CM Adhikari announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh and a civic volunteer job for one eligible member of the family. 
| Photo Credit: ANI

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday (July 26, 2026) met the victims of the Sundarbans trawler capsize tragedy earlier this month and announced several steps for better disaster management preparedness in the coastal areas. 

At least 11 fishermen were found dead while four others are still missing after a trawler from Purba Medinipur capsized on July 8, 2026. It lost communication soon after setting off and remained missing till it was traced by the Coastal Guards on July 14, 2026, at c Officials said the fishermen in the trawler were from Digha, Nadia, Howrah, and East Medinipur in West Bengal, and from Odisha.

Soon after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for each of their family members from the National Relief Fund. Meanwhile, on Wednesday (July 22, 2026), CM Adhikari also announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh and a civic volunteer job for one eligible member of the family. 

On Sunday (July 26, 2026), Mr. Adhikari met the families of the victims. “Many such incidents took place earlier but the government never cared about them. Our government did. We feel that it is our responsibility,” he said. 

In view of the poor status of the coastal police stations, the CM declared to appoint efficient police officials in those stations immediately. They will also supported with advanced technology. 

“I have also asked the disaster management department to form a 50-member Quick Response Team for Digha and surrounding coastal areas so that they can respond to any difficult situation promptly and as soon as possible,” he said. 

Published – July 27, 2026 02:05 am IST