Published: November 14, 2025, 7:19 PM IST

Raipur: In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and water management, the Chhattisgarh government on Friday granted in-principle approval to 14 new irrigation projects, which are expected to bring an additional one lakh hectares of farmland under irrigation. The decision was taken during the 33rd meeting of the Chhattisgarh Irrigation Project Board, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan, officials said.

The meeting focused on a comprehensive strategy to expand the state’s irrigation network, improve groundwater levels, and strengthen drinking water supply in urban areas. Chief Minister Sai underscored that increasing farmers’ income and boosting agricultural production remain the government’s top priorities. “With an increase in the irrigated area, farmers will benefit directly. Groundwater levels will improve, and the drinking water supply can be ensured more efficiently,” Sai said during the deliberations.

The proposed projects aim to ensure equitable and sustainable development across the state, including both the plains and the tribal-dominated regions of Surguja and Bastar. Officials noted that these projects are designed not only to enhance agricultural output but also to address water scarcity issues in both rural and urban areas, contributing to improved livelihoods and socio-economic development.

The 14 projects approved in principle cover a wide geographical spread and include barrages, lift irrigation schemes, feeder reservoirs, and pipeline augmentation plans. Among the notable projects are the Deurgaon and Matnar barrage-cum-lift irrigation projects in Bastar district, the Mohmela-Sirpur barrage on the Mahanadi in Arang block of Raipur district, and the Kharang-Ahiran link project. Other projects include the Chapratola feeder reservoir project in Bilaspur district, the pipeline installation from Samoda barrage to Kumhari reservoir under the Kumhari reservoir capacity augmentation plan, and the Bagia barrage-cum-pressurised lift irrigation project on the Maini River in Jashpur.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Sai reviewed the outlines, costs, and expected benefits of each proposed project, directing officials to expedite their implementation to ensure balanced development throughout the state. He emphasised that a robust irrigation infrastructure is crucial not only for enhancing agricultural production but also for improving water availability for domestic and industrial use.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Finance Minister OP Choudhary, and senior officials from various departments attended the meeting. Officials noted that the meeting also included detailed discussions on prioritising areas with acute water shortages and enhancing irrigation facilities in tribal regions to reduce regional disparities.

The government’s initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on Chhattisgarh’s agriculture sector. By bringing an additional one lakh hectares under assured irrigation, the projects will enable farmers to diversify crops, increase yields, and improve income stability. Moreover, the focus on integrated water management is expected to support groundwater recharge and enhance the reliability of drinking water supplies, particularly in urban centres facing growing demand.

Experts say that such large-scale irrigation expansion projects are crucial for a state like Chhattisgarh, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy and water scarcity in certain regions has historically constrained productivity. “These initiatives, if executed efficiently, will not only empower farmers but also strengthen the overall water security of the state, creating long-term benefits for both rural and urban populations,” said a senior agriculture analyst.

In conclusion, the Chhattisgarh government’s approval of 14 new irrigation projects represents a strategic investment in the state’s agricultural and water infrastructure. By enhancing irrigation capacity, addressing water scarcity, and focusing on balanced regional development, the state aims to boost farmer incomes, improve food security, and ensure sustainable water management. With the Chief Minister’s directive to expedite implementation, these projects are poised to bring tangible benefits to farmers and communities across Chhattisgarh in the coming years.