A ₹6,282 Crore Lifeline: Work Begins on Kosi–Mechi Project

Work has commenced on the first phase of the Kosi–Mechi river linking project at the Bhenga river in Birpur, Supaul district, raising hopes for residents of the flood-prone Kosi and Seemanchal regions.

The initiative aims to mitigate recurring floods while strengthening irrigation facilities for farmers. Recently, Water Resources Department (WRD) Chief Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall, Supaul District Magistrate Sawan Kumar and Engineer-in-Chief Abdhesh Kumar visited the project site to assess progress and review preparatory measures.

The project is being implemented by the Bihar government under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sinchayee Yojana and is estimated to cost ₹6,282 crore. It proposes linking the Kosi river with the Mechi river through the construction of a 76-km channel to divert surplus water. In the first phase, authorities are widening and deepening the existing 41-km main irrigation canal.

Once completed, the scheme is expected to enhance irrigation coverage across 2.14 lakh hectares of agricultural land. Officials also indicated that coordination with Nepal will be undertaken to address encroachments on project land and ensure smooth implementation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.