Patna: Bihar is facing a severe water crisis, with per capita water availability expected to drop by 37% in the next 25 years, according to a study by IIT Patna. The report, presented in the state assembly on Tuesday, highlights that while the current availability per person stands at 1,006 cubic metres, it will decline to just 635 cubic metres by 2050.
Water resources minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, citing the report during the assembly debate on the departmental budget, warned that the state was “standing at the threshold of a water crisis.” The government presented a budget of Rs 7,451.14 crore for the water resources department in an effort to address the growing concerns.
A Century of Decline
Chaudhary pointed out that at the time of independence, Bihar had over 5,000 cubic metres of water per person. By 2050, the state will have lost nearly 90% of its per capita water availability. However, he noted that efforts under Bihar’s Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali (Water-Life-Greenery) scheme had shown some success, with groundwater levels increasing by 929 square kilometres last year.
Plans to Utilise Floodwaters
To mitigate the crisis, the government is developing a plan to divert surplus river water to drought-prone regions for drinking and irrigation. Chaudhary explained that large volumes of river water, which currently flow into the Bay of Bengal during floods, could instead be utilised to prevent shortages.
Additionally, the state has sought central government assistance to strengthen embankments along major rivers, following last year’s devastating floods. The Kosi, Bagmati, Gandak, and Kamla Balan rivers all recorded water levels exceeding embankment heights, leading to widespread inundation.
Opposition Walkout Over Water Crisis Debate
The opposition accused the minister of failing to address their concerns, leading to protests inside the assembly. Opposition MLAs walked out of the session, but the budget was approved in their absence.
Job Creation in Water Resources Sector
As part of its efforts to strengthen the department, the government announced plans to fill 2,261 vacancies this year, including 558 junior engineers and 351 assistant engineers. Recruitment processes for lower-class clerks, office peons, and drivers in regional offices are also underway.
Silt Buildup Choking Bihar’s Rivers
Chaudhary also raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of Bihar’s rivers due to excessive silt accumulation. The Ganga river, in particular, has seen large silt deposits forming in the middle, forcing its course toward the banks and reducing its depth where it should be deepest.
With Bihar’s water crisis deepening, the state government’s response and long-term planning will be crucial in securing the region’s future water security.
