Irrigation Projects in Himachal Pradesh | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

In Himachal Pradesh, only about 18% of the total geographical area benefits from irrigation systems, with the remaining 82% relying on rainfall for water. To address this, the government has initiated several irrigation projects across the state, aiming to increase the amount of irrigated land and improve agricultural productivity. These projects are categorized into major, medium, and minor irrigation projects. Currently, there are six key irrigation projects being implemented, aiming to significantly enhance irrigation infrastructure in the region.

Major Irrigation Projects

Shah Nehar Irrigation Project

• Location: Kangra District
• Purpose: This is the only major irrigation project in the state.
• Current Status: The project has been completed.
• Impact: It provides irrigation to a total of 15,287 hectares of agricultural land.
• Significance: The project plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for farming in the Kangra region, helping to stabilize agricultural output and support the livelihoods of local farmers.

Medium Irrigation Projects

Himachal Pradesh has several medium-scale irrigation projects that aim to improve water supply for agriculture in different districts.

Sidhata Irrigation Project

• Location: Primarily in Kangra District.
• Irrigation Coverage: This project will irrigate 3,150 hectares of land.
• Objective: To enhance agricultural productivity by providing consistent water supply to the region's farms.

Changar Irrigation Project

• Location: District Bilaspur.
• Irrigation Coverage: This project will irrigate 2,350 hectares of land.
• Benefits: Expected to provide a significant boost to local agriculture by securing water resources for farming communities in Bilaspur.

Balh Valley Left Bank Irrigation Project

• Location: Balh Valley/Nerchowk, District Mandi.
• Irrigation Coverage: This project irrigates 2,780 hectares of land.
• Focus Area: By improving irrigation in the fertile Balh Valley, this project is expected to support the cultivation of a variety of crops and boost the region's agricultural output.

Babhor/Vabhor Sahib Irrigation Project

• Water Source: Water for this project will be drawn from the Nangal Dam.
• Irrigation Coverage: It will provide irrigation to 3,563 hectares of land.
• Significance: Utilizing water from the Nangal Dam ensures a reliable source of water for farming, supporting both crop production and economic stability for farmers.

Baldwara Irrigation Project

• Location: Primarily in Mandi District.
• Irrigation Coverage: It will irrigate 3,400 hectares of land.
• Estimated Cost: The project is expected to cost around ₹3 crore.
• Impact: The project is set to enhance agricultural opportunities in Mandi, improving water availability for farmers in the region.

Giri Irrigation Project

• Location: District Sirmaur.
• Irrigation Coverage: The project will irrigate 5,263 hectares of land.
• Significance: This project is aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape in Sirmaur, allowing farmers to access a reliable water supply, even during dry spells.

Ongoing Medium Irrigation Projects

In addition to the completed projects, several medium-scale irrigation initiatives are currently under progress.

Phinna Singh Irrigation Project

• Location: Covering parts of Himachal Pradesh.
• Irrigation Coverage: Upon completion, it will irrigate 4,025 hectares of land.
• Current Status: Work is actively ongoing to bring this project to completion.

Nadaun Irrigation Project

• Location: District Hamirpur.

• Irrigation Coverage: It will cover an area of 2,980 hectares.

• Objective: This project aims to improve irrigation infrastructure in the Nadaun region, ensuring water availability for local farmers.

• Achievement: As of December 2019, 850 hectares of land had been provided with irrigation under these ongoing projects, contributing to the overall irrigation development target of 1,000 hectares for the year 2019-20.

Minor Irrigation Projects

The state government has also focused on minor irrigation initiatives to cover smaller areas and provide localized solutions for irrigation needs. 

Budget and Progress (2019-20)

• Budget Allocation: A total of ₹330.62 crore was allocated for minor irrigation projects in the state for the year 2019-20.
• Target Area: The aim was to provide irrigation facilities to a total of 3,700 hectares.
• Progress: By December 2019, irrigation facilities had been extended to 2,606.39 hectares of land with an expenditure of ₹134 crore by November 2019.

Purpose of Minor Irrigation Projects

• These projects are aimed at supplementing the larger irrigation efforts by focusing on areas that are not covered by major and medium irrigation schemes.
• They provide a more localized water supply, often using traditional and modern methods to enhance irrigation in smaller or more isolated agricultural regions.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh is making significant strides in improving its irrigation infrastructure. While only 18% of the total geographical area is currently irrigated, the state's efforts through major, medium, and minor irrigation projects are expected to boost agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on rainfall. The government's ongoing commitment to these projects demonstrates the priority placed on water security and agricultural development in the region.