Modern science combined with local resources offers a new path to farmers' prosperity: Chief Minister Sai
Environment-friendly irrigation model can be useful in other parts of the state as well: Chief Minister Sai
First innovative irrigation project of its kind in the Sarguja division; turbine pump will use river water flow to provide irrigation
Project completed at a cost of Rs 2.68 crore to benefit around 135 farmer families
Raipur, November 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today conducted an on-site inspection of the hydro-power-based pumping scheme at the anicut constructed across the Ghughri River in Pongro village, under Kansabel development block of Jashpur district.
He reviewed the functioning of the scheme, its irrigation capacity and the benefits it would provide to farmers. The unique feature of this innovative irrigation project, the first of its kind in the Sarguja division, is that irrigation water is being supplied to agricultural fields solely through the flow of river water, without using electricity, diesel, petrol or solar energy.
Chief Minister Sai said that expanding irrigation facilities for agricultural prosperity was a priority of his government. The Pongro project is an excellent example of how modern science and the effective use of local natural resources can provide a permanent and environment-friendly solution to farmers' problems.
He said that this technology would eliminate farmers' dependence on electricity and diesel for irrigation, helping reduce the cost of cultivation. This innovative initiative could also become an inspiring model for expanding irrigation facilities in other parts of the state.
River Water Flow to Provide Energy for Irrigation
Under the Pongro Anicut Hydro Power Pumping Scheme, a turbine pump is operated using the energy generated by the flowing river water.
For this purpose, a platform has been constructed approximately 100 metres downstream of the existing anicut, where the turbine pump has been installed. The pump is capable of lifting water at a maximum rate of 17 litres per second to a distribution tank located about 12 metres above the riverbed and at a distance of 200 metres.
From the distribution tank, water is supplied to agricultural fields through permanent irrigation canals and channels.
The most important feature of the project is that no external energy source is required to operate the pump. This will help avoid the consumption of conventional fuels and the carbon emissions associated with operating the irrigation system.
The project represents an important initiative towards green energy, water conservation and sustainable agriculture.
135 Farmer Families to Receive Direct Benefits
Completed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.68 crore, the project will directly benefit around 135 farming families in the region.
Through this scheme, irrigation facilities will be made available to approximately 80 acres of agricultural land for Rabi and summer crops. This will provide farmers with opportunities to reduce their dependence on rain-fed agriculture, cultivate additional crops and increase agricultural production.
Chief Minister Sai said that the government's resolve was to make better use of water resources in Chhattisgarh and provide farmers with opportunities to cultivate crops throughout the year.
He said the Pongro initiative demonstrated how innovation could be brought to villages and agricultural fields to give fresh momentum to agricultural development.
The state government, he added, was continuously working to increase farmers' income, expand irrigation coverage and make agriculture more profitable.
On the occasion, Kaushalya Sai, District Panchayat President Salik Sai, Collector Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Lal Umed Singh, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Kumar and other officials were present.
