The long-pending North Koel Canal Project (NKCP), first envisioned in 1970, is finally witnessing accelerated progress after decades of delays. Authorities have confirmed that land acquisition for the project is on track and expected to be completed by December 2025, paving the way for uninterrupted construction activity. The physical construction work is targeted for completion by March 2026, marking a significant milestone for a project that has remained stalled for nearly five decades.
Under the direction of Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, officials have been instructed to strictly adhere to the revised timelines and ensure smooth coordination across departments. Once operational, the NKCP will provide irrigation to nearly 1.24 lakh hectares of agricultural land across Bihar and Jharkhand, directly benefiting close to 25 lakh farmers in the region.
Key components of the project include a major dam on the Koel River, a barrage in Palamu, and an extensive canal network designed to supply reliable water to drought-prone areas. With a massive project cost exceeding ₹20,000 crore, the North Koel Canal Project stands as one of India’s most significant irrigation initiatives. For farmers who have long depended on uncertain monsoon patterns, this renewed momentum brings long-awaited hope for stable water supply and improved agricultural productivity.
