CM Vishnudev Sai Discusses Bodhghat and Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Projects with PM Modi

Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai held an in-depth discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the construction of the Multipurpose Bodhghat Dam Project and the Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project as national-level initiatives.

Highlighting the significance of these projects, CM Sai stated that both would collectively bring irrigation to approximately 7 lakh hectares of land, thus playing a vital role in the comprehensive development of the Bastar region. He emphasized that Bastar, which has been affected by Naxalism for years, has lagged behind in irrigation infrastructure. To address this gap and fast-track the region’s development, the state government is committed to implementing these two major water projects.

Bodhghat Project: A Game Changer for Bastar

The Multipurpose Bodhghat Dam Project is proposed on the Indravati River, a major tributary of the Godavari River. This project has been in discussion for years and was even mentioned in the 1980 award of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal. While other states have already implemented their respective projects listed in the award, Bodhghat remained delayed due to its remote location and Naxalite disturbances.

CM Sai asserted that the Bodhghat project would significantly boost irrigation coverage, power generation, fisheries, and drinking water supply, thus doubling Bastar’s development pace. Specifically, the project is expected to:

• Generate 125 MW of electricity
• Support annual fish production of 4,824 tonnes
• Provide irrigation to 3,78,475 hectares in both Kharif and Rabi seasons
• Ensure 49 million cubic meters (MCM) of drinking water availability

The Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project will add irrigation capacity to another 3,00,000+ hectares, including 50,000 hectares in Kanker district, benefiting a wide swath of the tribal region.

Location and Features of Bodhghat Project

The Bodhghat Dam is planned approximately 8 km from Barsur village in Geedam tehsil of Dantewada district, and about 100 km from Jagdalpur city. The Indravati River flows for 264 km within Chhattisgarh, making it a crucial water resource.

Key features of the Bodhghat project include:

• Estimated cost of both projects combined: ₹49,000 crore
  • Indravati-Mahanadi link: approx. ₹20,000 crore
  • Bodhghat project: approx. ₹29,000 crore
• Includes hydropower, civil works (irrigation), and electromechanical systems
• Useful water storage capacity: 2,009 MCM
• Total storage capacity: 2,727 MCM
• Surface area at full reservoir level: 10,440 hectares

Regional Impact

The Bodhghat project will benefit 269 villages across Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts, while the Indravati-Mahanadi project will extend irrigation facilities to numerous villages in Kanker district. These initiatives are seen as pivotal in transforming Bastar into a developed, self-reliant, and empowered region.

CM Sai concluded that both projects, once realized, would not only enhance agricultural productivity and local livelihoods but also address the long-standing developmental imbalance in southern Chhattisgarh, ushering in a new era of prosperity for tribal communities.