Bihar has signed an agreement with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for scientific desilting of identified rivers and water bodies, with suitable excavated silt to be used in national highway projects across the state. The initiative, named “Nadi Sanjivani”, is intended to improve water-carrying capacity, strengthen flood management and create a sustainable construction-material source for highway works.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in New Delhi on Tuesday in the presence of Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari and Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary. The state government said the programme would combine restoration of water bodies with infrastructure development.
Officials said 243 lakh cubic metres of suitable silt would be used in 16 ongoing national highway projects. A further 835 lakh cubic metres has been proposed for use in 27 future projects, subject to technical suitability and the required approvals.
The agreement comes as Bihar continues to face recurring floods and the effects of sediment carried by rivers originating in Nepal. According to statements cited in the announcement, accumulated silt has reduced the water-carrying capacity of rivers and affected drainage, agricultural land, livelihoods and infrastructure.
Choudhary said Bihar was the first state in the country to formulate and implement the Bihar Water Sources Restoration and Silt Management Policy, 2026. The policy provides a framework for restoring water bodies and managing accumulated silt. It also allows the removal of sand and silt deposited on agricultural land after floods, potentially providing relief to affected farmers.
The state government said scientific restoration could improve irrigation and drinking-water availability, support groundwater recharge and reduce flood risks. Gadkari said the use of suitable excavated silt in highway construction could reduce dependence on fresh earth and agricultural soil, conserve productive farmland, lower construction costs and help highway projects progress faster.
The National Highways Authority of India has identified potential for using excavated silt in highway works in Bihar. Officials said 39 NHAI projects covering about 1,561 km, with an estimated investment of Rs 58,340 crore, are currently under construction in the state. Another 11 projects covering around 1,982 km and involving an estimated investment of Rs 1,85,200 crore have been proposed.
Choudhary said removal of silt from rivers could make about one lakh acres of land available. He also referred to the possibility of developing “Ganga facing” colonies and houses, comparing the concept with sea-facing areas in Mumbai and Yamuna-facing localities in Delhi. The announcement did not provide details on the locations, planning approvals or implementation framework for such development.
The Road Construction Department will serve as the nodal department for the initiative. Implementation of the proposed silt-use programme will depend on technical assessments, approvals and the suitability of excavated material for individual highway projects.
