By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, April 20, 2026: In a high-level review meeting, Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday assessed the progress of two major irrigation projects—the North Koel Reservoir Project and the Mandai Weir Project—emphasizing the need to expedite work ahead of the monsoon season.
Officials briefed Pratyaya Amrit about the progress of the North Koel Reservoir project:
The meeting was convened to assess the current status and chalk out the future action plan for the North Koel Reservoir project, which has an estimated cost of Rs 1,367.61 crore.
During the review, officials informed that the Right Main Canal (RMC) has achieved 55.04% physical progress so far, with a notable 4.115 progress recorded in the last 13 days.
The overall physical progress of the project currently stands at 29.97%.
Work is ongoing across multiple packages (Packages 3 to 11), covering earthwork, Cement Concrete Lining (CNS), and canal lining. Construction activities are also underway for key structures, including gates and hoist systems at KM 64.150 and KM 68.00.
The review also covered the deployment of manpower and machinery at the project site. At present, 572 personnel are engaged in the work, supported by equipment such as excavators, dumpers, and lining pavers.
On land acquisition, officials stated that the process in Aurangabad and Gaya districts is nearing completion.
Out of the total 41.251 hectares required in Aurangabad, most have already been acquired, with a deadline of April 30, 2026, set for completing the remaining portion. Efforts are also underway to conclude land acquisition in Gaya at the earliest.
Following the review, Pratyaya Amrit issued several key directives. Taking note of the recent pace of progress, he directed officials to further accelerate work to achieve maximum targets before the onset of the monsoon.
He also instructed that manpower and machinery be increased as per requirement to ensure the uninterrupted execution of work. The district administration was directed to resolve all pending land acquisition matters within the stipulated deadline of April 30, 2026.
Emphasizing quality, the Chief Secretary made it clear that no compromise would be tolerated in construction standards and directed headquarters-level officers to conduct regular site inspections.
Additionally, officials were instructed to expedite the evaluation of pending tenders and technical assessments related to the distribution system, ensuring that water delivery to the command area is not delayed.
Mandai Weir Project review:
Bihar Chief Secretary, Pratyaya Amrit, also conducted a detailed review of the progress of the Mandai Weir Project along with its associated Right and Left Main Canal Systems being executed by the Water Resources Department.
The review meeting focused on assessing the status and expediting the implementation of this ambitious irrigation project, which has an estimated cost of Rs 232.83 crore.
During the presentation, officials informed that work across various components of the project is progressing at a steady pace.
As per the latest update, the overall physical progress has reached 62.10%. Since April 6, 2026, an additional 1.25 % progress has been recorded.
Component-wise progress was also highlighted during the meeting. Work on the Right Main Canal (RMC) has reached 48.95%, while the Left Main Canal (LMC) stands at 53.60%. Significant progress has been made, with some sections nearing 65% completion.
Reviewing the status, Pratyaya Amrit issued several key directives emphasizing both speed and quality of execution.
He noted that manpower and machinery—including excavators, tippers, and labor—were below the required levels at several sites.
Directing immediate corrective action, he instructed officials to ensure adequate deployment of resources so that construction work does not slow down.
Pratyaya Amrit further emphasized that critical earthwork and canal lining must be completed on priority before the onset of the monsoon. In areas facing soil availability challenges, he directed officials to make alternative arrangements and streamline logistics to avoid disruption.
To ensure strict monitoring, senior departmental officers were instructed to conduct regular site inspections and submit weekly progress reports.
Additional instructions for the Mandai project:
Highlighting the importance of the project, Pratyaya Amrit stated that it will provide irrigation benefits to a large command area, and therefore, any delay would be unacceptable.
He also directed that all pending issues related to tender processes and technical approvals be resolved without delay.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department. Senior engineers, contractors, and districts also participated via video conferencing.
The review reflects the state government’s renewed focus on fast-tracking critical infrastructure projects. With strict monitoring and deadlines in place, the administration aims to ensure that both irrigation projects are completed efficiently, ultimately benefiting farmers and strengthening Bihar’s agricultural economy.
Also Read: Bihar CS Pratyaya Amrit reviews preparations for the Census 2027 self-enumeration drive.
EOM.
