South 24 Parganas

South 24 Parganas is a district in West Bengal covering 312 gram panchayats (GP) under 29 blocks. As stated by demographers the area coverage of the district equals to 9962 km having an approximate population of 34 lakhs. It is the coastal region of West Bengal. 84% of the population lives in the rural areas, where development is taken care of by the Panchayat bodies. The remaining 16% population is looked after by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and seven municipalities. The scheduled caste comprises 39% of the total population and B.P.L. families constitute 37.21% of the population. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forests on Earth, are spread over thirteen of the twenty-nine blocks in the district. Due to its peculiar geographical location and the dictates of geography, the means of transport and communication in this region are not well developed, with all the repercussions. Lack of irrigation has resulted in mono-cropped agriculture. Breaches in earthen embankments and cyclonic storms mean loss of life and destruction of crops and property on a regular basis. The average monthly income of PLWHA income level in rural areas is Rs 1500 to Rs 2500 and that of urban areas is Rs 2500 to Rs 4000. Most villagers live in mud huts with thatched roofs.

Geographical Coverage: SNP+ is currently working in 3 districts of West Bengal. Total coverage of programmes is spread-out in over 43 blocks, 10 Municipality and 143 Wards in three districts (South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah).