Bihar Economic Survey 2024–25 | Chapter 10: Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management

Chapter 10: Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management

1. Climate Trends and Challenges

  • Bihar has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers (up to 46.4°C in 2012) and mild winters (as low as 1.1°C in 2013).
  • Annual average temperature increased from 21.2°C (2017) to 24.7°C (2023).
  • Average annual rainfall during 2011–2024 was 1004.6 mm, with 88% from the southwest monsoon.
  • Highest rainfall (2024): Kishanganj (2127.5 mm); Lowest: Kaimur (711.2 mm).

2. Environmental Protection and Green Budget

  • The Green Budget, introduced in 2020–21, allocated ₹13,823 crore in 2024–25 (BE), rising over 4 times in five years.
  • Total allocation of ₹41,809 crore during 2020–25 towards sustainable environment initiatives.
  • The Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali scheme received ₹4515.7 crore, with a focus on afforestation, water conservation, and climate resilience.

3. Forest and Carbon Stock

  • Forest cover increased by 687 sq. km (2011–2023); now totals 13,896 sq. km (14.75% of state area).
  • Major increases seen in West Champaran and Kaimur.
  • Forest sector GSVA grew from ₹4187 crore (2011–12) to ₹13,549 crore (2023–24), contributing 2% to overall GSVA.
  • Carbon stock (2023): 58,451 thousand tonnes, with highest share from soil organic carbon (63%).

4. Renewable Energy and Green Infrastructure

  • Solar Power: 2589 rooftop solar units (22 MW), floating solar in Supaul and Darbhanga.
  • Hydropower: 13 mini hydro projects (54.3 MW) operational, more in pipeline via BSHPC.
  • Prominent schemes: Shyama Prasad Rurban Mission, Mukhyamantri Gramin Solar Street Light Yojana.

5. Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation

  • Protected areas include:
    • Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Kaimur, Rajgir, Udaipur sanctuaries.
    • Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Gogabil, Bhaluni Dham conservation reserves.
  • Initiatives:
    • Dolphin Research Centre (Patna), Gharial Incubation Centre (Bettiah), Bird Monitoring (Bhagalpur).

6. Wetlands and River Management

  • 133 wetlands selected for conservation; 84 covered under 2024 Waterbird Census.
  • Projects like Gaya Ji Rubber Dam, Ganga Jal Apurti Yojana, and Tal Area Development Plan aim at long-term water storage and supply.

7. Disaster Risk Management

  • Floods (2023–24): Affected 3.16 lakh people in 6 districts.
  • Casualties: Lightning – 242 deaths, Heatwave – 12 deaths.
  • Bihar State Disaster Management Service cadre formed for local response.
  • Early Warning Systems: MMC in Patna and PMC in Birpur forecasting floods in 5 major river basins.

Conclusion

Bihar is witnessing intensifying climate patterns but has responded with increased green investments, forest protection, and disaster preparedness. The state has institutionalised environmental efforts via flagship schemes and expanded infrastructure, while actively managing biodiversity and promoting renewable energy to ensure ecological sustainability.

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