Union Finance Minister Directs Early Completion of Kosi River Dam DPR Following Bihar Government Request

NEW DELHI — Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has directed the early completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed high-level dam on the Kosi River. The directive follows a formal request made by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary during a high-level meeting in New Delhi.

The meeting saw participation from several key leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. Discussions centered on various developmental priorities for Bihar, encompassing central budget allocations, scheme implementations, and pending infrastructure projects.

During the discussions, Sitharaman instructed the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti to take necessary action regarding fund provisions for the first phase of the Kosi-Mechi Link Project. Officials were also directed to secure technical approval for the project's second phase. State leadership emphasized that the inter-state river link project is expected to significantly benefit irrigation, agriculture, and water management in Bihar's Seemanchal region.

The talks also addressed the Sapt Kosi project, a high-level dam initiative jointly proposed by India and Nepal aimed at controlling floods in southeastern Nepal and northern Bihar. To ensure state interests are adequately represented on technical matters, it was agreed that a representative from Bihar will be included in the Joint Technical Expert Committee.

Additional financial and administrative measures were reviewed during the meeting, including the implementation of the SNA and SPARSH mechanisms by September 30 to facilitate greater central assistance. Officials also discussed the effective execution of 'Reform-Based Incentives' under SASCI to unlock additional financial resources for state development schemes.

Progress on institutional and infrastructure projects was also part of the agenda. The Bihar government reported that it has allocated 219 acres of land for Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur and 100 acres for NIFTEM in Hajipur. State leaders requested the central government to expedite the commencement of work on both institutions.

Furthermore, discussions covered the early rollout of the Sone-Phalgu River Link Project, along with the development of the Mahabodhi Corridor and the Vishnupad Temple Corridor. State officials stated that both central and regional authorities are coordinating efforts to expand infrastructure and utilize available central resources for regional growth.

"Large-scale infrastructure projects require synchronized coordination between central authorities and state governments, particularly when dealing with inter-state and cross-border water management. The directive to expedite the Detailed Project Report for the Kosi River dam and the Kosi-Mechi Link Project highlights a concerted push toward addressing regional agricultural and irrigation challenges. For businesses and industries operating in the region, stable water management and improved transport and educational infrastructure can create a more predictable operating environment and foster long-term economic stability." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes