In a significant push to accelerate critical infrastructure development, Bihar's Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit has issued directives to officials and executing agencies to speed up work on three major projects. This move comes ahead of an impending progress review by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Weekly Review Meeting Sets Aggressive Timeline
Chairing a weekly review meeting focused on the Bakhtiarpur-Tajpur mega bridge, the North Koel reservoir, and the Mandai weir irrigation projects, the chief secretary emphasized the need for urgency. Pratyaya Amrit stated that key hurdles, including land acquisition issues, have now been resolved, clearing the path for unhindered construction. He stressed that while pace must increase, quality standards cannot be compromised to ensure the projects are completed on schedule.
Senior officials from concerned departments provided detailed presentations on the current status of each initiative during the meeting. Amrit highlighted that all three projects are on the Chief Minister's priority list, underscoring their importance for the state's development.
Focus on Ground-Level Progress and Coordination
To ensure tangible progress, the chief secretary announced a personal field visit to assess the North Koel reservoir project in Gaya and Aurangabad districts. He instructed District Magistrates and departmental officers to conduct regular reviews at their respective levels to maintain momentum.
Regarding the Mandai weir irrigation project, Amrit gave clear instructions to officials to ensure farmers receive compensation for acquired land promptly. This step is deemed crucial to prevent any delays in construction work. He also underscored the necessity for seamless coordination among different departments and officials involved in these large-scale endeavors.
Key Projects and Their Deadlines
The most prominent among the projects is the Bakhtiarpur-Tajpur mega bridge across the Ganga. According to the schedule discussed, this vital river crossing is slated for inauguration and public opening later this year. The bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time in the region.
The other two projects under the Water Resources Department—the North Koel reservoir and the Mandai weir—are critical for irrigation and water management in their respective areas, aiming to boost agricultural productivity.
The review meeting saw participation from top bureaucrats including Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall, Planning and Development Department Secretary Mayank Varvade, Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Pal, and Finance Department Secretary (Expenditure) Rachna Patil, among others. Representatives from the executing agencies were also present.
