Patna: The Bihar government has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive groundwater policy and accelerate work on a new law aimed at regulating groundwater extraction and ensuring sustainable management of the state’s water resources.
The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Minor Water Resources Department chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary at Sankalp Hall in the Lok Sevak Awas on Monday.
The chief minister instructed officials to develop a robust institutional framework for groundwater management and strengthen coordination among departments involved in water resource planning, conservation and regulation.
Groundwater Law To Be Prioritised
During the meeting, Choudhary said Bihar must prepare for growing water demand and emerging environmental challenges by establishing a clear legal framework for groundwater management.
He directed officials to expedite the process of enacting the proposed Bihar Groundwater (Management and Regulation) Act, 2026, which is intended to regulate groundwater extraction and promote balanced utilisation of water resources.
Officials said the proposed legislation would seek to address concerns over unregulated groundwater use while supporting long-term sustainability.
Focus On Conservation And Recharge
The chief minister emphasised that the department’s role should extend beyond constructing new water infrastructure projects.
Instead, he said equal attention should be paid to the maintenance, monitoring and effective management of existing water assets and structures.
He called for the adoption of large-scale rainwater harvesting initiatives, groundwater recharge programmes and broader water conservation measures across the state.
According to Choudhary, scientific and technological interventions should be used to improve groundwater levels and ensure water availability for future generations.
“Protecting Bihar’s water resources and ensuring sustainable access to water are among the government’s highest priorities,” he said during the meeting.
Department Reviews Existing Schemes
A detailed presentation on the department’s ongoing programmes and policy proposals was delivered by B. Kartikey Dhanji, Secretary of the Minor Water Resources Department.
The presentation covered existing schemes, future plans and proposed measures relating to groundwater conservation and regulation.
Officials reviewed the status of departmental projects and discussed strategies for improving water resource management amid increasing urbanisation, agricultural demand and climate-related pressures.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by Minor Water Resources Minister Santosh Kumar Suman, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Secretaries to the Chief Minister Lokesh Kumar Singh and Sanjay Kumar Singh, along with senior departmental officials.
The move comes as several Indian states increasingly focus on groundwater conservation and regulatory mechanisms amid concerns over declining water tables, erratic rainfall patterns and rising demand from agriculture, industry and urban centres.
Officials indicated that the proposed policy framework and legislation would form a key part of Bihar’s long-term strategy for water security and sustainable resource management.
