The Bihar government has initiated the Bihar Water Resources Restoration and Silt Management Policy 2026 to tackle the persistent issue of silt accumulation in rivers, aiming to mitigate flood risks throughout the state. This policy is designed to scientifically remove silt from rivers, barrages, and reservoirs, repurposing it for infrastructure projects, including the construction of National Highways.

In a significant move, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Bihar government formalised their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement was signed in New Delhi, with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in attendance.

Objectives and Scope of the Initiative

The initiative aims to achieve two primary objectives: restoring the water-carrying and water-retention capabilities of water bodies affected by silt and ensuring the availability of suitable materials for highway construction. According to NHAI, there is an estimated requirement of approximately 243 lakh cubic metres of silt for ongoing and planned National Highway projects in Bihar.

Currently, Bihar has 39 ongoing highway projects spanning around 1,561 km, with a projected cost of Rs 58,340 crore. Additionally, there are 11 proposed projects covering roughly 1,982 km, which are expected to require an investment of Rs 1,85,200 crore.

Under the MoU, desilting operations will be conducted following comprehensive technical evaluations of selected water bodies. The extracted silt will undergo quality testing to confirm its suitability for use in National Highway projects, adhering to the standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Indian Roads Congress (IRC).

Institutional Framework and Environmental Safeguards

The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration between NHAI and the Bihar government. The state’s Road Construction Department (RCD) will act as the nodal agency, while a state-level coordination committee will oversee project proposals, approvals, and implementation progress.

To ensure ecological balance, the MoU includes safeguards against any potential disturbances caused by desilting activities. Extraction will only be permitted at approved sites and within specified technical limits. Regular monitoring, joint measurements, and digital record-keeping will be implemented to maintain transparency throughout the process.

A key aim of the policy is to redefine river silt as a valuable resource rather than construction waste. This approach is expected to lessen reliance on agricultural soil for infrastructure development, thereby aiding in the conservation of cultivable land. Furthermore, it may lead to reduced costs for construction materials and expedite the execution of infrastructure projects.

Addressing Flooding Challenges in Bihar

Bihar has faced recurring flooding issues, particularly in its northern districts, where seasonal floods often damage homes, agricultural land, and public infrastructure. Silt accumulation is a significant factor that hampers the capacity of rivers and other water bodies to manage water effectively. The government anticipates that scientific desilting will enhance water flow and bolster flood management strategies.

Since 2014, Bihar’s National Highway network has expanded from 4,615 km to approximately 6,500 km. Additionally, around 29 new bridges have been constructed over major rivers in the state during this period. The successful implementation of the new policy and the agreement with NHAI will be pivotal in determining the initiative’s overall impact.

Regular desilting, effective monitoring, and environmentally responsible utilisation of extracted materials will be crucial to achieving the dual goals of reducing flood risks and enhancing the state’s road infrastructure.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share