Bihar Government Greenlights Massive Flood Protection Investment
The Bihar government has committed to a substantial financial outlay of Rs 1,117 crore for the implementation of 384 flood protection schemes across the state. This decision was formally approved during the 66th meeting of the Bihar State Flood Control Council (BSFCC), which convened in Patna on Thursday.
Council Meeting Details and Key Allocations
Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, who also serves as the chairman of the BSFCC, presided over the session. The council engaged in comprehensive discussions, with a particular focus on five specific schemes. A significant portion of the budget, amounting to Rs 340 crore, has been earmarked for these initiatives. Among them, four schemes are designed as anti-erosion measures, while one involves the construction of a protective ring bund around AIIMS Darbhanga to mitigate waterlogging risks.
Ministerial Directives and Implementation Timeline
Minister Choudhary issued clear instructions to the concerned engineers, emphasizing the critical need for rigorous monitoring of all state embankments. He mandated that engineers conduct personal site inspections and submit detailed reports to the department. Additionally, he stressed the importance of coordination with local administrative bodies to expedite necessary repair works in vulnerable zones. All 384 schemes are slated for completion ahead of the 2026 flood season, ensuring enhanced preparedness.
High-Level Participation and Broader Implications
The meeting saw the attendance of key officials, including Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Santosh Kumar Mall. Representatives from several departments, such as planning and development, finance, revenue and land reforms, disaster management, and the Ganga Flood Control Commission, were also present. This collaborative effort underscores the government's proactive approach to bolstering flood resilience and safeguarding infrastructure, particularly critical institutions like AIIMS Darbhanga, from seasonal inundation threats.
