Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project Approved

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved the Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project in Bihar. This decision aims to enhance irrigation facilities in the region. The project is part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) and is expected to improve agricultural productivity in Bihar by 2029.

Project Overview

The Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project involves the diversion of surplus water from the Kosi River. This water will be used to irrigate the Mahananda basin in Bihar. The project includes remodelling the existing Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) and extending it to connect with the Mechi River.

Financial Aspects

The total estimated cost of the project is ₹6,282.32 crore. The CCEA has approved central support of ₹3,652.56 crore for its completion by March 2029. This funding is crucial for the successful implementation of the project.

Impact on Agriculture

Once completed, the project will provide irrigation to an additional 210,516 hectares during the Kharif season. The districts of Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar will benefit from this initiative. Additionally, the project aims to restore the shortfall supply to 157,000 hectares of existing farmland under the EKMC.

Water Utilisation

The project has the potential to utilise approximately 2,050 million cubic metres of surplus water from the Kosi River. This efficient water management is essential for enhancing agricultural output in the region, especially in light of increasing water scarcity issues.

Background of PMKSY

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana was launched in 2015-16. Its primary aim is to improve water access for farming and expand irrigated areas. The government has allocated ₹93,068.56 crore for the implementation of PMKSY from 2021 to 2026. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) is a key component of PMKSY, focusing on creating irrigation potential through major and medium projects.

Progress and Achievements

Since the launch of PMKSY, 63 projects have been completed, creating an additional irrigation potential of 2.611 million hectares. The Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project is the tenth project included under the AIBP component of PMKSY 2.0 since 2012.

Future Prospects

The successful implementation of the Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project will lead to improved agricultural productivity. It will also contribute to sustainable water management practices in Bihar, ensuring that farmers have reliable access to water resources.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the significance of irrigation projects in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.
2. Critically examine the role of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana in promoting sustainable agriculture.
3. What is the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme? How does it support irrigation development in India?
4. Explain the challenges of water management in agriculture. Discuss with suitable examples from state of Indias.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the significance of irrigation projects in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.

1. Irrigation projects provide consistent water supply, crucial for crop growth, especially in drought-prone areas.
2. They increase the area under cultivation, allowing farmers to grow multiple crops annually, thereby enhancing yields.
3. Irrigation improves soil moisture retention, reducing dependency on monsoon rains and mitigating risks of crop failure.
4. These projects contribute to food security by boosting agricultural output and stabilizing prices in the market.
5. Investment in irrigation infrastructure can lead to rural development, creating jobs and improving livelihoods for farming communities.

2. Critically examine the role of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana in promoting sustainable agriculture.

1. PMKSY aims to enhance water use efficiency through modern irrigation techniques, reducing wastage.
2. It promotes the use of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, supporting sustainable water management practices.
3. The scheme encourages the diversification of crops, reducing reliance on water-intensive crops and promoting environmental sustainability.
4. By improving irrigation access, it helps in increasing farmers’ incomes and reducing poverty in rural areas.
5. PMKSY emphasizes community participation and awareness, encouraging a sense of ownership among farmers for sustainable practices.

3. What is the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme? How does it support irrigation development in India?

1. The AIBP is a government initiative aimed at creating irrigation potential through major and medium irrigation projects.
2. It provides financial assistance to states for the completion of irrigation projects, enhancing their capacity to irrigate agricultural land.
3. AIBP focuses on the integration of existing irrigation systems, improving efficiency and reducing water loss.
4. Since its inception, it has successfully completed numerous projects, increasing the irrigated area in India.
5. The programme aligns with PMKSY to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and improved rural livelihoods.

4. Explain the challenges of water management in agriculture. Discuss with suitable examples from the state of India.

1. Water scarcity due to over-extraction of groundwater is challenge, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana.
2. Poor irrigation infrastructure leads to inefficiencies, resulting in water loss and inadequate supply to farms.
3. Climate change impacts, such as erratic rainfall patterns, exacerbate water management issues, affecting crop yields.
4. Inadequate awareness and training among farmers about efficient water use practices hinder effective management.
5. Conflicts over water resources between agricultural and urban needs create tensions, as seen in states like Maharashtra.