Publications

The state of Bihar is rich in rivers; 35 major rivers crisscross across its land, creating a web of water laden rivers enriching the soil. In ancient times north Bihar was also known as a `Nadi Matrik Desh.' The reason for these 'river' names is not difficult to comprehend; it is the close connect that the people here have with these rivers, a life in tune with the environment in which they live in, and their deep rooted respect and understanding of a harmonious balance between themselves and nature. What is worth considering here is how in this same state, a defective model of development has emerged that considers these very rivers as a barrier to development due to indiscriminate use of science and lack of local knowledge. After independence, it was only flood control that became the rallying point for every development plan. There was a rush to build embankments; and in this race to control Kosi river waters two embankments were built. On the eastern bank of the river, from Bhimnagar to Kopriya, a 125 km long embankment was constructed in 1955. And on the western bank, from Bhardah in Nepal to Ghonghepura in Saharsa, a 126 km long embankment was completed in 1963-64. After the construction of these embankments, life began to change for the people living in the Kosi basin.