Strengthening Irrigation Projects is Essential for Farmers’ Prosperity: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai

CM Stresses Timely Completion of Long-Pending Projects
High-Level Review of Water Resources Department Conducted

Raipur, January 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai held a high-level review meeting of the Water Resources Department officials at the Mahanadi Bhawan Secretariat. During the meeting, the progress of ongoing projects, departmental work, and proposed irrigation initiatives was examined in detail.

CM Sai stated that the state government is consistently taking major decisions in favor of farmers and is making every possible effort to achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income. He emphasized that expansion of irrigation facilities is critical to achieving this objective. He directed that long-pending projects included under the Atal Irrigation Scheme must be completed on schedule and with quality standards. He made it clear that any negligence in construction will not be tolerated.

While reviewing the projects to be completed over the next three years, CM Sai said that farmers play the most crucial role in building a developed Chhattisgarh. Considering the increasing cultivated area and farmers’ needs, it is essential to strengthen irrigation projects. He assured that there will be no shortage of budget for expanding irrigation facilities, and separate budgetary provisions have been made for this purpose. The completion of these projects will increase irrigated land area and significantly boost farmers’ productivity.

Referring to the study tour of farmers from Jashpur district to Madhya Pradesh, CM Sai noted that farmers were highly motivated after observing modern irrigation techniques in action. He directed that farmers from Chhattisgarh should be sent to states where innovative irrigation practices are being implemented, so that they can learn about new technologies and operational methods.

Officials informed the CM that in the next three years, 14 irrigation projects worth approximately ₹10,000 crore are planned to be completed in phases, providing irrigation to an additional 70,000 hectares. Of these, four major projects costing over ₹4,800 crore are scheduled for foundation stone ceremonies in March and May. These include:

• Deurgaon Barrage with Udhvan Irrigation Project, Bastar District
• Matnar Barrage with Udhvan Irrigation Project
• Mohamela–Sirpur Barrage Plan on Mahanadi in Arang Development Block, Raipur District
• Kodar Reservoir Link Project from Sikasar Reservoir, Gariaband District

Additionally, under the Atal Irrigation Scheme, a budget of ₹346 crore has been allocated for 115 pending projects, which will create irrigation capacity for an additional 11,000 hectares.

The meeting also discussed the resolution of inter-state water disputes. Consensus was reached on taking concrete measures in the next three years to resolve issues related to the Mahanadi water dispute, Polavaram dam submergence, and Samakka Barrage.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the CM Mukesh Bansal, Secretary of the Water Resources Department Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, and other senior officials of the department.