Ensuring Water Flow in Indravati River Through Jora Nala Control Structure – An Initiative by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, controlled water flow from the Jora Nala Control Structure has been directed into the main stream of the Indravati River. Following the Odisha government’s approval, sandbags were placed in the structure to regulate water flow, resulting in an increased water level in the Indravati River.

As per the Chief Minister’s instructions, Water Resources Minister Kedar Kashyap discussed the Indravati River water crisis with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil. Consequently, the Union Minister directed the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Odisha to take necessary measures. With Odisha’s agreement, the Jora Nala Control Structure was temporarily raised by one foot, improving the river’s water flow.

Additionally, efforts to remove accumulated sand from the upstream and downstream sections of the Indravati River have begun, with a target completion date set for the first week of April. Under the guidance of Collector Haris S, officials including Additional Collector C.P. Baghel, Additional Superintendent of Police Maheshwar Nag, and Water Resources Department Executive Engineer Ved Pandey briefed local farmers about these initiatives at the district office’s Prerna Sabha Hall.

The Indravati River and Jora Nala Issue

The Indravati River originates from Rampur Dhumal village in Odisha’s Kalahandi district and merges with the Godavari River after a journey of 534 kilometers. Its catchment area spans 41,665 square kilometers, with 7,435 sq. km in Odisha, 33,735 sq. km in Chhattisgarh, and 495 sq. km in Maharashtra.

At Sutapadar village on the Odisha border, the Indravati River splits into two streams. One stream continues as the Indravati River, entering Chhattisgarh near Bhejapadar village after flowing for 5 km. The other stream, Jora Nala, flows for 12 km and merges with the Sabari (Kolab) River. Initially, Jora Nala’s water used to merge with Indravati, but over time, its increasing flow reduced Indravati’s water levels.

In December 2003, recognizing the severity of the issue, Odisha and Chhattisgarh’s chief engineers decided to construct a control structure at the mouth of Jora Nala. Odisha built the structure based on a design approved by the Central Water Commission (CWC). However, despite the structure’s presence, a significant portion of the water still diverted into Jora Nala, leaving Chhattisgarh with an average of 40.71% water flow during summer while Odisha retained 59.29%.

Government Efforts to Resolve the Issue

To ensure a minimum water flow in the Indravati River, the Chhattisgarh government has taken multiple initiatives. On January 6, 2021, officials from Odisha and Chhattisgarh conducted a joint inspection, recommending the removal of sand and boulders upstream of the control structure and straightening the Jora Nala’s flow.

Since 2018, the Indravati River has faced a persistent decline in water flow. However, through the proactive steps of the Chhattisgarh government and cooperation from the Odisha government, effective measures are now being implemented to restore water flow. These efforts will enhance the availability of irrigation water, benefiting farmers and ensuring sustainable water management in the region.