Chhattisgarh: Irrigation and Hydropower | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

Civilizations have historically flourished near water sources, and the importance of water storage for domestic, drinking, and irrigation needs has been recognized since ancient times. In Chhattisgarh, reservoirs have been constructed for centuries, with a history that dates back to the Kalchuri dynasty of the 12th century. Notable examples include Vallabhsagar of Kotagth and Khadga reservoirs of Ratanpur, reflecting the state’s age-old tradition of water preservation and storage.

Water Resources in Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh is endowed with significant water resources, with approximately 59,900 MCM of water flowing into the Ganga, Godawari, Mahanadi, Narmada, and Bramhani rivers from 137 thousand square kilometers of geographical area. 
• Of this, 41,700 MCM of surface water is available for use within the state, after accounting for usage by neighboring states. Currently, only 22% of this surface water is utilized for irrigation, industrial, and domestic purposes. Additionally, 13,678 MCM of groundwater is available, of which only 20% has been harnessed so far.

Irrigation in Chhattisgarh: Present Status

Chhattisgarh's rural population, comprising 80% of the state's inhabitants, is predominantly dependent on agriculture. The state experiences an average annual rainfall of 1300 mm, and the entire region falls under the rice-agro-climate zone. Variability in the monsoon directly impacts agricultural crops, particularly paddy, making the expansion of irrigation facilities a primary requirement for the state.

• Gross Sown Area: 5.683 Million Hectares
• Net Sown Area: 4.710 Million Hectares
• Irrigation Potential (Before State Formation): 1.328 Million Hectares (22.94% of gross sown area)
• Irrigation Potential (Current): 1.809 Million Hectares (31.83% of gross sown area)

Irrigation in Chhattisgarh: Targets and Achievements

During the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-2012), an additional irrigation potential of 481,000 hectares was created by March 2011. To further increase irrigation facilities, work is being executed through various budgetary provisions, including loans from NABARD, Employment Guarantee Schemes (NREGA), and projects in drought-prone areas.

• RIDF Programme (NABARD):
  • Under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), 416 schemes from Phase-II to Phase-XVII have been undertaken, with a designed irrigation potential of 221,166 hectares.
  • Key Completed Projects: Tandula Canal Lining, Mata Sutiapat Project, Kharkhara Mohadipat Project, and Mand Diversion.
• Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP):
  • Under the AIBP, two major projects (Mahanadi Reservoir Project and Hasdeo Bango Project) and 147 minor irrigation schemes have been completed, creating 143,030 hectares of irrigation potential.
  • Ongoing Projects: Three major projects (Kelo Project, Kharang, and Maniyri Canal Lining), two medium projects (Kosarteda and Sutiyapat), and 127 minor irrigation schemes.
  • Proposals: Two medium projects (Ghumariya Nalla Barrage and Karra Nalla Barrage) and 52 minor irrigation schemes have been submitted to the Government of India for approval under AIBP.
• Schemes Under Construction:
  • There are currently four major, six medium, and 412 minor schemes under construction. These include the Hasdeo Bango Project (Major), Sondur Project (Major), Kosarteda Project (Medium), and Karra Nalla Barrage (Medium). 
  • These projects are designed to meet the irrigation needs of tribal and drought-prone areas.
• Chhattisgarh Irrigation Development Project (ADB Assisted):
  • The primary objectives of this project are to increase productivity through improved irrigation methods, better water management, and modern agricultural techniques. This project also aims to raise income levels and reduce poverty.
  • Key Components:
    • Renovation and rehabilitation of 123 minor and 24 medium schemes.
    • Strengthening and intensive training of Water Users Associations (WUA).
    • Capacity building for department staff and farmers to improve agricultural techniques.
    • Estimated Cost: Rs. 306.00 crore
  • Progress:
    • Completed Work: 91 schemes worth Rs. 78.79 crore.
    • Ongoing Work: 76 schemes worth Rs. 79.80 crore.
    • Upon completion of all 147 schemes, 176,750 hectares of irrigation potential will be recovered.
• National Hydrology Project Phase-II (World Bank Assisted):
  • This project focuses on the planning and design of water resources development using data collection for decision support and design aid. It aims to provide information on the availability and quality of surface and groundwater to various institutions and users.
  • Estimated Cost: Initially Rs. 21.51 crore, revised to Rs. 10.27 crore.

Steps to Increase Irrigation Sources in Chhattisgarh

• Construction of Anicuts:
  • Historically, ponds were present in almost every small habitation in Chhattisgarh, fulfilling local needs and maintaining the natural balance of groundwater. However, these ponds have diminished over time due to excessive groundwater exploitation, leading to a significant drop in the water table.
  • To address this imbalance, the Chhattisgarh government has launched an ambitious project to create alternative water bodies by constructing anicuts and stop-dams across various rivers and rivulets.
  • Key Features:
    • 595 anicuts and stop-dams identified across the Mahanadi, Shivnath, Jonk, and other perennial rivers in the "rain-shade" region.
    • Estimated Cost: Rs. 2,322.76 crore
    • Current Status: 154 anicuts completed at a cost of Rs. 412.91 crore, and 129 anicuts under construction at a cost of Rs. 901.54 crore.
• Ayacut Development: With advancements in agricultural techniques, the demand for irrigation water has increased significantly. To optimize the use of available water, the Government of India launched the Command Area Development Programme for major and medium irrigation projects.
• Key Activities:
  • Construction of field channels.
  • Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM).
  • Training of farmers.
• Progress: In 2011-12, 25,630 hectares of command area were developed in the Mahanadi command area (Raipur) and Hasdeo Ayacut Development (Bilaspur) up to February 2012.

Conclusion

The Water Resources Department of Chhattisgarh has made significant contributions to the overall development of the state by creating irrigation potential and providing water for drinking and industrial purposes. Through various schemes and projects, the state is working towards enhancing its irrigation infrastructure to support agricultural growth and ensure water security for its population.