Koshi Barrage

The Koshi Barrage is a sluice across the Koshi river that carries vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between Saptari district and Sunsari district of Nepal. It is near the International border with India. It was built between 1958 and 1962 and has 56 gates.[1] It was constructed after the Koshi Agreement was signed between the Government of Nepal and India on April 25, 1954.[2][3] The barrage was designed and built by Joseph and Company Limited, India. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is roughly 3–4 miles north of the barrage.

Koshi Barrage
Koshi Barrage
Coordinates26.5263°N 86.9269°E / 26.5263; 86.9269
CarriesMotor vehicles

pedestrians

bicycles
CrossesKoshi River
LocaleSunsari and Saptari
Official nameKoshi Barrage
Named forKoshi River
Characteristics
DesignTruss bridge Aqueduct
MaterialConcrete, steel
Total length1,150 m (3,773.0 ft)
Width10 m (32.8 ft)
History
DesignerJoseph and Company Limited, India
Constructed byJoseph and Company Limited, India
Construction start1958
Construction end1962
Opened1962 (1962)
Location

2017 flood

Every year several areas of Terai are affected due to the flood and blockage of this barrage. This affects mostly the Koshi region of Bihar (Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura and Purnia). The Kosi River is known as the "Sorrow of Bihar" as the annual floods affect about 21,000 km2 (8,100 sq mi) of fertile agricultural lands thereby disturbing the rural economy. The Koshi has an average water flow (discharge) of 2,166 m3/s (76,500 cu ft/s).[4]

2008 flood
Main article: 2008 Bihar flood

In August 2008, the eastern embankments of the Koshi Barrage collapsed, several miles north of the Nepal-India border. The resulting flood wiped out miles of fertile farmland in Nepal, covering it with a thick layer of river sand, and affected 53,800 Nepalese. It left 3 million people homeless in Bihar, India.[5]

Tourism
Main article: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

This river is home to the Gangetic Dolphin and other different species of fresh water fish. Siberian birds can be seen there easily during the month of August–October.[6] People usually visit there to have the varieties of fish dishes in the nearby riverside restaurants and see the scenic view from the barrage. The sunrise and the sunset view literally catch people' eyes there. Rowing or a motor boat is available there for extra adventure which carries people to the islets.

Air transport

Rajbiraj Airport is the nearest airport roughly 26 km (16 mi) away is located in district headquarter and nearest city Rajbiraj. Shree Airlines and Buddha Air operates daily flights between Rajbiraj and Kathmandu[7]

See also

References
  1. "Koshi Barrack over the largest river of Nepal". Boss Nepal. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  2. "Sorrow of Bihar". egov.eletsonline.com. 30 September 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  3. "Koshi Agreement between India and Nepal" (PDF). Indian Embassy, Nepal. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  4. "'Sorrow of Bihar' River Kosi: An overview". 4 August 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  5. Adhikary, Dhruba (5 September 2008). "For Prachanda, a tale of two cities", Asia Times. Retrieved on 29 September 2008.
  6. "दुई दिने प्याकेजको तयारी". onlinekhabar. OK. 18 February 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  7. "Rajbiraj Airport to resume its flight services from May 8 as Shree Airline prepares for flight operation". 24 April 2019.
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