Consulting Services for Environmental and Social Audit for Bihar Kosi Basin Development Project, INDIA
Funded by The World Bank

Client: Government of Bihar, Water Resources Department / Project Management Unit
(Bihar Kosi Basin Development Project)

Funding Agency: The World Bank

Project Cost
USD ~420 Million (overall project cost as approved by the funding agency)

MSV’s Role
MSV provided consulting services for conducting the Environmental and Social Audit of the Bihar Kosi Basin Development Project. The scope included assessment of compliance with approved environmental and social safeguard instruments, review of implementation practices, field verification, stakeholder consultations, and formulation of corrective and preventive action measures in line with national regulations and World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

USPs

  • Strong expertise in river basin and flood management–related safeguard audits
  • Proven experience with World Bank–funded large-scale water resources projects
  • Integrated assessment of engineering interventions, environmental risks, and social impacts
  • Practical, implementation-oriented Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) to improve safeguard performance
  • Robust stakeholder engagement in flood-prone and vulnerable regions

Project Impact
The audit enhanced environmental and social governance of the Kosi Basin Development Project by identifying compliance gaps, strengthening safeguard implementation, and improving accountability. MSV’s inputs supported risk mitigation, sustainable project execution, and long-term resilience in one of India’s most flood-prone river basins.

Technical Details

  • Review of ESIA, ESMP, RAP, and related safeguard documents
  • Compliance assessment with national laws and World Bank ESF
  • Field inspections and community consultations
  • Identification of non-compliances, risks, and mitigation measures
  • Preparation of Environmental and Social Audit Reports and Action Plans
  • Advisory support to the implementing agency