Current Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Modi, has approved the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project in Bihar under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).

About the Project

• Central Assistance: ₹3,652.56 crore, with a completion target of March 2029.
• Objective: Divert surplus water from Kosi River to irrigate the Mahananda basin in Bihar.

Key Features:

• Remodeling of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC).
• Extension of EKMC up to Mechi River.
• Linking Kosi and Mechi Rivers within Bihar.

Impact

• Irrigation expansion to 2,10,516 hectares in the Kharif season.
• Coverage in Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts.
• Utilization of 2,050 million cubic meters of surplus Kosi water.
• Restoration of irrigation in 1.57 lakh hectares under EKMC’s command.