GANGA-NARAYANI CORRIDOR:A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO BHOJPUR FROM DROUGHT AND FLOODS

GANGA-NARAYANI CORRIDOR:A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO BHOJPUR FROM DROUGHT AND FLOODS

16-JUNE-ENG 25

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------The Bagaha-Bhojpur-Ganga-Narayani Corridor proposed by the Bihar government can prove to be a historic scheme, if it is developed as an integrated water management scheme rather than considering it as a road project. Through this corridor, not only will traffic improve in Bhojpur district, but by bringing the water of the Ganga river to drought-affected areas and managing the water in flood-affected areas, we can get rid of the double disaster.

The southern part of Bhojpur district—such as Tarari, Charpokhari, Udwantnagar, Sandesh, and Sahar—is hit by drought every summer. On the other hand, the areas situated on the banks of the Ganga in the north face the horror of floods every year. In this adverse situation, equitable distribution of water is the biggest need of the day. The corridor needs to be linked to water management.

If water canals or pipelines are built on both sides of the road in the Ganga-Narayani Corridor scheme, it can provide double benefit. Ganga water can be transported to the southern drought-affected areas, which will provide relief to farmers for irrigation, animal husbandry and drinking water.

'Water storage zones' can be developed to stop and store water during floods in the northern direction, which will reduce the intensity of floods and water will be preserved for future use. Agriculture and environment will get a boost.

This scheme will not only overcome the water crisis but will also be helpful in increasing agricultural production, reducing rural migration, and environmental balance. Bhojpur can be made a self-reliant and green district by using Ganga water properly. Appeal to the administration and policy-makers. To give concrete shape to this scheme, the government should. Check the feasibility of water flow by getting hydrological survey done by expert institutions.This scheme should be linked to the National River Conservation Project. Participation of local public representatives, panchayats and social workers should be ensured. Ganga-Narayani Corridor can become the axis of Bihar's development rather than just a transport route, if water management is included in it. There cannot be any better and sustainable option than this to provide relief to Bhojpur from both drought and flood.