SHEOHAR, July 20 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday inaugurated the 68.80-km Belwa-Minapur link canal (officially referred to as the "link channel"), a key component of the Bagmati-Burhi Gandak river interlinking project, describing it as a major step towards strengthening flood management, expanding irrigation and enhancing agricultural productivity in north Bihar. The project, conceptualised under the Bagmati-Burhi Gandak Link Scheme, has been constructed at a cost of Rs.130.88 crore. It connects Belwa in Piprahi block of Sheohar district with Minapur in Muzaffarpur district and forms part of Bihar's first river interlinking initiative. Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the project, Choudhary said the river interlinking initiative was conceived to realise the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is being implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After inaugurating the link canal, the chief minister inspected the project site and said it would play a vital role in diverting surplus water from the Bagmati river to the Burhi Gandak, helping reduce the intensity of floods during the monsoon while ensuring more efficient utilisation of water resources. "River-linking projects are a historic initiative towards realising the vision of a developed Bihar and will provide a strong foundation for the state's sustainable development," Choudhary said. "The project will give a new impetus to flood management and irrigation. It will expand irrigation potential, improve agricultural productivity, generate employment opportunities and contribute to the state's overall development," he said. The chief minister said the project would directly benefit lakhs of farmers by ensuring more reliable irrigation while also promoting fisheries and other water-based economic activities. It would further help recharge groundwater, support environmental conservation and strengthen the regional economy, he added. Reiterating the state government's commitment to scientific and timely management of water resources, Choudhary said Bihar would continue to invest in infrastructure aimed at effective flood control and improving farmers' prosperity. During his visit to Sheohar, the chief minister also inaugurated 22 development projects and laid the foundation stones for 18 others, together worth around Rs.200 crore. He inspected exhibition stalls set up by departments including JEEViKA, industries, agriculture, education and Bihar Police, and handed over a symbolic cheque of Rs.25.35 crore to 4,550 JEEViKA self-help groups....