Bihar strongly pitches for action due to siltation caused by Farakka

Patna, Sep 21: The Bihar government today made a strong presentation before a committee constituted by Union Water Resources ministry to show how siltation in Ganga river due to Farakka dam led to rise in water level of the river at several points, resulting in flood.

Principal Secretary of Bihar Water Resources Department Arun Kumar Singh made a power point presentation before Madhav Chittle committee, an official statement said here. The committee was formed at the initiative of the Bihar government.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had drawn his attention towards siltation triggered by Farakka dam resulting in rise in water level in Ganga and resulting in flood every year.

He had urged the PM for a deep study of the situation and formulate a national silt policy. The Bihar government's presentation in national capital was attended by Secretary of Union Water Resources ministry Shashi Sekhar and IIT Delhi Professor A K Gosain.

In his presentation, Singh showed how due to siltation caused by Farakka dam resulted in record rise in water level in Ganga at Patna, Hathidah and Bhagalpur this year causing widespread destruction. He demanded decommissioning of Farakka dam due to its bad impact.

The officer also made a strong case for formulation of national silt policy. Newly appointed Vice President of Bihar State Disaster Management Authority Vyasji was present in the function.

PTI