Parliament Question: Projects to Enhance Irrigation Capacity

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 815 ANSWERED ON 23.07.2026 PROJECTS TO ENHANCE IRRIGATION CAPACITY †815. Smt. SANDHYA RAY: Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is formulating any comprehensive action plan to ensure scientific and coordinated utilisation of the waters of the Chambal Basin in view of the fact that despite the availability of sufficient water in several areas including Bhind and Datia districts of Madhya Pradesh located along the Chambal River, problems related to irrigation and drinking water persist due to lack of proper rainwater harvesting and distribution infrastructure and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government proposes any new projects to increase the irrigation capacity in Bhind and Datia districts; and (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY) (a) to (c) Water being a State subject, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments to plan, implement and manage irrigation projects, and to formulate appropriate action plans for expanding irrigation coverage within the State. The role of the Government of India is to providing technical support and partial financial assistance for identified projects under the ongoing schemes. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has informed the status of new irrigation projects benefitting Bhind and Datia districts as follows: Sl. Name of the Project Irrigation Benefits in Bhind and Stage of No. Datia Districts implementation 1. Ken–Betwa Link Project 16,928 hectare in Datia district Construction (Phase-II) 2. Maa Ratangarh Multipurpose 47,281 hectare in Bhind district and Construction Irrigation Project 4,996 hectare in Datia district 3. Kanera Lift Irrigation 15,500 hectare and drinking water to Construction Scheme 13 villages in Bhind district 4. Nunhata Stop Dam 210 hectare in Bhind district Tender *****