About the Conference
Prelude, challenges, scope, objectives and the committees behind the conference.
Prelude
The Ganga and Bihar’s Downstream Position
The Ganga is a transboundary and morphodynamically active alluvial river system in which water, sediment, channel morphology, floodplain connectivity and ecological processes are closely interlinked. Bihar occupies a critical downstream position, where major tributaries including the Ghaghra, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Sone, Punpun and Mahananda contribute substantial flows and sediment.
For Bihar, water security is not only a question of water availability; it is also linked with river morphology, sediment transport, flood frequency, floodplain behavior, ecological functions and interventions along the river. A scientific understanding of these processes is essential for long-term resilience.
Major Tributaries
- Ghaghra
- Gandak
- Kosi
- Burhi Gandak
- Sone
- Punpun
- Mahananda
Challenges
A Changing River System
River Change
- The Ganga and its tributaries are undergoing continuing morphological changes.
- Sediment generated in the upstream catchments is transported through the river network and deposited in downstream reaches depending on discharge, channel geometry, sediment characteristics and hydraulic controls.
- Excessive or altered sediment deposition can reduce channel conveyance, modify flood levels and create new hydraulic and morphological conditions.
The Farakka System
- The Farakka system is an important element in the downstream Ganga system and therefore requires objective scientific assessment of its hydraulic, sediment and morphological effects.
- At the same time, upstream interventions, transboundary processes and changing climate and rainfall patterns can influence the timing, quantity and sediment characteristics of flows reaching Bihar.
Basin-Scale Response
- These interconnected challenges require basin-scale scientific assessment rather than fragmented interventions.
- Sediment must be treated as an integral component of river management, while harmful aggradation, excessive erosion and disruption of sediment continuity need to be addressed through evidence-based and adaptive measures.
Scope of the Conference
A Platform for Every Stakeholder
The proposed conference will provide a platform for government departments, Central and State agencies, engineers, scientists, academic and research institutions, students, practitioners, technology organizations and other stakeholders to deliberate on water security of Bihar in the context of the Ganga and its major tributaries.
The dialogue will particularly focus on scientific sediment management, Post Farakka hydraulic and morphological questions, upstream and transboundary cooperation, Central Government support, national sediment-management policy, technology, ecology and public participation. The objective is to move from fragmented water management towards integrated water–sediment–morphology management.
Key Focus
A key focus of the dialogue will be forthcoming renewal/revision of the India-Bangladesh ganga water sharing arrangement and the need to ensure that Bihar’s future water requirements are appropriately recognized within the evolving framework.
Objective
A Scientifically Defensible, Cooperative Framework
The broad objective of the conference is to develop a scientifically defensible and cooperative framework for strengthening Bihar’s water security in light of Ganga Water Sharing arrangement.
The conference will seek to identify practical and scalable approaches for sediment management; strengthen upstream, inter-State and transboundary data cooperation; define the technical and financial support required from the Central Government; and contribute towards a national framework for scientific sediment management in the Ganga and other Indian rivers.
- 01Practical and scalable approaches for sediment management
- 02Upstream, inter-State and transboundary data cooperation
- 03Technical and financial support required from the Central Government
- 04A national framework for scientific sediment management in the Ganga and other Indian rivers
About Host Organization
Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar
The Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar, is responsible for planning, development, management and regulation of the State’s water resources, including irrigation, flood management, drainage and associated river and water infrastructure. The Department undertakes major programmes relating to irrigation development, flood protection, river management, inter-State and transboundary water matters, and coordination with Central agencies.
The Department also works with technical institutions, research organisations and other stakeholders for improving scientific understanding, planning and implementation of water-resource and river-management programmes.
Language
The official language of the conference will be English / Hindi. Presentations may be made in English or Hindi.
Organising Committee
Leadership
- Chief Patron
Sri Vijay Kumar Chaudhary
Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister
(Minister, Water Resources Department), Government of Bihar
- Patron
Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, IAS
0612-2217377Secretary, Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar
- Convenor
Er. Brajesh Mohan
0612-2215022Engineer-in-Chief, Headquarters, Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar
- Member
Er. Warun Kumar
0612-2217040Engineer-in-Chief, Flood Control & Drainage, Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar
- Member
Er. Nikhil Kumar
0612-2217183Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation Creation, Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar
Conference Committee
Academic & Technical Coordination
Logistic Committee
Arrangements & On-Ground Support
Er. Brajesh Mohan
Engineer-in-Chief, Headquarters, Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar
0612-2215022
Call for Papers & Participation
Share Your Research on the Future of the Ganga
Submit an abstract of not more than 500 words. Registration fee: Nil.
