How Many Irrigation Projects Have Been Completed in Vidarbha?
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Synopsis
In a significant development for the Vidarbha region, Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan reveals that 758 irrigation projects have been completed, with additional projects in progress. This initiative is crucial for addressing the irrigation backlog and enhancing agricultural productivity in the area.
Key Takeaways
- 758 irrigation projects successfully completed in Vidarbha.
- 87 projects are currently under implementation.
- 14.23 lakh hectares of land have been irrigated.
- Government funding is vital for project completion.
- Addressing irrigation backlog is a priority.
Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan announced the successful completion of 758 irrigation projects in the Vidarbha region, with an additional 87 projects currently underway.
In a formal response to the state Assembly on Wednesday, the Minister highlighted that out of 858 irrigation initiatives, 758 have been finalized by the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation as of June 2024.
Among the remaining projects, work on 13 could not commence due to expired administrative approvals, including necessary permissions from the forest department. The other 87 irrigation projects are at various stages of execution.
This information was provided in response to inquiries from Pravin Datke and other assembly members.
From Vidarbha’s total irrigation potential of 22.31 lakh hectares, 14.23 lakh hectares have been irrigated, achieving a rate of 64 percent by June 2024. The ongoing implementation of 87 projects is crucial, although 12 projects are stalled due to forest land issues and other obstacles. These 87 irrigation projects hold the potential to irrigate 12.60 lakh hectares, with 4.81 lakh hectares already irrigated by the end of June 2024.
As per the Index and Backlog Committee's report, the irrigation backlog across six districts in Vidarbha stood at 7,84,720 hectares by the end of June 1994. Remarkably, 7,81,185 hectares of this backlog, which constitutes 94 percent, has been eliminated by June 2025. However, a backlog of 43,535 hectares remains in Akola and Buldhana.
The Minister informed the state council that the government is channeling funds to complete the outstanding irrigation projects through the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchan Yojana, Baliraja Jalsanjeevani Yojana, loans from NABARD’s Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, and partial grants.
These funds are distributed based on a formula established by the state Governor, taking the state's financial condition into account. The aim is to finalize irrigation projects to address the backlog in the Amravati division and also to support the Gosikhurd National Project from the Nagpur region.
Point of View
I believe that the completion of these irrigation projects in Vidarbha marks a critical step forward in enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing irrigation challenges. The government's commitment to investing in infrastructure reflects a proactive approach to ensuring food security and supporting farmers in the region.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of irrigation projects completed in Vidarbha?
A total of 758 irrigation projects have been completed in the Vidarbha region.
How many irrigation projects are currently under implementation?
Currently, 87 irrigation projects are in various stages of implementation.
What is the irrigation potential of the ongoing projects?
The irrigation potential of the 87 ongoing projects is 12.60 lakh hectares.
What has contributed to the backlog in irrigation?
The backlog has been caused by expired administrative approvals and issues related to forest land.
How is the government funding the irrigation projects?
The government is providing funds through various schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchan Yojana and NABARD's Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.
