North Koel Canal: 50-Year Wait Ends, 2026 Finish Line Set

The North Koel Canal Project, initially conceived in 1970 and launched in 1975, is finally gaining momentum under the renewed focus of Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit.

Following a series of high-level reviews, the project is now on track, with land acquisition expected to be completed by December 2025 and physical construction by March 2026. Once operational, the canal system will transform 1.24 lakh hectares of agricultural land across Bihar and Jharkhand, benefiting over 25 lakh farmers. The project comprises a dam on the Koel River in Jharkhand, a barrage in Palamu, and an extensive canal network spanning both states.

“The project must be completed strictly within the approved timeline,” stressed CS Amrit, calling for close coordination between authorities. With a cost exceeding ₹20,000 crore, the Centre has ranked it among the top irrigation priorities, highlighting both its scale and the long delays it has faced.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.