In a crucial move ahead of the rainy season, Bihar's Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, has issued strict directives to hasten the preparatory work for the state's annual flood defence. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Patna, the minister instructed officials and engineers to complete the tendering process for all flood-control and anti-erosion projects on an urgent basis.
Deadline Set for End of May
The minister has set a firm deadline for the completion of all approved schemes. All work must be finished by the end of May 2024, nearly six months before the monsoon typically intensifies. This timeline, according to Choudhary, is non-negotiable. He argued that finishing the tendering process within the stipulated period would create a valuable buffer. This extra time could be used for any necessary reinforcement work identified later, thereby strengthening the state's flood resilience.
"The tendering process for flood-control schemes must be taken up on priority. The work should be completed ahead of schedule at any cost," Minister Choudhary asserted during the meeting. He stressed that an early completion would allow authorities to focus more intently on the quality of construction and provide adequate time for thorough inspections at various project sites.
Focus on Quality and Transparency
Beyond just speed, the minister emphasised rigorous quality checks and transparent execution. He directed the department's chief engineers to personally visit work sites to assess the progress and ensure the use of standard construction materials. Officials were also instructed to eliminate delays in administrative approvals, query resolutions, and work sanctions to keep projects on track.
Choudhary highlighted that the effectiveness of the execution must be visible at the local level. For this, he mandated a robust feedback mechanism. "If any problem arises at the local level, the headquarters should be informed immediately so that timely intervention can be made," he stated. Furthermore, he ordered that two to three rounds of inspections be conducted by officials from the headquarters after the completion of works to guarantee standards are met.
High-Stakes Preparations for Vulnerable State
The urgency of the directives is underscored by Bihar's acute vulnerability to flooding. Out of the state's 38 districts, a staggering 28 are classified as flood-prone. The annual monsoon brings widespread disruption, making pre-emptive measures critical. The review meeting was attended by key officials including WRD Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall, Engineers-in-Chief Varun Kumar, Brajesh Mohan, and Awdhesh Kumar, along with other senior figures. Chief engineers overseeing the flood-prone regions participated via video conferencing.
The minister also outlined a plan for post-monsoon onset assessments. Around mid-June, after the rains begin, on-the-spot evaluations will be conducted to identify any locations that require additional strengthening or emergency reinforcement. This two-pronged strategy—completing fixed projects by May and remaining agile for mid-monsoon corrections—aims to mitigate the impact of floods on millions of residents across the state.
