Kosi-Mechi Inter-State Link Project: Central Assistance and Progress
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
The Kosi-Mechi inter-state link project has been included under PMKSY-AIBP with central assistance of ₹3,652.56 crore and a total revised cost of ₹6,143.22 crore, targeting completion by March 2029. The reconstruction of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal has commenced with a contract of ₹2,639.80 crore, achieving 8.5% physical progress. India is also in regular dialogue with Nepal for dam construction on the Kosi river for mutual benefits including flood control.
Background
The Kosi-Mechi link is an inter-state river linking project aimed at transferring water from the Kosi basin to the Mechi basin for irrigation and other uses. It is part of the larger national river linking plan. The project involves reconstruction of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal. Additionally, India and Nepal have a Joint Project Office (JPO-SKSKI) since 2003 to prepare DPRs for the Saptakoshi Multipurpose Project and the Sun Kosi Kamala Diversion Multipurpose Project.
Key facts
Kosi-Mechi inter-state link project included under PMKSY-AIBP with central assistance of ₹3,652.56 crore and total cost of ₹6,143.22 crore.
Project targeted for completion by March 2029.
Reconstruction of Eastern Kosi Main Canal (0.00 to 41.30 km) awarded at ₹2,639.80 crore; physical progress 8.5%.
India regularly discusses dam construction on Kosi river with Nepal for mutual benefits including flood control.
Joint Project Office (JPO-SKSKI) formed in 2003 for DPRs of Saptakoshi and Sun Kosi Kamala projects.
Saptakoshi Multipurpose Project: topographic survey, construction material survey, water quality survey, inland navigation study, hydrological study, seismic study, drilling (1,258 m), communication survey, GLOF studies completed.
Sun Kosi Kamala Diversion Multipurpose Project: topographic survey, water quality survey, hydrological study, seismic study, drilling (1,549 m), communication survey, GLOF studies completed.
No meeting of India-Nepal Joint Committee held during 2025-26.
Bihar received ₹206.77 crore central assistance under Flood Management and Border Areas Programme in last three years.
No proposal for a permanent Kosi-Gandak Basin Authority is under consideration of Government of India.
Prelims pointers
- PMKSY-AIBP: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana - Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme
- Kosi-Mechi Inter-State Link Project
- Eastern Kosi Main Canal
- Saptakoshi Multipurpose Project
- Sun Kosi Kamala Diversion Multipurpose Project
- Joint Project Office (JPO-SKSKI) formed in 2003
- GLOF: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
- Flood Management and Border Areas Programme
- Bihar state
- Nepal
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of inter-state river linking projects in India with reference to the Kosi-Mechi link.
- Examine the challenges in India-Nepal cooperation on transboundary river projects like Saptakoshi and Sun Kosi.
- Analyze the role of PMKSY-AIBP in accelerating irrigation benefits and its impact on agriculture.
- Evaluate the flood management strategies in the Kosi basin and the need for a permanent basin authority.