Bihar

• 19 Aug 2024

Kosi-Mechi Link Project

Why in News?

The Kosi-Mechi Link Project in Bihar aims to interlink the Kosi and Mechi rivers. This initiative is part of a larger plan to manage water resources and improve irrigation in the region.

Key Points

• Fund Allocation: In the recent Budget session, the Centre announced an allocation of Rs 11,500 crore to help with flood control in Bihar.
• Irrigation: The project aims to provide irrigation support to 215,000 hectares of agricultural land in the Mahananda river basin during the Kharif season.
• Flood Control: While the project has the potential to offer some flood control benefits, the primary focus remains on improving irrigation.
• Local Protests:
  • Opposition: There has been significant local opposition to the project. Farmers and residents have voiced concerns that the project may not adequately address flood control issues and could potentially disrupt local water resources.
  • Demand for Attention: Protesters are calling for a focus on comprehensive flood management solutions rather than solely relying on river interlinking.
• Environmental and Social Concerns:
  • Impact on Ecosystems: There are worries about the potential environmental impacts of linking rivers, including changes to local ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Displacement and Livelihoods: There are concerns about the displacement of communities and the impact on local livelihoods.
• Government Response: The government is defending the project, emphasizing its benefits for irrigation and potential economic gains for the region. However, there is an ongoing dialogue to address the concerns raised by the local communities.