Bihar CM urges Union Minister Jal Shakti to expedite irrigation and flood control projects

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. File | Photo credit: PTI

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday (August 31, 2026) urged Union Minister Jal Shakti CR Patil to expedite water resources, irrigation and flood management projects related to Bihar.

Accompanied by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary in Delhi, the CM informed Mr. Patil that the Union Budget 2024-25 announced financial assistance for several schemes in the irrigation and water resources sector for Bihar, including the Kosi-Mechi Inter-State Interlinking Project (worth ₹500,11.11).

He added that the Bihar government has submitted detailed project reports (DPRs) worth ₹16,339.18 crore to the central government; however, only two projects have been approved so far.

The approximately ₹ 3,652.56 crore Kosi-Mechi Inter-State River Linking Project will help expand irrigation facilities in North Bihar by making better use of surplus water from the Kosi basin.

Provisions totaling ₹965.41 crore have been made for the first phase of the project – ₹395.41 crore for the financial year 2025–26 and ₹570 crore for 2026–27.

However, only ₹156.745 crore has been received so far. Mr. Choudhary urged early release of remaining funds for the first phase and approval of the detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase.

He also raised the issue of early release of funds for the Sikrahana right embankment construction project in which the central share is ₹125.08 crore.

The status of other schemes proposed under the Union Budget 2024–25 was reviewed, which include three irrigation projects at an estimated cost of ₹5,951.45 crore and 15 flood control projects at an estimated cost of ₹3,896.14 crore, all of which are currently under consideration at various levels under the Jal Shakti Ministry.

Progress on the Extension, Renovation and Modernization (ERM) of the Kosi West Canal Project – announced in the Union Budget 2025-2026 was also reviewed. The Bihar government has submitted a DPR worth ₹8,338.89 crore for the project to the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Anticipating central assistance, the state government has already started work on the first phase, costing ₹ 3,484.24 crore, using its own resources. The Chief Minister asked for timely approval of the project and provision of central financial assistance.

He stressed the need to increase the budgetary allocation for Bihar under the ongoing Flood and Border Management Program (FMBAP) for flood control. Mr. Choudhary said that Bihar is one of the most flood-prone states in the country and around 73% of its geographical area and large population is affected by rivers like Ganga, Kosi and Bagmati every year.

A request was also made to include three major projects for Bihar in the upcoming Union Budget (2026-2027), which include Indrapuri Reservoir Project, Sone-Phalgu River Linking Project and Flood Control and Drainage Project (Phase-1) for Saran District.

The Chief Minister also raised the issue of maintaining the headquarters of the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) in Patna and the renewal of the Indo-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty and the interests of Bihar.

He highlighted the problem of siltation and problems related to water availability, urged the formulation of a national silt management policy and called for adequate water availability to meet the needs of irrigation, drinking water and industry in Bihar.

Mr. Choudhary emphasized the need to expedite Kosi High Dam, Kamala Multipurpose Project and Bagmati Dam Project. He asked to ensure the participation of Bihar representatives in the Joint Project Office (JPO) and speed up the process of preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR).

“Completion of these projects would provide flood relief to North Bihar, expand irrigation facilities and create new opportunities for hydropower generation,” said Mr. Choudhary said.

Published – 01 Sep 2026 02:20 IST