New Delhi, July 27 (ANI): The Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project has been included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP), with a balance project cost of Rs 6,143.22 crore, including central assistance of Rs 3,652.56 crore, the government informed Parliament on Monday.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the project is scheduled for completion by March 2029. The remodelling of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal from kilometre 0.00 to 41.30 has been awarded at a contract value of Rs 2,639.80 crore, with physical progress reaching 8.5 per cent so far.
The government also said it is engaged in regular dialogue 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 said the Joint Project Office (JPO-SKSKI), constituted in 2003 to prepare the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Sapta Kosi Multipurpose Project and the Sun-Kosi Kamla Diversion Multipurpose Project, has completed several key studies, including topographical, hydrological, seismological, water quality and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) studies for both projects. Drilling and communication surveys have also been completed.
The Centre further informed that no meeting of the Indo-Nepal Joint Committee was held during 2025-26. It added that central assistance of Rs 206.77 crore has been released to Bihar under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme over the last three years.
The government also clarified that no proposal for setting up a permanent Kosi-Gandak Basin Authority is currently under consideration. (ANI)
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