The state government will upgrade 18 Hooghly ghats in and around Calcutta. Work will start in January.

The uplift blueprint was finalised on Friday at a meeting, attended by representatives of the urban development department, Calcutta Port Trust, Calcutta Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).

Urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya said the Union environment ministry has sanctioned Rs 4.8 crore for the renovation of eight ghats.

“We will not wait for the funds. Work will start with CMDA money. Initially, we will require Rs 5 crore,” said Bhattacharya.

The CMC will contribute Rs 2 crore for the renovation of four ghats — Nimtala, Babughat, Ahiritala and PK Tagore. It will invite private participation for the uplift and beautification of Nimtala ghat, which will cost around Rs 6 crore.

Among the other ghats shortlisted for revamp are Budge Budge, Mahestala, Chandernagore, Telkal, Chandmari and Botanical Garden.

An exhibition on the ghats in the city will be held on December 26, said minister Bhattacharya.