Centre approves silt management policy for Bihar, paving the way for flood relief.
Patna, July 11, 2025: In a significant step towards mitigating Bihar’s annual monsoon floods, the Centre has approved a comprehensive silt management policy for the systematic management of silt deposited in the Ganga, Kosi, and other rivers in the state.
The decision was taken during the eastern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Ranchi on Thursday.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena attended the meeting on behalf of the state.
Silt management is a long-pending demand of Bihar:
Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary stated that excessive silt deposition in rivers like Ganga and Kosi reduces water holding capacity and blocks water flow in low-lying areas, intensifying flood situations and displacing millions annually.
“The Centre has accepted our long-pending demand. A structured silt management approach will help reduce the devastation caused by floods in Bihar every year,” Samrat Chaudhary said.
Son River water sharing agreement finalized, apart from silt management:
The meeting also finalized the Indrapuri Reservoir-Bansagar Agreement for Son River water sharing. Bihar will receive 5.75 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, while Jharkhand will receive 2.00 MAF of water.
This agreement, pending for years, will bring clarity on water distribution between the two states, helping in effective water management.
The Bihar delegation also requested the Centre to reduce the Farakka barrage’s impact on the Ganga’s uninterrupted flow and urged the Centre to bear 100% of anti-erosion expenditure.
Especially along the Bihar-West Bengal border, apart from proposing a coordinated water management policy for rivers entering Bihar from Nepal and other states to enhance interstate flood management.
Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary emphasized the need for interstate coordination to address floods caused by rivers from adjoining states and Nepal.
Regional development and cooperation:
The meeting also discussed the development of border areas, strengthening interstate cooperation and expediting long-pending regional projects.
“With the joint efforts of the Government of India and the states, regional development is getting new momentum, and long-stalled projects are moving forward rapidly,” Samrat Chaudhary added.
The Eastern Zonal Council meeting proved to be a constructive platform to address the issues of eastern states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, focusing on regional development and disaster mitigation.
Also Read: CM Nitish Kumar reviewed flood and drought preparedness and emphasized priority to disaster victims.
EOM.