Patna (Bihar) [India], August 21 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has directed the early completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the high-level dam on the Kosi River following a request from Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, according to a state government release.
The Union Finance Minister also directed the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti to take necessary action regarding the provision of funds for the first phase of the Kosi-Mechi Link Project and technical approval for the second phase.
Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, met Sitharaman and Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. They held discussions on various issues related to Bihar’s development, including funds to be received by the state in line with announcements made for Bihar in the Union Budget and implementation of various schemes.
The Chief Minister requested the Centre’s cooperation for Bihar’s development and urged prompt action on pending matters.
The issue of securing necessary funds for the first phase and obtaining technical approval for the second phase of the Kosi-Mechi inter-state river link project was raised during the meeting. The Chief Minister said advancement of the project would yield significant benefits for irrigation, agriculture and water management in Bihar’s Seemanchal region.
Discussions were also held on the Sapt Kosi project. At the Chief Minister’s request, Sitharaman directed that the DPR for the high-level dam on the Kosi River be completed expeditiously.
It was also agreed that a representative from Bihar would be included in the Joint Technical Expert Committee to ensure the state’s interests are effectively represented on technical aspects of the project.
Discussions were held on implementing the SNA & SPARSH mechanisms by September 30 to facilitate greater central assistance for Bihar, as well as on the effective implementation of ‘Reform-Based Incentives’ under SASCI. The Chief Minister said this would help make additional financial resources available to the state for development schemes.
The establishment of Vikramshila University was also discussed. Chaudhary informed that the Bihar government has already provided 219 acres of land for the university in Bhagalpur. Similarly, 100 acres of land have been made available by the state government for NIFTEM in Hajipur. The Chief Minister requested the Central Government to expedite the commencement of work on both institutions.
Chaudhary stated that the meeting was highly positive and that assurances of constructive cooperation and necessary action were received from the Central Government regarding key issues concerning Bihar’s development.
Discussions also took place regarding the early commencement of work on the Sone-Phalgu River Link Project, the Mahabodhi Corridor and the Vishnupad Temple Corridor.
He added that the Central and State governments are working together rapidly to ensure Bihar’s holistic development, expand infrastructure and secure maximum central resources for the state. (ANI)
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