Kosi-Mechi Link: A Boost for Bihar Irrigation

The Cabinet has approved the Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project in Bihar under the PMKSY-AIBP, providing significant funding. This initiative aims to divert surplus Kosi river water to the Mahananda basin, enhancing irrigation capabilities by remodeling the Eastern Kosi Main Canal, with completion targeted for March 2029.

The Cabinet, on Friday, sanctioned the inclusion of Bihar's Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs granted a central funding allocation of Rs 3,652.56 crore to the state of Bihar to ensure the project's completion by March 2029, pegged at an estimated cost of Rs 6,282.32 crore.

The ambitious project plans to reroute a portion of the surplus water from the Kosi river, thereby extending irrigation to the Mahananda basin region. This will be achieved through the remodeling of the existing Eastern Kosi Main Canal.

(With inputs from agencies.)