Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Calls for Sone-Falgu River Interlinking in Bihar
In a significant development aimed at addressing persistent water-related challenges in the region, Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has made a strong demand for the interlinking of the Sone and Falgu rivers. This appeal was voiced during a public meeting held on Friday in Mayapur village, located under the Tankuppa block of Gaya district, as part of the Chief Minister's Samriddhi Yatra.
High-Profile Gathering and Political Dynamics
The event saw a notable assembly of political leaders, with both Manjhi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sharing the stage. Also present were assembly speaker Prem Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and water resources minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary. While making his demand, Manjhi emphasized that only Nitish Kumar possesses the capability to execute the river interlinking project, highlighting the CM's influence and administrative prowess.
Interestingly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who took the podium immediately after Manjhi, remained silent on the river interlinking demand throughout his lengthy speech. This has sparked speculation about the state government's stance and potential future actions regarding the proposed initiative.
Additional Demands for Educational Infrastructure
Beyond the river interlinking, Manjhi also advocated for the establishment of one degree college each in the Fatehpur, Tankuppa, and Dobhi blocks of Gaya district. This aligns with the state government's existing commitment to set up colleges in blocks where higher education facilities are currently lacking, aiming to enhance educational access and opportunities for local students.
Context and Implications
The interlinking of the Sone and Falgu rivers is viewed as a critical measure to mitigate water scarcity, improve irrigation, and support agricultural activities in the region. Manjhi's public demand underscores the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps and promote sustainable development in Bihar. As the state government evaluates this proposal, stakeholders await further announcements and potential implementation steps to tackle the pressing water issues affecting Gaya and surrounding areas.
