5 decades & counting: How stalled inter-state irrigation project is set to see light of the day after PM Modi's review meet

The project recently came up for review before PM Narendra Modi. (Courtesy: PTI file photo)

An inter-state irrigation project, the construction of which was started over 5 decades back, is still awaiting completion. The crucial North Koel Reservoir Project recently came up for review before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 53 years after the Bihar government started it in 1972.

Initially part of undivided Bihar, the reservoir project is now being prioritised for quick completion after PM Modi's review. The work of the North Koel Reservoir Project, now split across Bihar and Jharkhand, was stalled in 1993 by the forest department due to environmental concerns.

Based on the recent review meet, officials at both central and state levels have now been urged to adopt a results-driven approach in order to make up for the huge delay. "It was underscored that delays in project execution come at the dual cost of escalating financial outlays and denying citizens timely access to essential services and infrastructure. It was urged to officials, both at the central and state levels, to adopt a results-driven approach to translate opportunity into improving lives," a News18 report said citing the minutes of the meeting.

Upon completion, the project is likely to provide additional irrigation to over 42,000 hectares in drought-prone districts of both Bihar and Jharkhand.

With a command area lying in Bihar and Jharkhand, the reservoir project comprises a dam on North Koel river near Kutku village (Latehar district in Jharkhand), a barrage 96km downstream of the dam (at Mohammadganj in Palamu district of Jharkhand), right main canal (RMC) and left main canal (LMC) taking off from the barrage.

The construction of dam and ancillary activities started in 1972 by the then Bihar government from its own resources. According to the News18 report, the work on the dam hit a roadblock amid concerns that the water it retained could threaten Betla National Park and the Palamu Tiger Reserve.

Even after the suspension of work, the project was providing annual irrigation to 71,720 hectares.

Following the bifurcation of Bihar in November 2000, the dam and barrage (i.e. the head works) came under Jharkhand's jurisdiction. In addition, the entire 11.89 km LMC from Mohammadganj barrage lies in Jharkhand. Out of 110.44 km of the RMC, the first 31.4 km lie in Jharkhand and the rest 79.04 km in Bihar.

When Modi government first stepped in ...

It was in 2016 that the PM Modi-led Cental government resolved to assist in completing the outstanding work on the North Koel Reservoir project in order to achieve its intended benefits.

In order to conserve the core habitat of Palamu Tiger Reserve, concerned authorities had decided to bring down the reservoir's water level. In August 2017, the proposal to complete the balance works of the project at an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,622.27 crore was approved.

Later in 2023, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs - chaired by PM Modi, gave its nod to a proposal of Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti to complete the balance works of Reservoir Project at a revised cost of Rs 2,430.76 crore. As per the report, the Centre will fund Rs 1,836.41 crore out of the Rs 2,430.76 crore needed for the remaining works.

After requests from both Bihar and Jharkhand governments, it was determined that certain other components should be added to the project. Complete lining of the RMC and LMC was regarded as essential from technical considerations to derive envisaged irrigation potential. Thus, the works of Gaya distribution system, lining of RMC and LMC, remodelling of enroute structures, construction of some new structures and one-time special package for R&R of project affected families (PAF) were to be provided for in the updated cost estimates.