Patna: The Bihar government, under the leadership of Water Resources Minister Sanjay Jha, has initiated work on nearly half a dozen river-linking projects to improve irrigation facilities and enhance groundwater levels in the state. The “Bagmati-Shantidhar-Budi Gandak River Link” project is expected to be completed later this year. The Water Resources Department is bringing water from the Bagmati River near Goghraha, Kalyanpur block in Samastipur district, to Shantidhar, and connecting the Budhi Gandak River near Trimuhani village, Khanpur block in Samastipur.
Linking Rivers: Key Initiatives
Sanjay Jha-led Water Resources Department has outlined plans to link several rivers, including the Kosi-Mechi Link Project, Bagmati-Shantidhar-Budi Gandak River Link, Gandak-Chadi-Daha-Ghaghara Link Project, Phalgu-Paimar Link Project, Gandak-Mahi-Ganga Link Project, Sakri-Nata Project, and Trishula-Balan Link Project. Additionally, work is underway on three other river-linking projects in Bihar. This extensive effort is expected to significantly enhance irrigation facilities in over a dozen districts in Bihar.
Investment and Impact
The ambitious river-linking projects are set to benefit the densely populated regions of Darbhanga and Samastipur districts. Shivhar and Sitamarhi districts will also witness improved irrigation facilities, fostering development in the area. This initiative will bring relief from floods to residents of Baheri and Hayaghat in Darbhanga, as well as Kalyanpur, Warsangar, Khanpur, Rosra, and Singhiya blocks in Samastipur. Additionally, it is anticipated that the groundwater level in the region will see a positive impact. The project, with an estimated cost of 120.96 crore INR, is expected to provide irrigation facilities in approximately 39,350 hectares of land.
Sanjay Jha’s Call for Central Assistance
Sanjay Jha emphasized the need for central assistance in Bihar’s river-linking projects, stating that it would alleviate the irrigation crisis in larger areas. The collaboration between the state and central government aims to address the challenges of irrigation in significant regions, ensuring sustainable development.
