Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has taken unprecedented initiative to give a strong base of development to Alirajpur district grappling with problems of scanty rainfall and lack of irrigation facilities.
The Chief Minister will lay foundation stone of Maa Narmada link Alirajpur lift Irrigation Project aiming to irrigate 55 thousand hectares annually in the district. The Government has sanctioned Rs 582.80 crore for the project to be constructed by Narmada Valley Development Authority.
Alirajpur is getting this bonanza as a result of Chief Minister’s action plan to supply Narmada water to the regions lacking irrigation due to geographical situation. Under the project, 10 cumec Narmada water will be obtained at the confluence of Narmada and Hathini rivers near Roligaon and lifted to a height of 240 metres and supplied through 46 km long rising main, 120 km long gravity main and about 346 km long minor and sub minor district system.
Farmers having upto 2 and half hectares will be given connections from it enabling them to irrigate their fields directly through drips and sprinklers. This is first project in the tribal area under which they will get irrigation pipeline upto their fields. Earlier, connection was given to farmers having upto 40 hectares. Arrangements have been made for the first time to supply irrigation water upto fields.
It is noteworthy that agriculture is the main occupation of people in Alirajpur district which came into existence in year 2008 after being separated from Jhabua district.
The district has total 1.75 lakh hectares irrigable land. At present, only 36,000 hectares are irrigated through wells, small water bodies etc. On completion, the project will benefit 46 villages of Sondwa, Alirajpur, Jobat, Bhabhra and Katthiwara tehsils.
Farmers will be able to take 3 crops in 2 years. Due to 35,000 hectare potential of the project, total annual irrigate area in the district will rise to 55,000 hectares. Through drips/sprinklers water will be used in a judicious and
better way.