Union Budget: Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Financial Support for Western Kosi Canal ERM Project in Bihar

Boost to Irrigation Infrastructure in Mithilanchal Region

New Delhi/ Patna: In a significant move to enhance agricultural productivity in Bihar, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced financial support for the Western Kosi Canal Extension, Renovation, and Modernisation (ERM) Project during her budget speech on Saturday. This initiative aims to benefit a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region.

“Financial support will be provided for the Western Kosi Canal ERM Project, benefiting a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar,” stated the Finance Minister.

About the Western Kosi Canal ERM Project

The Western Kosi Canal ERM Project focuses on the extension, renovation, and modernization of the existing canal infrastructure. The project aims to improve water management and distribution systems, ensuring efficient irrigation for the agricultural lands in the Mithilanchal region.

Need and Significance of the Project

The Mithilanchal region, located in northern Bihar, is predominantly agrarian, with a significant portion of the population dependent on farming. However, the area has faced challenges such as:

• Flooding: The Kosi River, often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bihar,” has a history of causing devastating floods, leading to waterlogging and damage to crops.
• Inefficient Irrigation: Outdated and deteriorated canal systems have resulted in inadequate water supply to farmlands, affecting crop yields.

The Western Kosi Canal ERM Project is designed to address these issues by:

• Enhancing Irrigation Efficiency: Modernizing the canal infrastructure will ensure a reliable water supply to over 50,000 hectares of farmland, thereby improving crop productivity.
• Flood Mitigation: Improved water management practices will help in controlling excess water during monsoons, reducing the risk of floods.
• Economic Upliftment: By securing water availability, the project is expected to boost agricultural output, thereby increasing the income of local farmers and contributing to the region’s economic development.