Patna: Agriculture minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Tuesday said the Bihar Water Security and Irrigation Modernisation Project was being implemented to modernise irrigation, improve water resource management and strengthen the state’s capacity to tackle floods and erosion.The project, implemented jointly by the World Bank and Bihar govt, has a budget of Rs4,415 crore, with the World Bank contributing 70% and the state govt 30%.Sinha said climate change had made scientific water management, modern irrigation and climate-resilient farming essential. Components of the project are being implemented jointly by the water resources, agriculture and rural development departments.The project will focus on modernising irrigation systems, improving their operation and maintenance, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and strengthening training and capacity building. Blue and green infrastructure solutions will also be used to strengthen embankments and riverbanks and manage floods and erosion.The project will also strengthen human resources and water-related institutions, establish a hydrology and agriculture information support centre, prepare a Bihar State Water Policy and pave the way for a Bihar State Water Regulatory Authority.Sinha said 11 blocks had been identified for climate-resilient agriculture activities in Rohtas, Buxar, Kaimur, Madhubani, Gopalganj and Siwan districts. The initiative aims to protect farm production from climate risks, ensure prudent use of water and natural resources, and improve farmers’ incomes and agricultural stability.
