After prolonged wait, release of water has been started in the right bank canal of Madhya Pradesh's ambitious Omkareshwar irrigation and hydel project.
After flowing for 128 km, Narmada's water from the left bank canal emanating from Khandwa district entered Dhar district. Farmers in Khandwa, Khargone and Dhar districts were waiting for release of water in the canal for long. As a result of the decision taken by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, level of the reservoir was increased to 191 metres recently and the flow of water started in the project's canals.
The flow of water started in the left bank main canal in May. Now, water has been released in 162.95 km long right bank canal. The villagers also welcomed arrival of Narmada water with worship. As Narmada is making headway in the canal, people of concerning villages are greeting by offering worship and traditional Chunari.
The right bank canal will irrigate 70 thousand 630 hectares in tribal areas whereas 64.11 km long left bank canal create irrigation facilities in 20 thousand 580 hectares. The 12.39 km long common carrier canal will irrigate 960 hectares. In this way, farmers in Khargone, Khandwa and Dhar districts will get benefit of irrigation to the tune of one lakh 46 thousand 800 hectares from Omkareshwar irrigation project.