Executive Summary:
This document addresses Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3061 regarding the breaking of the Kosi western embankment in September 2024. It details the damage caused, the status of the Kosi barrage, and ongoing and proposed work to strengthen the embankments and construct a road. The information is based on reports from the Government of Bihar and the National Highway Authority.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Kosi Embankment Breach (September 2024):**
* The breach of the Western Kosi Embankment (WKE) near Bhubhaul village caused destruction.
* The damaged portion of the embankment was 220 meters in length, and the repair cost was Rs. 40.2235 crore.
* **Kosi Barrage Status:**
* The Kosi barrage was constructed in 1963 in Hanuman Nagar, Nepal.
* The maximum recorded flood discharge was 7.88 Lakh Cusec in 1968.
* On September 29, 2024, the discharge was 6.61 Lakh Cusec.
* The barrage is currently functioning properly.
* Increased discharge caused overtopping of the embankment leading to its breach.
* A pre-monsoon inspection report from April 2025 identified minor to moderate damages requiring rectification.
* The barrage is categorized as Category-III, indicating minor deficiencies requiring rectification during the year.
* **Embankment and Road Construction:**
* Construction of a 10.2 km long Kosi bridge from Bheja to Bakaur, along with embankment strengthening via stone pitching, has commenced.
* A flood management project, "Raising and strengthening of Eastern and Western Kosi Embankments," with an estimated cost of Rs. 339.39 Crore, is ongoing, with 97% of physical work completed.
Impact Analysis:
* **Government of Bihar:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for reporting on the embankment breach, the status of the Kosi barrage, and coordinating with dam safety organizations. Also responsible for repair work on the embankment.
* *Action Required:* Continue to monitor and maintain the Kosi barrage and embankments, address the deficiencies identified in the inspection report, and ensure the completion of the ongoing flood management project.
* **National Highway Authority:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for the construction of the Kosi bridge and strengthening the embankment.
* *Action Required:* Continue the construction of the Kosi bridge and the strengthening of the embankment, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
* **State Dam Safety Organisation, Bihar:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for conducting pre and post-monsoon inspections of the Kosi Barrage.
* *Action Required:* Continue to conduct inspections of the Kosi Barrage and provide necessary recommendations.
Key Entities Referenced
Kosi River: A major river that flows through Nepal and Bihar, India. The policy discusses issues related to its embankments and water flow.
Kosi western embankment: A crucial embankment on the western side of the Kosi River that experienced a breach, leading to destruction in nearby areas.
Darbhanga Lok Sabha Constituency: A parliamentary constituency in Bihar, India, which includes areas affected by the Kosi embankment breach.
Government of Bihar: The state government responsible for managing the Kosi embankment and addressing the damages caused by the breach.
Nepal: The country from which the Kosi River originates and where the Kosi barrage is located.
Kosi Barrage: A barrage constructed in 1963 at Hanuman Nagar, Nepal, on the border of Bihar, used to regulate the flow of the Kosi River.
Dam Safety Act, 2021: An act mandating regular inspections and safety measures for dams, relevant to the Kosi Barrage.
Flood Management Programme FMP: A program under which the project of Raising and strengthening of Eastern and Western Kosi Embankments in Bihar was included for central funding.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3061
ANSWERED ON 07.08.2025
BREAKING OF KOSI WESTERN EMBANKMENT
†3061. SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the breaking of the Kosi western embankment near Bhubhaul village of Kiratpur in
Darbhanga Lok Sabha Constituency in the last week of September 2024 caused massive destruction in
Kiratpur, Gauda Bauram and Ghanshyampur and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether excessive flow of water from Nepal into the Kosi River this year has caused over flowing
and cracks in the dam and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether work relating to raising the height of the Kosi dam or strengthening of the same has not been
carried out since more than over 61 years back when it was built and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to start elevation and strengthening work along with the
construction of a two-lane road from Bheja on the Kosi western embankment (where country’s largest
bridge is being constructed on the Kosi river under the Bharat Mala project) to the last point and if so, the
details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) Government of Bihar has informed that breach of Western Kosi Embankment (WKE) near Bhubhaul
village of Kiratpur block in Darbhanga Lok Sabha Constituency (at Km 38.210 of WKE below
Ghoghardiha) caused destruction in terms of damaging the embankment in a length of 220 meter which
has incurred a cost of Rs. 40.2235 crore upon repairing work of the damaged portion.
(b) & (c) Kosi barrage was constructed in the year 1963 at Hanuman Nagar, Nepal at border of Bihar.
The maximum observed flood discharge is 7.88 Lakh Cusec in 1968. The discharge recorded at Kosi
Barrage on 29th September 2024 was 6.61 Lakh Cusec. At present, barrage is functioning properly.
Increased discharge caused over-topping of embankment ultimately resulting into its breach.
As per the regulations published under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, every owner of specified dam,
through their dam safety unit, shall undertake pre-monsoon and post-monsoon inspection regularly. As
1per the latest pre-monsoon inspection report of Kosi Barrage, submitted by State Dam Safety
Organisation, Bihar in April 2025 "there are no severe obstructions in, upstream or downstream of
intake/outlet structure (on the dam/barrage body) and some minor to moderate damages were observed in
the conduit concrete, breast wall and gate slots (on the dam/barrage body)." As per the inspection report
duly approved by the State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO), the barrage is categorized as Category-III
(minor deficiencies requiring rectification during the year).
(d) National Highway Authority has informed that construction of 10.2 km long Kosi bridge from Bheja
to Bakaur between Eastern to Western bund of River Kosi along with the strengthening of embankment
in the approach towards Bheja side bund by stone Pitching has started.
One flood management project namely "Raising and strengthening of Eastern and Western Kosi
Embankments" in Bihar with an estimated cost of Rs. 339.39 Crore was included for central funding
under Flood Management Programme (FMP) of Ministry in XI plan and 97% of physical work has been
completed.
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