Indian territory lost due to shrinking of Gandak river

MOTIHARI(BIHAR), APRIL 8. Nepal had taken possession of thousands of acres of Indian territory because of the shrinking of the Gandak river, on the Nepal side bordering Bihar during the last 30 years.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, Mr. C.P. Thakur, said the river was eroding its banks 20 km deep between Balmikinagar and Bagha in the Champaran district.

Mr Thakur, who made an aerial survey of the river said the Centre would raise the issue with Nepal soon to take repossession of the land.

He said there was a need to construct spurs here also as was done in the neighboring Uttar Pradesh.

He said North Bihar had to face floods every year due to the erosion caused by the rivers passing through Nepal. A project would be chalked out after discussing the issue with the Nepalese officials, he added.

Dr. Thakur, said his Ministry would monitor the Centre-funded projects in the State and would not hesitate to interfere if it was found that the State Government was not able to complete them in time .

The Minister stated that the Centre had provided Rs.eight crores to the Bihar Government for adopting flood fighting measures at Lalbakiya river four years back. He regretted that the State Government could spend only Rs 80 lakhs.

He said the problems related to the water resources would be discussed with the State Chief Minister, on April ten and the State Government would be asked to send proposals to the Centre for solving the problems.

At the same time he assured that the Centre would provide the required funds to the State Government without delay.-UNI

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