Expired Koshi Barrage poses growing threat
It has been 15 years since the Koshi Barrage, built on the Saptakoshi River, outlived its designated lifespan. Yet, despite the expiry of the 56-gate barrage, neither the Nepal nor Indian governments have shown serious interest in its reconstruction. The Saptakoshi Barrage remains the only physical link between Koshi Province and Madhes Province. It was constructed under the 1954 bilateral Koshi Agreement, signed with the aim of providing irrigation, hydroelectricity, and flood control to farmers in Sunsari, Morang, and Saptari districts of Nepal and the Indian state of Bihar. However, no alternative has been sought even after its expiry.
Although the barrage has undergone periodic repairs, it has become dilapidated. The 66-year-old structure shakes alarmingly when vehicles cross, raising widespread concerns about safety, maintenance, and long-term reliability.
Construction of the barrage began on 30 April 1959, after King Mahendra of Nepal and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid its foundation stone. It was inaugurated on 24 April 1965, by then King Mahendra and then Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. After its completion, canals were built in Sunsari, Morang, Saptari, and Bihar, boosting agricultural productivity and facilitating transportation, including the East-West Mahendra Highway. However, because the barrage gates are under Indian control and opened at India’s discretion, more than 10,000 residents of Sunsari, Morang, and Saptari have been displaced over the years by sudden floods.
The barrage is often hailed as a historic milestone in Nepal-India relations, but its agreed lifespan of
about 50 years has long expired. “The expired Koshi Barrage could cause accidents at any time. Both governments must act urgently,” said Rajan Rai, former Minister of Social Development of Koshi Province.
By controlling the Koshi’s waters, the barrage has irrigated thousands of hectares of farmland in the eastern Tarai, increasing agricultural production and improving housing, roads, and overall living standards. But with its deteriorating condition and outdated technology, concerns about its safety and effectiveness are mounting. “The structure has aged, and its technology is obsolete. Both governments should begin planning for reconstruction,” said Rajan Mehta, head of the Sunsari District Coordination Committee.
The greatest threat is a potential collapse during heavy floods. “The main structures, including the sluice gates, embankments, and dam, were built with old materials and have not been upgraded with modern technology. Lack of regular maintenance has left them highly vulnerable,” said Gopal Koirala, former Land Acquisition Officer of the Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project. He warned that failure of the barrage could unleash uncontrolled water, inundating farmland and damaging homes, roads, and bridges.
Provincial authorities also recognize the urgency. “Repair, modernization, and eventual reconstruction are indispensable. On behalf of Koshi Province, we will request the federal government to coordinate with India for its reconstruction,” said Bhupendra Rai, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development of Koshi Province.
Local communities, who suffer recurring floods, remain deeply worried. “If the barrage collapses, floods will destroy homes, fields, schools, and roads. Victims already face hardship, and the Indian government has not provided relief or compensation as promised under the Koshi Agreement,” said Baburam Karki, secretary of the Koshi Victims’ Struggle Committee.
Similarly, Nawal Kishore Sah, Member of Parliament from Saptari Constituency-1, said the Indian Embassy has repeatedly urged New Delhi to rebuild the barrage, but the requests have gone unheard. “The issue must be raised at the highest political level, including during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to India,” he said.
