World Bank signs agreement with Bihar Government for Kosi recovery project

World Bank Chairman Robert B Zoellick was in Patna on January 12, 2011 on a two-day visit to Bihar. The World Bank signed an agreement with Bihar government for an USD 220 million soft loan for rebuilding areas affected by the 2008 Kosi floods.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, World Bank president Robert B Zoellick were present in the loan agreement signing function at Samvad, C.M. Secretariat, 4, Deshratna Marg, in Patna on January 12.

Robert Zagha, World Bank country head, Venu Rajamony, joint secretary, department of economic, Government of India and Vijay Prakash, principal secretary, planning & development department, Government of Bihar signed the loan agreement.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Zoellick said besides supporting flood recovery efforts, the World Bank would help Bihar reduce risks of flooding and boost emergency responses in the event of a disaster.

“The total Kosi Recovery Project will be of USD 259 million and the Bihar Government will contribute USD 39 million for the project,” Zoellick said.

Photo: I and PRD, Government of Bihar and Aftab Alam Siddiqui