TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 16, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, during his Sushasan Tihar tour, inspected the under-construction Siddababa irrigation reservoir project near Gabhra village in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district. The Rs 220 crore project is expected to transform agriculture in the region by providing irrigation to farmers in 34 villages and supporting both Kharif and Rabi crop production.
Arriving at the site via helicopter after attending the Sitagaon Samadhan Camp, CM Sai emphasized the importance of timely completion and quality assurance in the project. “This reservoir will not only improve irrigation but also act as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the region. Our government is committed to ensuring water reaches every farmer,” he stated.
The Siddababa reservoir will irrigate 1,840 hectares during the Kharif season and 1,380 hectares during Rabi, directly benefitting nearly 4,500 farmers. It will serve villages in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Bemetara, and Durg districts, including Kotri Chhapar, Dodiya, Vicharpur, Patharjhori, Chichanmeta, and Agarkala.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Chief Secretary to the CM Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, senior officials, public representatives, and local villagers were present during the inspection.
In addition to agriculture, the reservoir will support the cultivation of vegetables and Rabi crops over 120 hectares in submerged areas. It also holds the potential for fish production estimated at 498 quintals annually, offering employment to around 200 villagers. The project is expected to raise the groundwater table in the region, helping mitigate both irrigation and drinking water shortages.
Significantly, the reservoir will also supply water to 23 small reservoirs in surrounding areas—including 13 in Chhuikhadan block, 7 in Saja, and 3 in Dhamdha—thus improving water availability across the region.
The project is being seen as a major step forward in enhancing rural livelihoods and ensuring long-term water security for central Chhattisgarh.
