CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal : Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that continuous expansion of the irrigation sector is essential for the prosperity of farmers and for bringing positive changes to the state’s economy. For this, the Water Resources Department and all related agencies must work swiftly. At present, irrigation coverage from government sources in the state has exceeded 5.2 million hectares. The target is to double this soon, expanding irrigation to 10 million hectares within the next three years.

CM Yadav said that along with agriculture, water is also being used for industries, drinking water management, and power generation from the sources of the Water Resources Department. Full priority should be given to the proper use of water resources to achieve the target of irrigating 10 million hectares. During a review of the Water Resources Department on Thursday, CM Yadav also took updates on various projects that are expanding irrigation coverage.

PM Modi’s Beneficial Provisions

CM Yadav highlighted inter-state river-linking projects like the Ken-Betwa Link National Project and the revised Parvati-Kali-Sindh-Chambal Link Project as highly beneficial, stating that their implementation would transform almost half of the state’s districts. Work has also begun on river-linking projects within Madhya Pradesh to reap benefits. He said that the dream of linking rivers was envisioned by Bharat Ratna former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is now being realized by Prime Minister Modi. Currently, the Government of India has made a beneficial provision to fund 90% of the cost of such projects. As per PM Modi’s vision, such state initiatives are being actively encouraged. As river-linking projects are implemented, irrigation coverage will grow, bringing greater prosperity. CM Yadav instructed the Water Resources Department to conduct surveys and studies of river-linking prospects within the state, prepare reports, and submit proposals to the Central Government for approval.

Review of Simhastha 2028 Preparations

CM Yadav also reviewed works related to Simhastha 2028, including Shipra River purification, river and water body development, and ghat construction. It was informed that nearly 30 km of ghats are currently under construction on the Shipra, targeted for completion by 2027. Once completed, during Simhastha, around 50 million devotees will be able to take a holy dip in a single day. The construction of barrages on the Shipra River was also reviewed.

Significant Growth in Irrigation Coverage

The meeting was informed that irrigated land in the state increased from 4.456 million hectares in Rabi 2023–24 to 5.206 million hectares in Rabi 2025–26—an increase of 750,000 hectares within one and a half years. Of this, the Water Resources Department added 239,000 hectares and the Narmada Valley Development Department contributed 511,000 hectares. It was reported that in the next five years, 38 irrigation projects worth over ₹20 billion will be completed, expanding irrigation to 1.733 million hectares. This year alone, irrigation will increase by more than 200,000 hectares through projects like the Mohanpura Left Bank Canal Project (Rajgarh), Chanderi Micro-Irrigation Project (Ashoknagar), Panchmangarh Irrigation Project (Damoh & Sagar), Tyonthar Flow Scheme (Rewa), and Ghoghri Medium Project (Betul).

The meeting was attended by Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources & Narmada Valley Development) Rajesh Rajora, and other officials.

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