The Central Government has included Kosi-Mechi Link Project in PMKSY-AIBP. ₹6,143 crore will be spent on this, of which ₹3,652 crore will be contributed by the Centre. The project is targeted to be completed by March 2029.
New Delhi, July 27 (ANI): The government informed Parliament on Monday that the Kosi-Mechi Inter-State Link Project has been included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Irrigation Scheme-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (PMKSY-AIBP). The remaining cost of the project is Rs 6,143.22 crore, which includes central assistance of Rs 3,652.56 crore.
According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project is scheduled to be completed by March 2029. The work of rehabilitation of East Kosi Main Canal from Kilometer 0.00 to 41.30 has been awarded at a contract value of Rs 2,639.80 crore, with a physical progress of 8.5 per cent so far.
Talks with Nepal regarding dam construction on Kosi River
The government also stated that it is in regular talks with the Government of Nepal regarding the construction of dams on the Kosi River for the mutual benefit of both countries, including flood control measures.
It was informed that the Joint Project Office (JPO-SKSKI), constituted in 2003 to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Sapt Kosi Multipurpose Project and Sun-Kosi Kamala Diversion Multipurpose Project, has completed several major studies for both the projects, including topographic, hydrological, seismic, water quality and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) studies.
Drilling and communication surveys have also been completed.
Financial assistance for flood management
The Center further informed that no meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Committee was held during 2025-26. It was also informed that central assistance worth Rs 206.77 crore has been released to Bihar under the Flood Management and Border Areas Program in the last three years.
The government also clarified that no proposal to set up a permanent Kosi-Gandak Basin Authority is currently under consideration. (ANI)
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