Udaipur/ Patna: Bihar’s Public Health Engineering Department Minister, Neeraj Kumar Singh ‘Bablu’, has urged the central government to construct a high dam in Nepal to provide a long-term solution to North Bihar’s recurring floods. Speaking at the second conference of water ministers in Udaipur, Singh raised the demand before Union Minister CR Patil, stressing the need for a coordinated approach with the Nepal government. He also called for the widening of embankments to mitigate the impact of floods in the Kosi and Mithila regions.
The minister highlighted the necessity of developing surface water-based supply schemes to conserve Bihar’s groundwater resources. He informed delegates about the state government’s initiative to transfer surplus water from flood-prone rivers to drought-affected districts in southern Bihar, aiming to provide a sustainable solution to the region’s water crisis.
Singh also outlined the achievements of the Public Health Engineering Department, noting the progress made under the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal Yojana. Since its launch in 2016, household tap water coverage has expanded from just 2% to full rural coverage. A total of 1,23,936 water supply schemes have been implemented in rural areas, providing drinking water to over 1.74 crore households. Safe drinking water has also been ensured in 30,207 rural wards affected by arsenic, fluoride, and iron contamination.
Looking ahead, the minister stated that Bihar aims to become a water-secure state by 2047, with plans to ensure a 24-hour water supply. Per capita water availability in rural areas is set to increase from 70 litres per day to 135 litres. He added that smart water meters and modern technology will be deployed to monitor and promote water conservation efforts.
