Bihar launches ambitious river linking projects

In an effort to put Bihar firmly on the development map, the Nitish Kumar government has embarked on an ambitious plan to interlink rivers which will go a long way in solving the perennial flood problem and also augment irrigation facilities.

Ground work has already started on eight projects, of which five relate to tackling of floods, two to create additional irrigation facility and the last a hydel power plant, the state water resource department''s principal secretary Afjal Amanullah told PTI.

Amanullah said that the first such project envisaging interlinking of the Burhi Gandak river with Noon, Baya and Ganga rivers would start by mid 2011-12.

The total estimated cost for the project is above Rs four billion and it will come in handy in optimally utilising its water resources, Bihar Water Resources Minister Vijay Chaudhary said.

''''The pre-feasibility report for the project is ready and a Detailed Project Report is being prepared by the National Water Development Authority,'''' Chaudhary said.

Another project at hand is the interlinking of the Koshi and Mechi rivers which will create additional irrigation facilities in Supaul, Saharsa, Araria, Kishanganj and Purnia.

A sum of Rs 4441.82 crore would be spent on the scheme, he said.