Request for expediting survey and DPR work of pending projects related to Nepal like Kosi High Dam, Kamla Dam and Bagmati Dam

Chief Minister Mr. Samrat Chaudhary today in New Delhi, Union Minister for Jal Shakti Mr. C. R. Met Patil and discussed in detail the progress and future strategy of important water resources, irrigation and flood management projects related to Bihar. In the meeting, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Mr. Vijay Kumar Choudhary, a detailed discussion was held on the current status of the projects announced for Bihar in the Union Budget 2024-25 and 2025-26, pending approvals and future projects.
The Chief Minister told the Union Minister for Jal Shakti that in the Union Budget 2024-25, financial assistance was announced for several important schemes in the irrigation and water resources sector, including the Kosi-Michi inter-state river link project at a cost of Rs 11,500 crore for Bihar. Under this, the Bihar government has provided DPR of projects worth Rs 16,339.18 crore to the central government, but only two projects have been sanctioned so far.
The meeting specifically discussed the Kosi-Michi Inter-State River Link Project. This flagship project worth around Rs 3,652.56 crore aims to expand irrigation facilities in North Bihar by making better use of surplus water from the Kosi Basin. For the first phase of the project, Rs 395.41 crore has been committed in the financial year 2025-26 and Rs 570 crore in 2026-27, i.e. a total of Rs 965.41 crore. So far only Rs 156.745 crore has been received. The Chief Minister requested to provide the remaining amount of the first phase soon and approve the DPR of the second phase.
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of the construction project of Sukrahna right bank embankment. This scheme with a central portion of Rs.125.08 crore has been recommended by the concerned Central Committee. In the meeting, it was discussed to provide central assistance for this at the earliest. Apart from this, the status of other schemes proposed under the Union Budget 2024-25 was also considered. These include three projects in the irrigation sector, with an estimated cost of Rs 5,951.45 crore, while 15 projects in the flood management sector have an estimated cost of Rs 3,896.14 crore. All these projects are currently under consideration at various levels of the Ministry of Energy.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of expansion, renewal and modernization of the West Kosi Canal project announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The Bihar government has sent a DPR of Rs 8,338.89 crore to the Central Water Commission for this project. In anticipation of receiving assistance from the Centre, the state government has started work on the first phase at a cost of Rs 3,484.24 crore from its own resources. The Chief Minister requested for early approval of the project and central financial assistance.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to increase the budget for Bihar under the ongoing Flood Management and Border Area Program (FMBAP) to control floods. He said that Bihar is one of the most flood-affected states of the country. About 73% of the geographical area of ​​the state is affected by floods and rivers like Ganga, Kosi, Gandak and Bagmati affect a large population every year. In such a situation, more central assistance is necessary according to the needs of Bihar.
The meeting also requested to include three major projects of Bihar in the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27. The first is the Indrapuri Reservoir Project, which will provide long-term stability to the Son canal system. After the MoU was signed between Bihar and Jharkhand in relation to water sharing, the way forward for this project has been paved.
The second is the Sone-Phalgu River Link Project, under which water from the Sone River is proposed to be channeled to the Phalgu River through pipelines and canals. This will provide abundant water for irrigation, drinking water and industrial use in the drought-affected areas of Gayaji and Aurangabad districts. Along with this, it will also help in ensuring the availability of water in the world famous Phalgu river throughout the year.
The third is the Saran District Flood Control and Drainage Project (Phase 1), with an estimated cost of Rs 1,350.95 crore. Under this, repair and maintenance of important water drainage channels, construction of new regulators and other basic construction works will be done. This will reduce the impact of floods in Saran region, protect agricultural lands and also benefit the proposed Sonepur International Airport, Aero City and surrounding urban areas.
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of keeping the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) chairman's headquarters in Patna in the meeting. He said that Bihar is the most flood-affected state in the Ganga basin and it is necessary for the commission to be in Patna for effective monitoring and quick decision.
Renewal of India-Bangladesh Ganga water agreement and interests of Bihar were also discussed. The Chief Minister said that Bihar has been facing challenges related to silt and water availability for a long time. He stressed the need to formulate a national silt management policy and ensure adequate availability of water keeping in mind the irrigation, drinking water and industrial needs of Bihar.
Pending projects related to Nepal were also discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to speed up the Kosi High Dam, Kamala Multipurpose Project, and Bagmati Dam Project. He requested the participation of Bihar representatives in the Joint Project Office (JPO) and speedy preparation of DPR. Completion of these projects will provide flood relief, irrigation facilities and new opportunities for hydropower generation in North Bihar.
The Chief Minister said that the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi prioritizes the development of Bihar. He expressed confidence that with the coordinated efforts of the Central and State Governments, all major irrigation and flood control projects in Bihar would gain momentum soon, which would greatly benefit farmers, rural areas and the state's economy.