The Central Government had sanctioned Rs21 crore for development of an environment-friendly Water Augmentation Project at Mahanadi reservoir.
It may be recalled that the distributory channel number nine of Mahanadi main canal in Dhamtari district will also be strengthened with concrete lining at a cost of Rs2.93 crore, officials stated.
The move would help extension of irrigation facilities in 2041.58 hectares of agricultural land.
Notably, Chhattisgarh is among nine states which will benefit more from Centre's 'Neeranchal project' due to implementation of large number of watershed schemes already in these states, officials stated.
The nine states which would benefit from the project are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.
Notably, the Central government has signed a loan agreement with World Bank for the Neeranchal National Watershed Project. The project to be implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development over a six-year period (2016-21) will support the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana in hydrology and water management, agricultural production systems, capacity building and monitoring and evaluation.
The Neeranchal project was approved by the Union Cabinet in October last year with a total budget outlay of Rs 2142 crore with the Government share of Rs 1071 crore and the rest 50% by the World Bank.
The Chhattisgarh government has ensured usage of nearly 73 per cent of the extended irrigation capacity which is far better than many other states of the country, officials stated.
Notably, the Chhattisgarh Government had also made all preparations to strengthen Central Government's Water Conservation and Management policy of ''Jal Kranti Abhiyaan'' (Water Revolution Mission).
A total of 54 severe water scarce villages have been selected for the Mission. Two villages from each of the 27 districts have been selected for the purpose .
Water Resources Department Secretary Dr B l Tewari held a meeting of the State-level Committee recently at the Data Centre in Raipur.
He reviewed recently the steps taken to implement the 'Jal Kranti Abhiyaan' in the State. Top Engineers of the Department participated in the meeting in Raipur.
Tewari said that the 'Jal Kranti Abhiyaan' is the top priority of the State Government.
Two severe water scarce villages from each of the 27 districts have been selected for the Mission.
Various Departments should closely co-ordinate to make water available for drinking water, irrigation and other basic necessities of the villagers, Tewari said.
He had instructed the concerned officials to address the problems of the villages as early as possible. The officers of the Water Resources Department have been appointed as Nodal Officers of the 'Jal Kranti Abhiyaan'.
The Nodal officers will tour the problem villages every 15 days and redress the grievances. The District Collectors are being given responsibility to make the Mission a success. Janpad Panchayats and Gram Panchayats will also be kept in the loop in implementing the Mission, Tewari said.
He said that every drop of water is precious and the chosen villages will be asked to conserve and preserve water. Governmental, Non-Governmental and citizens will join hands to make the Mission a great success.