Patna, August 19, : Chief Minister Mr. Samrat Chaudhary today inspected the under-construction Kosi-Mechi Inter-State River Link Project site at Chainpur village of Chhatapur block of Spool District. During the inspection, he got detailed information about the progress of the project, current status of construction works and action plan. He directed the authorities concerned to complete the project within the stipulated time and in a standard manner.
After the site inspection, the Chief Minister reached the project camp office at Chinpur village and reviewed the project there. Water Resources Department Secretary Dr. Chandrasekhar Singh apprised the Chief Minister about the progress of the project. Spool DM Mr. Sawan Kumar gave detailed information about the progress, construction status and various aspects of the project through a presentation.
The Chief Minister said that the Kosi-Mechi inter-state river link project is a historic and important project for Semanchal and Bihar. Its completion will expand irrigation facilities in the region, increase agricultural production of farmers and give a new impetus to their prosperity. On completion, the project will provide additional and assured irrigation to 214,813 hectares of agricultural land. The project will divert excess water from the Kosi River during floods to the Mechi River through a link canal. This will increase water availability in the Mahananda basin, reduce the effects of flash floods and improve water resources management. The project will provide additional irrigation facilities to 69,642 hectares of agricultural land in Arria, 69,970 hectares in Purnia, 39,548 hectares in Kishanganj and 35,653 hectares in Katihar. Under the project, the water delivery capacity of the East Kosi Main Canal will be increased from 15,000 cusecs to 20,000 cusecs. Along with the expansion of the main canal, four sub-canals, 6 distributaries and necessary canal system will be constructed. At the end of the project, around 950 cusecs of water will flow into the Mechi river. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 6,282.32 crore, and its completion target is March 2029.
The Chief Minister directed the authorities to ensure that during the construction of the project the farmers do not face any difficulties in their agricultural activities. He urged them to ensure speed, quality and timeliness in the construction work and continuously monitor all activities related to the project. The Chief Minister directed the officers to prepare a comprehensive plan for the management of Kosi and Gandak rivers. He asked for a system to ensure adequate availability of water throughout the year even in small rivers through dams and other water structures. He asked to work on a long-term plan for proper utilization, conservation and management of water resources.
The Chief Minister said that the government's priority is to ensure proper utilization of Kosi surplus water and its supply to Seemanchal farms. This will increase agricultural production, increase the income of farmers and accelerate the overall economic development of the region. He said that all the construction work of the project should be completed with high quality within the stipulated time. The Kosi-Mechi Inter-State River Link Project is a major step towards irrigation expansion, flood management and sustainable water management in Bihar, which will bring vast benefits to the farmers and common people of Semanchal.
During the site inspection and review meeting, Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Mr. Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Member of Assembly Mr. Neeraj Kumar Bablu, Member of Assembly Mr. Ram Vilas Kamat, Member of Assembly Mrs. Devanti Yadav, Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Lokesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Water Resources Department Dr. Chandrasekhar Singh, DM Mr. Sawan Kumar, SP Mr. Sharath RS and other officers and engineers were present.