The state government is committed to ensuring every farm has access to water, for which extending irrigation capabilities is essential. Farms should have a reliable irrigation infrastructure, enabling farmers to cultivate their lands all year round.
During a critical review meeting with the Water Resources Department, Chief Minister Champai Soren instructed officials to accelerate the construction of various irrigation projects to meet their deadlines.
The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of modern irrigation methods, including mega lift and underground pipeline systems, which have shown substantial efficiency. He emphasized that expanding underground pipeline irrigation in Jharkhand offers significant benefits, such as eliminating land acquisition issues and preventing the submersion of villages due to dam construction. This method allows for rapid and unobstructed irrigation over extensive areas, facilitating optimal water usage.
Chief Minister Soren urged the Water Resources Department to prioritize smaller irrigation initiatives, which could quickly bring water to the fields. He pointed out the extensive time and high costs associated with larger projects, posing displacement issues. By focusing on smaller projects, these challenges can be avoided.
He also noted the slow progress and displacement issues associated with long-standing large-scale irrigation projects in Jharkhand, calling for resolving problems faced by the displaced, including timely rehabilitation and compensation.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister advocated for adopting solar-powered irrigation as a sustainable and efficient solution, encouraging using solar energy for irrigation pumps and drip systems to conserve water, protect the environment, and enhance crop yields. This approach also eliminates the need for farmers to incur additional electricity costs for irrigation.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary L. Khiangte, the Chief Minister’s Additional Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, the Chief Minister’s Secretary Arwa Rajkamal, Water Resources Department Secretary Prashant Kumar, Chief Engineer Sanjay Kumar, among other engineers.