Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary met Union Minister C.R. Patil to fast-track pending irrigation and flood management projects, emphasizing the urgent need for funds for the Kosi-Mechi River Link.
- Demand for immediate release of pending funds for the Kosi-Mechi Inter-State River Link Project.
- Bihar submitted DPRs worth ₹16,339.18 crore; only two have received approval so far.
- Call for an increase in FMBAP budget and the formulation of a National Silt Management Policy.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday held high-level discussions with Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil in Delhi. The primary focus of the meeting was to expedite critical water resource, irrigation, and flood management projects that are vital for the state's agricultural stability and disaster resilience. The CM was accompanied by Deputy CM and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted a significant gap between the announcements made in the Union Budget 2024-25 and the actual disbursement of funds. He specifically pointed to the Kosi-Mechi Inter-State River Link Project, valued at ₹11,500 crore. This project is designed to divert surplus water from the Kosi basin to expand irrigation in North Bihar. While ₹965.41 crore was earmarked for the first phase, the state has received only ₹156.745 crore to date.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Bihar's vulnerability to annual flooding is not just a natural disaster but an economic drain. With 73% of its land affected by rivers like the Ganga, Kosi, and Bagmati, the delay in central funding for embankments and river links directly translates to loss of crops and displacement of millions. The synchronization of central approvals with state execution is critical for regional stability.
The Chief Minister also pressed for the release of ₹125.08 crore for the Sikrahana Right Embankment construction. Furthermore, the progress of the Extension, Renovation, and Modernisation (ERM) of the Western Kosi Canal Project was reviewed. Despite submitting a DPR worth ₹8,338.89 crore, the state has had to utilize its own resources to begin the first phase, costing ₹3,484.24 crore, awaiting central reimbursement.
"Strategic river linking and timely financial intervention are the only sustainable ways to transform Bihar from a flood-prone zone to an irrigation-surplus region."
Looking toward the 2026-27 Union Budget, the CM requested the inclusion of three major initiatives: the Indrapuri Reservoir Project, the Sone-Phalgu River Link Project, and the Flood Control and Drainage Project (Phase-1) for Saran district. He also advocated for keeping the headquarters of the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) in Patna and ensuring Bihar's interests in the India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty.
Addressing the long-term challenge of siltation, Mr. Choudhary urged the central government to formulate a National Silt Management Policy. He emphasized that completing the Kosi High Dam, Kamala Multipurpose Project, and Bagmati Dam Project would not only mitigate floods but also unlock immense potential for hydroelectric power generation in North Bihar.
| Project Name | Estimated Cost/Demand | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kosi-Mechi Link | ₹11,500 Crore | Awaiting Phase 1 Funds |
| Western Kosi Canal (ERM) | ₹8,338.89 Crore | DPR Submitted / State Work Started |
| Sikrahana Embankment | ₹125.08 Crore | Central Share Pending |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary goal of the Kosi-Mechi River Link Project?
A: The project aims to utilize surplus water from the Kosi basin to improve irrigation facilities in North Bihar and reduce the intensity of annual floods.
Q2: What is the 'National Silt Management Policy' requested by the CM?
A: It is a proposed policy to address the issue of riverbed siltation, which reduces the water-carrying capacity of rivers and increases the risk of flooding.
