CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Minister Silawat: Continuous Growth in Irrigated Area Through Effective Water Resource Management
Madhya Pradesh Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat has stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state is witnessing continuous growth in irrigated areas due to the construction of new irrigation projects and the efficient management of water resources. The government is committed to ensuring water reaches every field.
Expressing pride and satisfaction, the Minister highlighted that the Mohampura-Kundaliya Irrigation Project in Rajgarh district has been honored with the ‘Best Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Award’ at the CBIP (Central Board of Irrigation and Power) Awards 2024 for its efficient water use, conservation, and contribution to agricultural development. He congratulated the department’s team and the farmers of the region for this achievement.
The award was presented in New Delhi by CBIP jury members A.K. Dinkar, Ghanshyam Prasad, and Dr. M.K. Sinha and received by Chief Engineer and Project Director G.P. Silawat, Superintending Engineer and Project Administrator Vikas Rajoria, and Project Director Shubhankar Biswas.
Minister Silawat remarked that this award recognizes Madhya Pradesh’s innovative water management system and its contribution to sustainable agricultural development. It reflects the success of the state government’s visionary water management policies and effective implementation. He added that this recognition will encourage water conservation and the expansion of modern irrigation systems.
A standout feature of the Mohampura-Kundaliya project is its “Reservoir-to-Farm” model, which delivers water directly from the reservoir to the fields through a pressurized pipeline network, avoiding the losses typically seen with open canals, such as leakage and evaporation. This pipeline-based irrigation system ensures minimal water wastage as it directly transports water to farms without open channels.
The Minister further stated that this project is a historic achievement in groundwater balance, environmental stability, prevention of waterlogging, soil erosion, and biodiversity conservation. It has positioned Madhya Pradesh as a leading state in water management. This award proves that with modern technology and scientific approach, water resources can be used to promote conservation and sustainable agricultural development. The project is set to become a model for other states, further strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s role in national water resource management.
Innovations That Led to the Award:
Energy Efficiency:
Use of natural slopes and an optimized pumping system to deliver water to fields reduced energy consumption and lowered irrigation costs for farmers.
Drip and Sprinkler Integration:
Promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies in fields enabled higher crop yield using less water.
Waterlogging and Soil Erosion Control:
This system eliminated traditional issues of waterlogging and soil erosion found in canal-based systems, ensuring environmental balance.
Year-Round Water Availability:
Ensures water availability during both Rabi and Kharif seasons, making farmers more self-reliant.
Successful Implementation of IWRM Principles:
The project stands as an example of effective and holistic water resource management, aligning with IWRM principles. It ensures water availability, efficient use, and ecological sustainability.
Instead of traditional canals, the project uses pressurized pipelines for water delivery. It provides equitable water distribution for agriculture and drinking purposes and reserves water for industrial use as well. Farmers are also being trained in modern agricultural practices and water management techniques to improve productivity and optimize resource use.
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