Koshi River can be a blessing
It appears from the past experience that neither the government authorities of both Nepal and India could manage the Koshi Barrage properly nor could harness jointly such a mega size opportunity.
By Dr. Durga P. Paudyal
Finally, Saptakoshi River broke the embankments and inundated Haripir, Sripur Jabdi, Laukahi, Western Kusaha, Narsingh, Basantapur and Ghuski VDCs of Sunsari district. According to a report of the Home Ministry 40,378 people of 7102 families have been displaced, 5500 hectares of land, 12 km of black-topped road and 13 km of seasonal road have been destroyed by the flood. Similarly, the infrastructures of these VDCs including roads, schools, irrigation, drinking water system and local factories have been devastated (Nepalnews, Aug 26 08)
In Bihar about 33 lakhs people have been hit by the current round of floods, affecting 18 districts of the state. The death toll has inched close to 100. Due to pressure on embankments following swollen rivers, the state water resources department is engaged in trying to prevent breaches at about half a dozen places. The Government of India declared Kosi floods a "national calamity" and pledged an immediate assistance of Rs 1,000 crore and 1.25 lakh tonnes of food-grain while moving to partner the Bihar government in tackling the catastrophe, recognizing the severity of the crisis wreaking havoc on millions. (Times of India, Aug 08)
It was known over a decade ago that due to the high level of sedimentation, Koshi River may change its course in any major flood. This time, initial reports suggest that it was not due to the massive floodwater but lack of regular maintenance and supervision caused the breach of embankment. In order to store monsoon rainwater, and prevent such calamities, a 269 meters tall Koshi High Dam was proposed near Baraha Kshetra of Sunsari district over a decade ago. The project would have generated over 3000 megawatt of hydroelectricity, supply controlled irrigation water for 5.4 lakhs hectares in Nepal and 9.7 lakhs hectares in India and supply fresh drinking water to millions of people of the low lands of Nepal and India, who are suffering from arsenic/fluoride/ excessive iron contamination of ground water. Hence Koshi River could have been converted from “sorrow of Bihar” into blessings for the entire region.
Why, then, the project remained in shelves for decades? First of all, one should not underestimate the size of the proposed Koshi High Dam project which would have been the biggest engineering work ever undertaken in the subcontinent. Naturally, it would also have sizable problems, which required imagination and courage to address. To start with, the dam would submerge 190 sq. km. of 82 VDCs of 9 hill districts of Nepal, which, in turn, would inundate a large chunk of fertile land of the river banks, displace a large number of people residing over the low land and cause a serious problem on food security of the interior region and communities of the mountain areas. Similarly, the Dam would inundate the existing foot-trail network which runs on the bank of Tamor, Arun, Pikhuwa Khola, and several suspensions bridges on these, and other rivers that connects all hill districts with Terai markets. Therefore, the project would have a profound effect on the existing social and economic order in the entire Koshi Hill area, due to the large coverage and long gestation period.
In order to develop such a mega water resources project as the main engine for generating employment and income, thereby alleviating poverty of the whole region, the issues and concerns should have been imagined more broadly and generously so that the project becomes attractive. For example, an alternative road network needs to be developed in the Koshi hills, several other public properties such as school buildings, health posts, irrigation needs to be replaced, the effected communities be mobilised, their employment skills developed and alternative livelihood opportunities started. Similarly, the prices of multiple products of the projects such as electricity, irrigation, drinking water, flood control etc. are fixed.
It appears from the past experience that neither the government authorities of both Nepal and India could manage the Koshi Barrage properly nor could harness jointly such a mega size opportunity. Therefore, both countries should seriously consider joining hands with the private sector having special expertise in developing water resources project for Koshi High Dam Project development and management. Such arrangement would be the most important factor for generating confidence among the people, governments, investors and donors. There are several big private companies in Nepal and India which are willing to make large investment in this sector. Since capital generation and investment, debt servicing and dividend distribution etc. can be made in local currency, the entire investment, be it in Nepal or India, would enhance the size of the economy as a whole. Hence, the Governments of Nepal and India should give generous consideration to attract private sector initiatives from Nepal and India so that the project can generate multiplier effect at different levels and the people of the entire region take advantage from the blessings of Mother Koshi.
(The writer can be reached at: paudyal@mail.cirdap.org)
(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to editors@mos.com.np)
(Registration required)
