A Major Step Towards “More Crop per Drop”: Bagia Samriddhi M-CAD Scheme to Irrigate 4,933 Hectares Across 13 Villages – CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, May 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday inaugurated the construction of the Bagia Pressurized Lift Irrigation System under the Samriddhi Command Area Development and Water Management Modernization (M-CAD) scheme in his native village Bagia, located in Jashpur district. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, other public representatives, and a large number of local residents.

Describing the Bagia Samriddhi M-CAD scheme as more than just an irrigation project, the Chief Minister said it represents the vision of “more crop per drop.” He emphasized that once implemented successfully, Jashpur district could emerge as a national model for modern pressurized irrigation systems, offering farmers new avenues for prosperity.

Under this project, a modern pressurized pipeline irrigation network will replace the traditional canal-based system. The use of underground pipelines is expected to minimize water wastage, improve water-use efficiency, and eliminate the need for land acquisition. Farmers who have so far depended largely on rainfall will benefit from year-round irrigation facilities, ensuring better agricultural productivity.

The Chief Minister further stated that the initiative would not only modernize irrigation but also steer agriculture toward a technology-driven, sustainable, and profitable future. He added that the project has the potential to establish Jashpur as a model agri-irrigation district at the national level, paving the way for enhanced farmer income, self-reliance, and dignity.

The project is being implemented in the Bagia cluster of Kansabel development block, utilizing the Maini River through the construction of the Bagia Barrage along with a pressurized lift irrigation system. It aims to provide irrigation facilities to approximately 4,933 hectares of land across 13 villages, including Bagia, Uskuti, Rajoti, Sujibahar, Chongribahar, Bansbahar, Dokda, Sikaria, Patratoli, Gahiradohar, Bihabal, Narierdand, and Dhududand.

Highlighting its significance, the Chief Minister noted that among the 34 M-CAD projects approved across 23 states in India, the Bagia cluster in Chhattisgarh is the only selected project from the state. The Government of India has sanctioned ₹95.89 crore for the project, while the total estimated cost stands at around ₹119 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Tokhan Sahu said the scheme would pave the way for holistic regional development and provide a stable income base for farmers. Ramvichar Netam termed the project a “boon for the future,” adding that it would give a strong boost to the rural economy.

State Nodal Officer of the Samriddhi scheme, Alok Agrawal, informed that the M-CAD programme was launched in April 2025 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the project is expected to be completed within six months. Its operation and maintenance will initially be handled by the contractor for five years, after which it will be managed by a Water Users’ Committee, ensuring active participation of women.

The project will incorporate advanced technologies such as solar-powered energy systems, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and IoT (Internet of Things) for efficient water management. Through data-driven monitoring, water distribution will be optimized based on the specific needs of different areas. The scheme aims to enhance water-use efficiency, maximize productivity per drop, boost agricultural output, and ensure sustainable increases in farmers’ income, while also helping them adapt to climate change challenges.