Chhattisgarh clears 14 new Irrigation projects

In a major push to strengthen its agricultural backbone, the Chhattisgarh government has cleared in-principle approval for 14 new irrigation projects that together promise to bring one lakh hectares of additional land under irrigation. The move signals the state’s renewed focus on water security, rural development and boosting farmer incomes.

At the 33rd meeting of the Chhattisgarh Irrigation Project Board held at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur on Friday, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chaired discussions that centred on expanding irrigation capacity, improving groundwater levels and reinforcing drinking water supply systems, especially in urban pockets. The government emphasised that raising farmers’ income and improving agricultural productivity remain top priorities, and a stronger irrigation network is central to achieving both goals.

Officials explained that increased irrigated area will directly benefit farmers by ensuring more reliable water supply and enabling diversified cropping patterns. Better irrigation coverage is also expected to help replenish groundwater and ease pressure on drinking water systems statewide.

The meeting saw detailed deliberations on the needs of both the plains and the tribal-dominated regions of Surguja and Bastar, where irrigation gaps have been more pronounced. After reviewing the project outlines, cost projections and expected benefits, the board gave its nod to 14 new schemes and instructed officials to fast-track their implementation to ensure balanced regional development.

Among the approved projects are the Deurgaon and Matnar barrage-cum-lift irrigation schemes in Bastar district and the Mohmela–Sirpur barrage on the Mahanadi in Raipur district’s Arang block. Also cleared were the Kharang–Ahiran link project, the Chapratola feeder reservoir in Bilaspur district, a pipeline link from the Samoda barrage to the Kumhari reservoir under the reservoir’s capacity augmentation plan, and the Bagia barrage-cum-pressurised lift irrigation project on the Maini River in Jashpur.

The government noted that these projects collectively aim to expand irrigation access across diverse terrains, including tribal belts that have historically faced water scarcity.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Finance Minister OP Choudhary and senior officials attended the review meeting, underscoring the administration’s coordinated push to accelerate irrigation development across Chhattisgarh.