Construction of Check Dam in Dumarbahal Resolves Local Farmers’ Problems

Improved groundwater levels and sufficient water for domestic use bring relief to the village

Raipur, Oct 2025: The construction of a check dam in Dumarbahal village of Gariaband district has successfully resolved the long-standing water issues faced by local farmers. The project has not only improved the groundwater levels but also ensured sufficient water availability for domestic and agricultural purposes.

Dumarbahal, located about 12 km from Janpad Panchayat Devbhog and 142 km from the district headquarters, covers an area of 1,421.25 acres and has a population of around 2,400. Despite having ample agricultural land, farmers were unable to fully benefit from their crops due to water scarcity.

Through the Gram Sabha, villagers were informed about the opportunity to construct a check dam under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). They were told that such a structure would help store rainwater, which could then be used for irrigation. The stored water would provide adequate moisture to crops, ensuring irrigation even during dry spells or erratic rainfall.

Earlier, many farmlands surrounding the village remained barren due to the lack of water and insufficient drainage space. During summers, temperatures often reached up to 45°C, leading to a significant drop in groundwater levels. To address this, villagers submitted a formal request to the Gram Panchayat for the construction of a check dam under MGNREGA.

Based on the Gram Panchayat’s proposal, administrative approval was granted by the Zila Panchayat, and the Janpad Panchayat issued a work order. The technical assistant prepared a layout for a dam measuring 10 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.5 meters in depth. With laborers employed under the scheme, the construction began and was successfully completed.

As a result, the water level in the village has risen considerably, and adequate water is now available for both irrigation and domestic needs. The check dam has greatly benefited local farmers, helping them irrigate their fields efficiently while also contributing to long-term water conservation efforts.