India

Bihar CM Urges Priority for State in Ganga Water Treaty Talks

By Amit Bhelari

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on Friday, October 30, 2026, that Bihar’s interests must be given top priority in matters concerning the Ganga Water and the Farakka Treaty. He made the remarks during a one‑day seminar organised by the State Water Resources Department titled ‘Ganga Water Treaty: Water Security of Bihar’. Choudhary stressed that sufficient water is essential for Bihar’s holistic development, agricultural expansion and industrial progress. He noted that the state needs water for drinking, irrigation and industry, and that the 25‑year dispute with Jharkhand over Sone River water has been resolved with the help of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, ensuring Bihar receives three‑quarters of the water. He described this as a major achievement for better water resource management.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state has formulated a policy for ‘Silt Management’ and will adopt a scientific approach to remove and utilise silt from the Ganga and other rivers. Efforts will be made to make the silt and soil available for public use and for construction projects such as roads. An agreement with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected soon, and a national silt management policy is also needed.

Choudhary called for the construction and strengthening of embankments along the Ganga and urged experts to conduct an aerial survey of the river to assess its current state, flow and silt accumulation, enabling effective recommendations. He highlighted the potential of Bihar’s rivers to create opportunities in agriculture, industry, infrastructure and employment, and said the state government aims to generate employment for one crore people, with optimal water use playing a crucial role.

He reiterated the commitment to transform Bihar’s rivers into the foundation of the state’s economic prosperity and suggested that scientific water management, expert guidance and central government support will steer Bihar toward new heights of development.