**Executive Summary**
On May 14, 2026, a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Rural Development reviewed watershed development projects under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh. The visit focused on evaluating initiatives related to protective irrigation, soil conservation, and livelihood enhancement to improve agricultural productivity. A key action item involves documenting the Gadadih Lift Irrigation Project as a "Success Model" template for future state-level watershed projects.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Irrigation Infrastructure and Convergence**
* Inspected a stop dam in Sankra village constructed through the convergence of WDC and MGNREGA at a cost of ₹40.34 lakh, benefiting over 50 farmers and 80–85 acres.
* Reviewed a 430-metre irrigation canal in Belaudi village (₹20.20 lakh) that provides water to 150 acres and mitigates soil erosion.
* Evaluated the Gadadih Lift Irrigation Project, which uses water from the Mahanadi River to irrigate 85 hectares for approximately 250 farmers.
* **Livelihood and Plantation Initiatives**
* Visited a five-acre plantation in Saunga village featuring 1,050 guava and lemon trees to enhance local livelihoods.
* Observed horticulture practices at a vegetable cultivation farm in Belaudi village aimed at increasing farmer incomes.
* **Water Conservation and Groundwater Recharge**
* Reviewed “Amrit Sarovar” projects in Bodra and Gadadih villages designed to improve groundwater recharge and community water access.
* Recommended the creation of small ponds (daris) in Saunga village to specifically address local water scarcity issues.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Local Farmers**
**Impact**
Farmers in the Magarlod block have gained access to expanded irrigation facilities and improved soil health. The transition toward horticulture and vegetable cultivation is actively increasing household incomes.
**Action Required**
Continue utilizing the new irrigation infrastructure and adopting diversified agricultural practices as demonstrated in the horticulture and plantation sites.
**Stakeholder: Government Officials and Project Implementers**
**Impact**
The visit identified successful convergence models (WDC and MGNREGA) and established high-performing projects as benchmarks for regional development.
**Action Required**
Officials must document the Gadadih Lift Irrigation Project as a state-level template and initiate the creation of small ponds (daris) in water-scarce plantation areas.
Key Entities Referenced
Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0): The primary national scheme under which the reviewed watershed development projects for irrigation and soil conservation are implemented.
Department of Land Resources: The primary government department within the Ministry of Rural Development responsible for overseeing the reviewed watershed initiatives.
MGNREGA: A major national scheme used in convergence with watershed development projects to fund and construct irrigation infrastructure like stop dams.
Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh: The central location for the field review and implementation of the highlighted watershed and irrigation projects.
Amrit Sarovar: A specific initiative reviewed for its role in enhancing groundwater recharge and providing community water access.
Ministry of Rural Development
Secretary, Department of Land Resources Shri
Narendra Bhooshan Reviews Watershed
Development Projects in Dhamtari District,
Chhattisgarh
Delegation Reviews Initiatives on Protective Irrigation,
Livelihood Enhancement and Soil & Water Conservation
Posted On: 15 MAY 2026 1:07PM by PIB Delhi
A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Rural Development, led by Shri Narendra Bhooshan,
Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Land Resources, conducted an extensive field visit
of Watershed Development projects under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in Magarlod block of Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh on
Thursday.The delegation, accompanied by Joint Secretary (Watershed Management) Shri Nitin Khade and District
Collector Shri Abinash Mishra, reviewed various initiatives focused on protective irrigation, livelihood
enhancement, and soil and water conservation.
During the visit to Sankra village, the Secretary inspected a stop dam constructed through the convergence
of WDC and MGNREGA at a cost of ₹40.34 lakh. The structure has brought nearly 80–85 acres under
irrigation and is benefiting more than 50 farmers. In Belaudi village, the delegation reviewed a 430-metre
irrigation canal developed at a cost of ₹20.20 lakh, which currently provides irrigation to around 150 acres
and has helped reduce soil erosion significantly.
The team also visited a five-acre plantation site in Saunga village, where 1,050 guava and lemon trees
have been planted on a river island. To address water scarcity issues, officials advised the creation of small
ponds (daris) in the area.
The delegation further reviewed “Amrit Sarovar” projects in Bodra and Gadadih villages for their
contribution to groundwater recharge and community water access.
A major highlight of the visit was the Lift Irrigation Project in Gadadih, which utilizes water from the
Mahanadi River to irrigate 85 hectares of farmland, benefiting nearly 250 farmers. Shri Narendra
Bhooshan described the initiative as a “Success Model” and directed officials to document such
achievements as state-level templates for future watershed development projects.
The visit concluded with an inspection of a vegetable cultivation farm in Belaudi village, where farmers
were appreciated for adopting horticulture practices to enhance their incomes.
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