Tohemeta anicut to improve drinking water supply, recharge groundwater and provide irrigation to 55 hectares in Mainpur block.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 11, 2026: In a significant move aimed at strengthening water conservation and irrigation infrastructure in rural Chhattisgarh, the State Government has accorded administrative approval for the construction of an anicut in Tohemeta village of Mainpur development block in Gariaband district. The project has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹356.36 lakh (₹3.56 crore).
According to officials, the proposed anicut will play a crucial role in improving drainage management, enhancing the availability of drinking water, and facilitating groundwater recharge in the region. Once completed, the structure is expected to provide assured irrigation benefits to farmers cultivating nearly 55 hectares of agricultural land, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
The proposal for the anicut was examined in detail by a committee of the Finance and Planning Department, which recommended the project after assessing its technical feasibility and long-term benefits for the area. Following this, administrative approval was granted by the concerned departmental minister and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai.
The government has issued clear instructions to ensure that the project is executed strictly within the approved cost and stipulated time frame. Officials have been directed to obtain all necessary technical approvals before commencing work and to award the project through a transparent tender process, in accordance with existing financial and administrative rules. Emphasis has also been placed on maintaining high construction quality to ensure the durability and effectiveness of the structure.
Local administration officials stated that the anicut will help retain surface water during the monsoon, gradually recharge groundwater levels, and provide a dependable source of water during lean seasons. This will not only support irrigation but also improve access to drinking water for nearby habitations, particularly during summer months when water scarcity is a recurring challenge.
The project is expected to have a positive socio-economic impact on Tohemeta village and surrounding areas by reducing dependence on erratic rainfall, stabilising crop yields, and enhancing overall water security. Farmers and residents have welcomed the decision, describing it as an important step towards sustainable water management and long-term development of the region.
With this approval, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure, promoting efficient use of water resources, and improving the quality of life in tribal and remote districts such as Gariaband.
