Mechi River and Kosi–Mechi Intra-State Link Project

About Mechi River

• Origins: The Mechi River originates in the Mahabharat Range (Mahabharat Lekh) of Nepal as a perennial river.
• Course: It flows through eastern Nepal and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal before entering Bihar.
• Confluence: The Mechi River joins the Mahananda River in Kishanganj district of Bihar.
• River System: It is a tributary of the Mahananda River, which ultimately drains into the Ganga.
• Key Features:
  • Braided Channel Nature: The Mechi River often develops braided channels because of heavy sediment load and variable discharge during the monsoon.
  • Alluvial Fan Formation: The river forms well-developed alluvial fans in the plains by depositing fertile sediments, which support agriculture but also increase flood vulnerability.
  • Flood-Prone Behaviour: Heavy monsoon rainfall causes flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

About Kosi–Mechi Intra-State Link Project

• The Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project: It is a vital water management initiative in Bihar that transfers surplus water from the Kosi River to the Mechi River.
• National Plan: It forms part of the National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers.
• Ministry involved: The project operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Implemented by: The project is supervised by the National Water Development Agency.
• Objective: It transfers surplus monsoon water from the Kosi River to the Mechi River to improve irrigation, strengthen water management, and support agriculture.
• Key Aspects
  • PMKSY-AIBP Support: The project has been included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana–Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).
  • Project Cost: The project has a total estimated cost of ₹ 6,143.22 crore, out of which ₹3,652.56 crore has been sanctioned as Central assistance to Bihar.
  • Project Progress: The project is scheduled for completion by March 2029.