ecological push, with Rs 50 crore earmarked for mangrove afforestation. The initiative aims to protect shorelines from cyclones, enhance carbon capture and preserve the delta's fragile blue economy. To expand marine and inland livelihoods, the state will promote seaweed cultivation along its 158km coastline and strengthen fisheries across inland, marine and brackish water systems.
Modern fish-seed units, cold chains and processing hubs will be developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. In drought-prone Paschimanchal, Rs 50 crore will expand surface and groundwater micro-irrigation, including a 15% state top-up subsidy for solar pumps under PM-KUSUM. Another Rs 100 crore will support rural livelihoods through indigenous cow-based dairy development and Black Bengal Goat extension services.
North Bengal will receive Rs 100 crore for climate-adapted agriculture. This includes Rs 50 crore for specialized horticulture and expansion of DIY polyhouses in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the plains, and Rs 50 crore for a sustainable spice hub in the Terai region.