TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 17, 2025: The Chhattisgarh government has recorded significant progress in irrigation expansion, water conservation and resource management over the last two years, with the Water Resources Department playing a central role in strengthening the state’s agricultural and drinking water security. These achievements were outlined during a press conference addressed by Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, Secretary, Water Resources Department, in the presence of senior officials .
Highlighting the department’s core mandate, officials said the focus has been on conservation and augmentation of water resources while expanding irrigation benefits to the maximum number of farmers. Water, described as a vital and invaluable resource, has been placed at the centre of the state’s development strategy, supporting agriculture, drinking water supply and industrial needs.
Over the past two years, Chhattisgarh has achieved an increase of 25,000 hectares in irrigation capacity, taking the total developed irrigation potential in the state to 21.76 lakh hectares. Alongside capacity expansion, the department has emphasised sustainable water management, flood control planning and climate change preparedness through scientific assessment and modern planning mechanisms.
A major highlight has been the success of water conservation initiatives under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan ‘Catch the Rain’. Community-driven efforts in water harvesting earned Chhattisgarh national recognition, including the second prize in the national ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ category. In the urban local bodies segment, Raipur Municipal Corporation secured first place, while several districts from the eastern zone, including Balod, Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Gariyaband, Bilaspur and Raigarh, were also honoured for exemplary work in water conservation.
The department has also prioritised public awareness through competitions and campaigns such as Jal Sanrakshan 2.0, aimed at promoting mass participation in water conservation. In addition, administrative approvals worth ₹1,874.87 crore were granted for 477 projects to expand or restore irrigation facilities across 73,601 hectares.
For the first time since the state’s formation in 2000, Chhattisgarh received central assistance of ₹896 crore in the previous year under special central support, accelerating key water resource projects. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT Mission and industrial water supply schemes, water allocations have been made for industrial institutions as well as for drinking water purposes.
During the 2024–25 agricultural year, irrigation was provided across 14.52 lakh hectares against a target of 16.53 lakh hectares, achieving nearly 88 per cent of the set goal. The government also cleared long-pending compensation worth over ₹400 crore for agricultural land and more than ₹100 crore for forest land acquired for irrigation projects, significantly expediting stalled works.
Looking ahead, the state has approved 14 new major irrigation projects, expected to create an additional irrigation potential of one lakh hectares. Surveys are also underway for ambitious projects such as the Bodhghat multipurpose dam and the Kewai–Hasdeo river linking scheme. The department is simultaneously drafting new policies on sediment management, dam-site tourism and a long-term ‘Water Vision 2047’, aiming to double water storage capacity from 7,900 MCM to 16,000 MCM and eliminate groundwater-stressed blocks in the state.
Officials said these sustained efforts reflect the government’s commitment to long-term water security, agricultural growth and balanced regional development in Chhattisgarh.
