(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned “Bihar mein har versh bandh vinash ke liy Kendra sarkar jimmeydaar†appearing in ‘Punjab Kesari’ dated October 25, 2002;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;
(c) whether the Government propose to construct a multi-purpose
dam on Kosi, Kamla and Baghmati rivers to control flood menace in
the State; and
(d) the remedial steps proposed by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SMT. BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)
(a) to (d) Yes Sir. The Government of India is aware that
floods in Bihar are generally caused by the rivers coming from
Nepal. Government of India is in dialogue with HMG. Nepal on a
regular basis at various levels to mitigate the devastation caused
by flood from rivers originating from Nepal.
As regards Sapta Kosi High Dam Multipurpose Project and
Sunkosi Storage cum Diversion Scheme, a break through was achieved
in October, 2001 during the discussions with Nepal wherein a Joint
Inception Report on the scheme was finalised, paving the way for
setting up of Joint Project Office and taking up field
investigations for preparation of Joint Detailed Project Report.
This project will interalia provide flood control benefits for
Bihar.
Regarding the construction of multipurpose Projects on
Kamla & Bagmati rivers, the matter is still under discussion with
HMG Nepal.
Further, in order to prevent spilling of flood waters
from Lalbakeya, Bagmati, Khando & Kamla rivers from Nepal side
into Bihar, both sides have agreed to extend the embankments along
these rivers in Indian Territory to Nepal and tie to high ground
in Nepal with corresponding strengthening of embankments on Indian
side. The Central Government provides financial assistance for
these works. The Central Government is also providing financial
assistance to Government of Bihar for maintenance of flood
protection works on river Kosi.