Kosi-Mechi River Link Project

Why in News ?

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) of the Government of India has approved the inclusion of Kosi-Mechi Link Project of Bihar State in the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).

Kosi-Mechi River Link Project

• Kosi-Mechi River Link Project is an ambitious project to divert the excess water of Kosi River in Bihar to Mechi River in the Mahananda Basin.
• The project will be operated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, which is responsible for implementing policies and schemes related to water resources development and management across the country.
• Two main works will be done in this project:
  • Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) from 0.00 km to 41.30 km length will be restructured.
  • The restructured canal will be extended from 41.30 km to 117.50 km, connecting it to the Mechi River.
• The total estimated cost of this project has been fixed at ₹6,282.32 crores. Out of this, ₹3,652.56 crores will be contributed by the Central Government, while the remaining amount will come from the State Government and other sources.
• This financial assistance is being given under the Quick Irrigation Benefit Program of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.
• This project is targeted to be completed by March 2029. In this, all the works related to construction, canal expansion, reconstruction and water management will be completed.
• On completion of this project, four major districts of Bihar state will get its benefit. These districts are:
  • Araria
  • Purnia
  • Kishanganj
  • Katihar
• In all, 2.15 lakh hectares of agricultural land in these districts will be provided with permanent and controlled irrigation facilities.

Significance of the project

• Kosi and Mechi rivers are counted among the most flood-prone rivers in Bihar; Kosi river is called 'Sorrow of Bihar'.
• This project will ensure controlled distribution of surplus water of Kosi river by diverting it to Mechi river, which will reduce the intensity of floods every year and provide relief to the surrounding areas.
• This project will not only increase agricultural productivity, but will also strengthen rural employment and water resource management.
• It will encourage cultural and economic development in the irrigation and water crisis affected areas of north-east Bihar.
• This project will also help in dealing with the effects of climate change, as it is a concrete effort towards balancing the availability and use of water.