Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up efforts to address chronic waterlogging in sugarcane-growing regions, with senior officials directing districts to fast-track surveys and infrastructure planning aimed at improving farm productivity.
At a review meeting held at the Water Resources Department in Patna, the principal secretary, Santosh Kumar Mall, instructed officials to complete pending panchayat-wise surveys within a week, warning that delays could slow the implementation of drainage and flood-control measures. The meeting followed an earlier joint review in December between the water resources and sugarcane industry departments, which had prioritised interventions in affected areas.
Officials said surveys were under way across districts to assess canals, sluice gates, culverts, drainage systems and encroachments that contribute to waterlogging in sugarcane fields. Once completed, the findings will be used to draw up district-level action plans for immediate execution.
The government is also seeking to integrate drainage works in sugarcane areas into the annual action plan under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). A request has been sent to the rural development authorities seeking an additional 15 days to finalise the list of required structures.
According to officials, 41 schemes have been identified across 11 blocks in West Champaran district, which are expected to resolve waterlogging across more than 31,000 acres. In East Champaran, 28 schemes covering 12 blocks aim to improve drainage in nearly 13,700 acres, while three schemes in Samastipur target about 16,500 acres. Similar interventions are planned in Gopalganj, Siwan and Begusarai districts.
Separately, the construction of left and right embankments along a 46km stretch of the Masan river is under way, a project officials say will also help mitigate waterlogging in surrounding agricultural blocks.
He said districts that have yet to complete surveys must submit reports to both the Water Resources Department and MNREGA authorities within a week. A follow-up review meeting will be held in 15 days to assess progress.
Officials said the coordinated effort is aimed at easing long-standing problems faced by sugarcane farmers and strengthening the state’s sugarcane production, which is seen as a key component of Bihar’s agricultural economy.
