Bagia Barrage Irrigation Project to Benefit 3,921 Farmers Across 13 Villages in Jashpur
Irrigation facilities to cover 8,454 hectares of agricultural land; project to boost both Kharif and Rabi cultivation
Modern technology to be used for operating the irrigation system
Ensuring year-round availability of irrigation water for farmers is our priority: CM Sai
Raipur, November 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Bagia Barrage-cum-Pressurised Lift Irrigation Project in Jashpur district, bringing a major boost to agricultural infrastructure in the region.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 79 crore 38 lakh 78 thousand, will directly benefit more than 3,921 farmers across 13 villages and provide irrigation facilities to 8,454 hectares of agricultural land.
The Chief Minister performed the groundbreaking ceremony at his camp office in Bagia, Jashpur district, describing the initiative as a significant step towards improving farmers' prosperity and strengthening the rural economy.
Addressing the gathering, Sai said agriculture was the backbone of Chhattisgarh's economy and the welfare and prosperity of farmers remained among the government's highest priorities.
He observed that in the absence of adequate irrigation facilities, farmers often had to depend on weather conditions and rainfall. Once completed, the Bagia Barrage project would substantially address this challenge by ensuring the availability of water for irrigation during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
With assured irrigation facilities, farmers would be able to cultivate more than one crop annually, helping them increase agricultural production and improve their income.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the project would be operated using modern technology, making it a distinctive initiative in the state's irrigation infrastructure.
He said the irrigation system would be capable of being operated through mobile devices. According to Sai, this would be the first project of its kind in Chhattisgarh to use such modern technology for irrigation management.
The technology-based system is expected to make water management more convenient, efficient and effective, while helping farmers access irrigation facilities more easily.
Sai said the construction of the barrage would mark an important step towards ensuring water availability throughout the year. Timely access to irrigation water would help improve agricultural productivity and create new opportunities for farmers in the region.
He added that the government's efforts were focused on extending modern irrigation facilities to farmers, reducing the cost of cultivation and ensuring sustained growth in their income.
The Bagia Barrage will be constructed on the Maini River at Muscuti village, approximately one kilometre from the bridge located on the river.
The project will benefit farmers from 13 villages, including Bagia, Rajouti, Sujibahar, Dokda, Patrapali and Bansbahar, along with other adjoining villages.
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly expand irrigation coverage in the region and strengthen agriculture-based livelihoods. Improved water availability will also help farmers plan their cultivation activities with greater certainty and reduce their dependence on seasonal rainfall.
Congratulating farmers and residents of the area on the commencement of the project, Sai said the initiative was not merely an expansion of irrigation infrastructure but a strong foundation for the prosperity of thousands of farming families and the overall agricultural development of the region.
Among those present at the ceremony were District Panchayat President Salik Sai, Kaushalya Sai, Collector Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Lal Umed Singh, public representatives, government officials and a large number of local residents.
