Why in News?
• The Central Government has started the Kosi–Mechi project to address Bihar’s persistent flood vulnerability and to provide irrigation support to farmers.
Key Points
• Objective:
- utilise Kosi river waters through canal linkages
- divert flood-prone flows → beneficial irrigation use
• Expected Outcomes: - flood risk mitigation in North Bihar (Kosi basin)
- assured irrigation → stabilises crop production
- reduction in repeated monsoon losses to agriculture
Kosi Region Context
• Kosi is called the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to frequent course shifts & high sediment load leading to annual flooding.
• The Mechi river system will enable a command area irrigation expansion → agricultural productivity boost.