Patna: Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary on Friday submitted a 32-page memorandum to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging the Centre to allocate generous funds for Bihar’s development in the 2025-26 central budget. Among the key demands, Chaudhary called for collaboration with the Nepal govt to build high dams to tackle the annual flooding issue in north Bihar.
“Every year, north Bihar faces the curse of floods, which cause huge damage to humans, livestock and infrastructure. A permanent solution should be developed to stop these disasters,” Chaudhary stated in the memorandum. He recommended the construction of high dams, such as the Saptakosi high dam and the Bagmati dam project, with Nepal’s cooperation. He also requested approval and central assistance for flood management projects recommended by the Jal Shakti ministry.
Chaudhary stressed the need to include key international and inter-state rivers, like the Gandak, Kosi and Kamla, under the Flood Management Programme (FMP). “I urge you to approve schemes with 90% central assistance for controlling floods from rivers like Gandak, Kosi and Kamla,” he said.
Addressing infrastructure needs, Chaudhary pointed out that Bihar’s 26 districts require additional bridges and culverts for efficient water drainage during the rainy season. He estimated that approximately Rs 13,000 crore would be required for this construction. He also requested the Centre to allow an additional borrowing limit, suggesting a 1% GSDP rebate for Bihar until its per capita income reaches the national average.
Chaudhary also requested the installation of solar parks with capacities of 50-100MW, urging an extension of the existing timeline for the solar park scheme to 2028. Bihar is already working on a plan to install 20-25 floating solar plants. Two such plants in Darbhanga and Supaul are already operational.
Chaudhary also sought approval for a small modular reactor (SMR) for nuclear energy in Bihar, preferably in Nawada or Banka, to enhance the state’s nuclear capabilities. He proposed the construction of high-speed corridors to eliminate regional disparities, such as the Ladania-Nawada and Raxaul-Dighwara corridors.
In terms of aviation infrastructure, Chaudhary called for the upgradation of Darbhanga airport to international status, along with provisions for new Greenfield Airports in Rajgir and Bhagalpur, and funding for Raxaul airport. He also sought the establishment of 10 new Kendriya Vidyalayas to improve education.
Patna: Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary on Friday submitted a 32-page memorandum to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging the Centre to allocate generous funds for Bihar’s development in the 2025-26 central budget. Among the key demands, Chaudhary called for collaboration with the Nepal govt to build high dams to tackle the annual flooding issue in north Bihar.
“Every year, north Bihar faces the curse of floods, which cause huge damage to humans, livestock and infrastructure. A permanent solution should be developed to stop these disasters,” Chaudhary stated in the memorandum. He recommended the construction of high dams, such as the Saptakosi high dam and the Bagmati dam project, with Nepal’s cooperation. He also requested approval and central assistance for flood management projects recommended by the Jal Shakti ministry.
Chaudhary stressed the need to include key international and inter-state rivers, like the Gandak, Kosi and Kamla, under the Flood Management Programme (FMP). “I urge you to approve schemes with 90% central assistance for controlling floods from rivers like Gandak, Kosi and Kamla,” he said.
Addressing infrastructure needs, Chaudhary pointed out that Bihar’s 26 districts require additional bridges and culverts for efficient water drainage during the rainy season. He estimated that approximately Rs 13,000 crore would be required for this construction. He also requested the Centre to allow an additional borrowing limit, suggesting a 1% GSDP rebate for Bihar until its per capita income reaches the national average.
Chaudhary also requested the installation of solar parks with capacities of 50-100MW, urging an extension of the existing timeline for the solar park scheme to 2028. Bihar is already working on a plan to install 20-25 floating solar plants. Two such plants in Darbhanga and Supaul are already operational.
Chaudhary also sought approval for a small modular reactor (SMR) for nuclear energy in Bihar, preferably in Nawada or Banka, to enhance the state’s nuclear capabilities. He proposed the construction of high-speed corridors to eliminate regional disparities, such as the Ladania-Nawada and Raxaul-Dighwara corridors.
In terms of aviation infrastructure, Chaudhary called for the upgradation of Darbhanga airport to international status, along with provisions for new Greenfield Airports in Rajgir and Bhagalpur, and funding for Raxaul airport. He also sought the establishment of 10 new Kendriya Vidyalayas to improve education.