Madhya Pradesh Witnesses Unprecedented Expansion in Irrigation Capacity Under Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat

During a discussion on the budget demands for the Water Resources Department, Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat stated that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh has seen an unprecedented increase in irrigated areas. In 2003, irrigation was available for only around 7.5 lakh hectares, whereas today, through various irrigation projects led by the Water Resources and Narmada Valley Development Department, irrigation capacity has been developed for 50 lakh hectares.

The target is to expand this to 65 lakh hectares in the next 2 years, and eventually reach 100 lakh hectares within 5 years. The department is playing a pivotal role in the state’s development by building dams and expanding irrigation systems through efficient management. Minister Silawat reiterated the commitment to maximize water utilization and provide modern irrigation facilities to farmers. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that every farm in the state has access to water.

Nationwide Recognition for Efficient Water Management

He added that Madhya Pradesh leads the country in irrigation management. Even in areas where open canals are not feasible, irrigation is being provided through lift systems. The state’s excellence was recognized in June 2023 when it received the National Water Award from the Vice President of India. Through pipe-based irrigation, the state delivers water from one hectare up to 2.5 hectares — making Madhya Pradesh the first state in the country to achieve this.

Massive Infrastructure and Project Development

So far, the state has completed 5,830 irrigation projects, including 25 major, 114 medium, and 5,692 minor schemes.

In FY 2024, an additional 2.7 lakh hectares of irrigation area was created through ongoing projects.

Currently, 42 major, 68 medium, and 381 minor projects are under construction with a total cost of ₹89,030 crore, expected to increase capacity by 25 lakh hectares, with 10.61 lakh hectares already achieved.

Ken-Betwa Link Project – A Game-Changer for Bundelkhand

The Ken-Betwa River Link Project, a national flagship project, is progressing rapidly. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Daudhan Dam on December 25, 2024, in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary.

With a cost of ₹44,605 crore, the project will provide:

Irrigation for 8.11 lakh hectares

Drinking water for 4.4 million people

103 MW of electricity exclusively for Madhya Pradesh

Benefits to 725,000 farming families across 2,000 villages in 10 districts of the state

The project is expected to improve groundwater levels, promote industrialization, attract investment and tourism, and reduce migration by providing employment and self-sufficiency.

Another Major Project: Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan signed a tripartite MoU on January 28, 2024, and an agreement on December 5, 2024, for the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) inter-state link.

Estimated cost: ₹72,000 crore

MP’s share: ₹35,000 crore

Rajasthan’s share: ₹37,000 crore

It will benefit 11 districts in Malwa and Chambal regions with 6.14 lakh hectares of new irrigation and modernization of 3.62 lakh hectares in Bhind, Morena, and Sheopur.

Around 3,150 villages and 40 lakh people will benefit, including 19 irrigation projects in MP. The project also ensures drinking water, industrial water supply, tourism, and fisheries-based employment.

Clean Water Initiative: Kanha Diversion Close Duct Project

To protect the sacred Shipra River from pollution due to Kanha River, the Kanha Diversion Close Duct Project (₹900 crore) is under construction. This project will be completed before the 2028 Simhastha Mahakumbh, ensuring uninterrupted, clean flow in Shipra River year-round.

The Sevarkhedi and Silarkhedi projects (₹615 crore) have also begun.

Ghats spanning 29 km along both banks of Shipra will be built with a sanctioned amount of ₹778.91 crore to support religious bathing during Simhastha.

Atal Bhujal Yojana and Sustainable Water Use

To enhance groundwater levels and address drinking water issues in Bundelkhand, the Atal Bhujal Yojana is being implemented in 9 blocks across 6 districts.

The project aims to:

Improve groundwater levels

Boost farmer incomes

Provide sustainable water sources under the Jal Jeevan Mission

Dam Safety and Budget Allocation

Dam safety is a top priority. A Dam Safety Review Panel is in place to inspect sensitive dams annually.

Over the next 5 years, 27 dams will undergo safety upgrades and repairs, supported by ₹551 crore from the World Bank.

Budget Overview

2024–25 Original Budget Allocation: ₹7,248.17 crore

Capital Section: ₹5,788.70 crore

Revenue Section (salaries, maintenance): ₹1,459.47 crore

Expenditure so far: ₹7,634.52 crore

Supplementary Budget (2024–25): ₹2,593.13 crore

Proposed Budget for 2025–26: ₹9,196.22 crore (22% increase over previous year)

Following Minister Tulsiram Silawat’s address, the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the ₹9,183.21 crore grant proposal for the Water Resources Department by voice vote.

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