The Union government approved the Kosi‑Mechi intra‑state link under PMKSY‑AIBP with a balance cost of Rs 6,143.22 crore and a target completion date of March 2029.
Project overview
- Type: Intra‑state river link diverting surplus flow from the Kosi to the Mechi in the Mahananda basin.
- Objective: Expand irrigation coverage and assist flood management in north‑eastern Bihar.
- Additional irrigated area: 2.15 lakh hectares.
- Beneficiary districts: Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar.
Financials & timeline
- Balance cost sanctioned: Rs 6,143.22 crore under PMKSY‑AIBP.
- Total estimate: Rs 6,282.32 crore; central assistance Rs 3,652.56 crore (central share >50%).
- Target completion: March 2029.
Major components
- Eastern Kosi main canal: Remodelling of km 0–41.30; contract value Rs 2,639.80 crore; reported physical progress ~8.5%.
Hydrology & transboundary context
- Kosi characteristics: Himalayan tributary with high sediment load and frequent channel avulsions.
- Indo‑Nepal linkages: JPO‑SKSKI constituted (2003) for Sapta‑Kosi and Sun‑Kosi‑Kamla projects; surveys completed in phases.
- Administrative note: No meeting of the Indo‑Nepal joint committee reported in 2025‑26.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- PMKSY: Scheme to expand irrigation coverage and improve water‑use efficiency.
- AIBP: PMKSY component funding major and medium irrigation projects.
- Mahananda basin: Spans parts of Bihar and West Bengal; receives Himalayan tributaries including Mechi.
- Flood management funds: Centre released Rs 206.77 crore to Bihar under Flood Management and Border Areas Programme in the last three years.