Bihar Seeks Early Approval of Kosi-Mechi Link Project and Flood Protection Schemes

Chirag Gupta

Patna: Bihar’s Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary called for expedited approval of critical flood protection and irrigation schemes, including the Kosi-Mechi Link Project, during the 38th Annual General Meeting of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) and the 22nd meeting of the Special Committee on Interlinking of Rivers in New Delhi. The minister also held discussions with the Union Jal Shakti Minister regarding the same.

Choudhary emphasized the significance of the Kosi-Mechi Link Project for both flood management and irrigation in Bihar. He informed the meeting that the state government had submitted the first phase executive DPR with all necessary data and urged its immediate approval, particularly for areas not requiring land acquisition. He proposed that the project should be financed on a 90:10 ratio, similar to the Ken-Betwa Link Project, to ensure its swift implementation.

The minister also stressed the urgent need for a National Silt Management Policy, highlighting the challenges posed by continuous silt deposition in Bihar’s rivers. He noted that this not only impacts the flow of rivers but also reduces their water retention capacity. Choudhary urged the inclusion of Bihar’s recommendations in the proposed policy and called for consultation with state governments regarding dredging activities undertaken by the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Santosh Kumar Malla, was present at the meetings, supporting the state’s proposals. Choudhary’s appeal underscores Bihar’s commitment to addressing its water management challenges and seeking Central Government support to enhance flood resilience and irrigation capacity.