Jashpur set to emerge as a national model for modern pressurized irrigation systems
TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 1, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday inaugurated the construction work of the Bagia ‘pressurized lift irrigation system’ under the Samriddhi Command Area Development and Water Management Modernization (M-CAD) scheme at his native village Bagia in Jashpur district.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Bagia Samriddhi M-CAD scheme is not merely an irrigation project, but a strong symbol of the vision of “more crop per drop.” Its successful implementation, Jashpur district will become a model for modern pressurized irrigation systems in the country and will open new avenues of prosperity for farmers.
He said that under this project, a modern pressurized pipe irrigation network will be developed in place of the traditional canal system. The underground pipeline system will prevent water wastage, improve water-use efficiency, and eliminate the need for land acquisition. Farmers who have so far depended on rainfall will now be able to access sufficient water for irrigation throughout the year under this scheme.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Bagia Samriddhi M-CAD scheme will not only modernize the irrigation system but will also take agriculture forward in a technology-driven, sustainable, and profitable direction. This project has the potential to establish Jashpur as a model Agri-irrigation district at the national level. He added that this initiative will pave the way for taking farmers to new heights of prosperity, self-reliance, and dignity.
It is noteworthy that this project is being implemented in the Bagia cluster of Kunkuri development block through the Bagia Barrage-cum-Pressurized Lift Irrigation Scheme on the Maini River. Under this, irrigation facilities will be provided to about 4,933 hectares of land across 13 villages, including Bagia, Uskuti, Rajoti, Sujibahar, Chongribahar, Bansbahar, Dokda, Sikaria, Patratoli, Gahiradohar, Bihabal, Nariyardand, and Dhududand.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that among the 34 M-CAD projects approved in 23 states of the country, the Bagia cluster of Chhattisgarh is the only selected project. For this, an amount of Rs 95.89 crore has been approved by the Government of India, while the total cost of the project is approximately Rs 119 crore.
On this occasion, Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu said that this scheme will pave the way for the overall development of the region and provide a stable source of income for farmers. Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam described it as a “boon for the future” for farmers and said that it will give new momentum to the rural economy.
State Nodal Officer of the Samriddhi scheme Shri Alok Agrawal informed that the M-CAD programme was launched in April 2025 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stated that the project will be completed within the next six months, and its operation and maintenance will be handled by the contractor for the initial five years, after which it will be managed by the Water Users’ Committee. Active participation of women has also been ensured in this committee.
Modern technologies such as solar-powered electricity supply, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and IoT (Internet of Things) will be used in the project, enabling controlled and scientific use of water. Through data-based management, it will be determined when and how much water should be supplied to specific areas. The objective of this scheme is to enhance water-use efficiency, ensure maximum utilization of every drop, increase agricultural production, and bring sustainable improvement in farmers’ income. Additionally, through advanced agricultural practices, farmers will be empowered to cope with risks associated with climate change.
On this occasion, the public representatives and a large number of villagers marked their presence.
