New Delhi, September 1: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary met with Central Water Power Minister C.R. Patil on Monday to expedite the approval of pending irrigation, water resource, and flood control projects in the state. The meeting also included Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.
During the discussion, the Chief Minister raised concerns about the progress of several projects announced in the central budget, including the Kosi-Mechi inter-state river linking project. He stated that the Bihar government has submitted detailed project reports worth ₹16,339.18 crore to the center, but only two projects have received approval so far.
Special emphasis was placed on the Kosi-Mechi inter-state river linking project, which aims to enhance irrigation facilities in North Bihar by better utilizing excess water from the Kosi basin. The first phase of this project has a budget allocation of ₹395.41 crore for 2025-26 and ₹570 crore for 2026-27. However, only ₹156.745 crore has been received to date.
The Chief Minister requested the prompt release of the remaining funds and approval for the detailed project report of the second phase. He also urged for immediate central assistance for the construction of the Sikrahna right embankment project, which has a central share of ₹125.08 crore and has already been recommended by the relevant central committee.
Additionally, the Chief Minister called for faster approvals for three more irrigation projects and 15 flood management projects. The meeting also reviewed the expansion, renovation, and modernization of the Western Kosi Canal project. The Bihar government has submitted a detailed project report worth ₹8,338.89 crore to the Central Water Commission and has already initiated the first phase of work worth ₹3,484.24 crore using state resources, now awaiting central assistance.
The Chief Minister urged the inclusion of the Indrapuri reservoir project, the Son-Phalgu river linking project, and the first phase of the flood control and drainage project for the Saran district in the central budget for 2026-27, with an estimated cost of ₹1,350.95 crore.
He also emphasized the need for a national sediment management policy and a dedicated fund to address sedimentation, river channel changes, and flood issues related to the Farakka Barrage and the India-Bangladesh Ganga water treaty. Furthermore, he insisted on maintaining the headquarters of the Ganga Flood Control Commission in Patna and urged for expedited surveys and detailed project reports for the Kosi High Dam, Kamla multipurpose project, and Bagmati dam project related to Nepal.
The Chief Minister stated that these projects would provide flood relief, expand irrigation, and create new opportunities for hydropower production in North Bihar. He expressed confidence that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the central government prioritizes Bihar’s development, and significant water resource projects are expected to gain momentum through coordinated efforts.
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