Unprecedented Increase in Irrigation Area in Madhya Pradesh Post Minister's Response, Department's Grant Request of ₹9,183 Crores Passed by Voice Vote

In the budget session of the state assembly, Water Resources Minister Tulsi Ram Silawat highlighted the significant increase in irrigation area under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. He stated that in 2003, only about 7.5 lakh hectares in the state were under irrigation, but today, through various irrigation projects by the Water Resources and Narmada Valley Development Department, 50 lakh hectares of land have been equipped with irrigation capacity. The target is to increase this to 65 lakh hectares in the next two years and 100 lakh hectares within the next five years. Through effective management, the Water Resources Department has played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural production and contributing significantly to the state's development. The government remains committed to providing modern and efficient irrigation facilities to farmers through the maximum utilization of water resources.

Minister Silawat mentioned that the state has improved irrigation efficiency by optimally utilizing water resources. Areas that previously lacked open canal systems are now receiving irrigation through lift irrigation. Madhya Pradesh ranks first in the country in irrigation management. The state was awarded the "National Water Award" by the Vice President in June 2023 for outstanding water management.

Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to implement a pipe-based irrigation system, providing water to farmers for irrigation on plots ranging from 1 to 2.5 hectares.

Completion of 5,830 Irrigation Projects

Minister Silawat stated that the state has completed 25 large, 114 medium, and 5,692 small irrigation projects, totaling 5,830 projects. These projects have developed an irrigation capacity of around 2.7 lakh hectares by December 2024. Currently, 42 large, 68 medium, and 381 small irrigation projects are under construction with a total cost of ₹89,030 crores. Once completed, these projects will increase irrigation capacity by 25 lakh hectares, with approximately 10.61 lakh hectares already developed.

Prime Minister's Agriculture Irrigation Scheme

In the financial year 2015-16, the central government launched the "Prime Minister Agricultural Irrigation Scheme" to improve the scientific advancement of irrigation processes. The scheme focuses on projects in tribal and drought-prone areas. The state government has developed policies to restore lost water storage capacity in dams by removing silt, which will be used to improve soil fertility in farmers' fields. This will enhance water storage capacity and increase revenue from the extracted sand.

National River-Linking Projects

Minister Silawat discussed two major national river-linking projects in the state. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a significant initiative that includes the construction of the Daudhan Dam and a link canal on the Ken River. The foundation stone for the Daudhan Dam was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, 2024. The ₹44,605 crore project will provide irrigation to 8.11 lakh hectares of land in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, and drinking water to 44 lakh people. The project will also produce 103 megawatts of electricity, which will be fully utilized by Madhya Pradesh. Approximately 7.25 lakh farming families in 2,000 villages in 10 districts will benefit from the project.

The implementation of the Ken-Betwa and Parwati-Kalisindh-Chambal interlinking projects will benefit 40 lakh people in 3,150 villages, with improved irrigation capacity in Malwa and Chambal regions, including areas in Guna, Shivpuri, Morena, Ujjain, Sehore, Mandsaur, Dewas, Indore, Agar-Malwa, Shajapur, and Rajgarh districts. The estimated cost of the project is ₹72,000 crores, with Madhya Pradesh contributing ₹35,000 crores and Rajasthan ₹37,000 crores.

Kanha Diversion Closed Duct Project

To prevent the polluted water from the Kanha River from flowing into the Shipra River, the Water Resources Department is constructing the Kanha Diversion Closed Duct Project with an estimated cost of ₹900 crores. This project will be completed by 2028, before the Simhasth Mahakumbh in Ujjain. Additionally, work on the Sevarkhedi and Silar Khedi schemes, costing ₹615 crores, has begun to ensure uninterrupted flow of water in the Shipra River throughout the year.

Atal Jal Yojana and Groundwater Management

The Atal Jal Yojana was launched in the Bundelkhand region to improve groundwater levels, provide drinking water, and enhance irrigation facilities. This project is being implemented in six districts and nine development blocks in Madhya Pradesh, benefiting farmers by improving groundwater levels and increasing agricultural productivity. It is also expected to help in providing sustainable water sources for drinking purposes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Dam Safety and Maintenance

Minister Silawat emphasized the importance of dam safety and informed the assembly that a "Dam Safety Review Panel" has been constituted to monitor the condition of sensitive dams. Over the next five years, 27 dams in the state will undergo safety checks and repairs, funded by a ₹551 crore approval from the World Bank.

Budget Allocation for Water Resources Department

The total original budget provision for the Water Resources Department for the financial year 2024-25 was ₹7,248.17 crores, with ₹5,788.70 crores for capital expenditure and ₹1,459.47 crores for revenue expenditure (repair, maintenance, and salaries). However, ₹7,634.52 crores have already been spent. The supplementary budget of ₹2,593.13 crores has been allocated, and for the next year (2025-26), the budget provision has been increased by 22% to ₹9,196.22 crores.

Following the Minister's statement, the assembly approved the department's grant request of ₹9,183.21 crore by voice vote.