Bihar's Bold Blueprint: New Barrages to Tame Floods

The Bihar government has proposed new barrage constructions in East and West Champaran, among other districts, as part of flood mitigation efforts. The state's Water Resources Department has submitted detailed project reports for approval and anticipates central financial support for these and other flood management initiatives.

The Bihar government is set to bolster its flood mitigation plans with propositions for constructing new barrages in East and West Champaran, as well as other districts bordering Nepal. Detailed project reports have been dispatched to the Centre, seeking approval and financial support for this crucial development.

Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary revealed the plans, emphasizing the urgency of these constructions. The state assembly was informed that the projects would commence as soon as approval from the Centre is received. This announcement follows discussions on the department's budget plan for the 2025-26 fiscal, where a staggering amount of Rs 7,451.14 crore has been outlined.

The minister noted the dual importance of these barrages, which not only form a key part of the River Management in Border Area initiative but also align with the Centre's recent allotment of Rs 11,500 crore to combat Bihar's annual flood crises. Furthermore, Chaudhary stressed the necessity of a national silt management policy to ensure smooth river flow and effective flood management, calling for a coordinated approach between the Centre and state governments.