The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project of Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana - Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The project will receive Rs 36.52 billion in central support towards its completion by March 2029, with an estimated total cost of Rs 62.82 billion.

Project overview

The Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project aims to divert surplus water from the Kosi River to irrigate the Mahananda basin in Bihar by:

• Remodeling the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) and extending it from RD 41.30 km to RD 117.50 km, linking it to the Mechi River.

• Creating an additional irrigation potential of 2,10,516 hectares in the Kharif season across Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts.

• Utilising 2,050 million cubic meters of surplus Kosi water through the new canal system.

• Restoring water supply to 157,000 hectares in the existing command area of EKMC.

Background and impact

Launched in 2015-16, PMKSY aims to expand irrigation coverage, improve water use efficiency, and promote sustainable water conservation. The government has committed Rs 930.68 billion for the scheme's implementation between 2021-26, with Rs 374.54 billion in central assistance.

So far, 63 irrigation projects under PMKSY-AIBP have been completed, creating an additional 2.61 million hectares of irrigation potential since April 2016. The Kosi Mechi project is the tenth project included under PMKSY 2.0, further strengthening Bihar’s agricultural infrastructure and ensuring water security for farmers.

(PIB)