Bhopal: The Government of Madhya Pradesh has announced a major push to expand irrigation infrastructure under the ongoing “Kisan Kalyan Year,” aiming to significantly boost agricultural productivity across the state. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has directed officials to prioritize timely completion and inauguration of irrigation projects, targeting an additional 6 lakh hectares of irrigated land within the next six months.
A high-level review meeting was held at the state secretariat in Bhopal, where the progress of water resources and Narmada Valley Development projects was assessed in detail.
Major Irrigation Projects to Be Inaugurated Across 13 Districts
Officials informed that several completed irrigation projects across 13 districts are ready for inauguration. These include regions such as Barwani, Sehore, Shajapur, Dewas, Jhabua, Dhar, Khandwa, Khargone, Alirajpur, Rajgarh, Jabalpur, Katni, and Mandla.
These projects are expected to collectively enhance irrigation capacity across approximately 6 lakh hectares of agricultural land, strengthening rural livelihoods and agricultural output.
Ken–Mandakini Link Project Sent to Central Government
The state government has submitted the proposal for the Ken–Mandakini Inter-State Link Project to the Government of India. The project is designed to:
- Develop irrigation potential over 93,310 hectares
- Generate 15.8 MW of hydroelectric power
- Include a 20 km long tunnel
- Estimated cost: over ₹8,400 crore
This project is part of Madhya Pradesh’s broader river-linking initiative aimed at improving water distribution efficiency.
Progress on Simhastha-Related Infrastructure
The government also reviewed infrastructure works linked to the upcoming Simhastha festival preparations in Ujjain. Key updates include:
- Sevarkhedi–SilarKhedi project: 82% completed
- Kanh Diversion Closed Duct Project: 66% progress
- Shipra river ghats (29 km stretch): 60% construction completed
These ghats are being developed to facilitate safe and smooth bathing arrangements for millions of pilgrims during the Simhastha festival.
Ken–Betwa Project: Major Rehabilitation Payment Completed
The Ken–Betwa river-linking project, one of India’s most significant inter-state water initiatives, has achieved major milestones:
- Designed irrigation coverage: 8.11 lakh hectares
- Power generation capacity: 130 MW
- Rehabilitation and resettlement: 90% compensation already paid
The project is expected to transform water availability in the Bundelkhand region.
Statewide Irrigation Coverage to Increase Sharply
The government highlighted that Madhya Pradesh’s irrigation coverage is expanding rapidly due to ongoing and upcoming projects.
- Current projected irrigated area: 95.45 lakh hectares
- With approved future projects: 108 lakh hectares
- Increase in last 2.5 years: approximately 10 lakh hectares
This marks one of the most significant agricultural infrastructure expansions in the state’s recent history.
Sliemanabad Tunnel Near Completion, Inauguration Preparations Underway
The Chief Minister instructed officials to prepare for the inauguration of the Sliemanabad Tunnel, a key infrastructure component of the Bargi diversion system.
Key details of the tunnel:
- Length: 11.952 km
- Diameter: 10.140 meters
- Water discharge capacity: 152 cumecs
- Part of Bargi diversion canal system (capacity: 227 cumecs)
The tunnel will benefit nearly 1,500 villages across Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Maihar, Rewa, and Panna districts by providing reliable irrigation supply.
Other Key Infrastructure Updates
Several additional irrigation and water resource projects were reviewed:
- Bina Complex multipurpose project: Chharkapur and Madiya dams completed
- Parvati–Kalisindh–Chambal river-linking project revised to serve 13 districts and 6.16 lakh hectares
- Karam Dam reconstruction (damaged in 2022) is nearing completion
- Fourth Dam Project in Chhindwara irrigation complex also under review
