1503 canals will be treated to benefit more than 6 lakh hectares of remote forest regions
Construction of structures underway across 32 forest divisions covering 24 districts, 2 National Parks, 3 Tiger Reserves, and 1 Elephant Reserve
Raipur, 24 August 2023//
The state government has started numerous initiatives for groundwater recharge in the canals of the remote forest regions under the ‘Narva Development’ program in Chhattisgarh. As part of the 2022–23 Annual Action Plan of Chhattisgarh’s CAMPA, the construction related to groundwater recharge of more than 29 lakh structures across 1503 canals is underway, with an approved amount of Rs 300.52 crore, aimed to benefit 6.26 lakh hectares of land.
In consonance with Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel’s vision and under the guidance of Forest Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, a significant endeavour is underway to rejuvenate water sources, rivers, and ponds within the remote forest regions of the state. This initiative aims to conserve and enhance groundwater levels. Forest Minister Mr. Akbar shared that this effort involves the construction of groundwater recharge structures within canals across 32 forest divisions spanning over 24 districts, including 2 National Parks, 3 Tiger Reserves, and 1 Elephant Reserve. These water storage structures, funded by CAMPA, will ensure a reliable drinking water supply for both local communities and the wildlife inhabiting the remote forest regions of the state. Moreover, the water retained in the canals will foster moisture in the surrounding lands, contributing to improved farming conditions, increased income sources, and overall greenery.
In this regard, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. V. Srinivasa Rao shared that as a part of CAMPA’s Annual Action Plan 2022–23 under the Narva Development Program, the construction of 97,333 structures worth Rs. 10 crore across 50 canals is underway in Guru Ghasidas National Park, construction of 1.24 lakh structures worth Rs. 13 crore across 64 canals is underway in Indravati Tiger Reserve, and construction of 11,621 lakh structures worth Rs. 1.2 crore across 6 canals is underway in Kanger Valley National Park. Similarly, the construction of 1.11 lakh structures worth Rs. 11.49 crore across 57 canals is underway in Tamor Pingla Elephant Reserve; the construction of 90,166 structures worth Rs. 9.03 crore across 46 canals is underway in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve; the construction of 46000 structures worth Rs. 4.57 crore across 23 canals is underway in Gomarda Sanctuary; the construction of 16,464 structures worth Rs. 1.70 crore across 8 canals is underway in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve; the construction of 29000 structures worth Rs. 3 crore across 15 canals is underway in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary; and the construction of 24212 structures worth Rs. 2.5 crore across 12 canals is underway in Kawardha-Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary.
Likewise, the construction of structures related to groundwater recharge is underway across various forest divisions. Notably, the construction of structures is underway across 34 canals in Khairagarh, 7 canals in Balod, 24 canals in Rajnandgaon, 48 canals in Kawardha, 40 canals in Bilaspur, 86 canals in Marwahi, 27 canals in Korba, 30 canals in Katghora, 18 canals in Raigarh, 22 canals in Dharamjaygarh, 14 canals in Janjgir-Champa, and 22 canals in Mungeli. Similarly, the construction of structures is underway across 67 canals in Gariaband, 6 canals in Balodabazar, 44 canals in Dhamtari, 40 canals in Mahasamund, 49 canals in Kanker, 29 canals in East Bhanupratappur, 37 canals in West Bhanupratappur, 35 canals in Keshkal, 59 canals in South Kondagaon, 43 canals in Narayanpur, 32 canals in Sukma, 56 canals in Bastar, 37 canals in Bijapur, and 25 canals in Dantewada. Similarly, the construction of structures is underway across 23 canals in Jashpur, 32 canals in Surguja, 33 canals in Surajpur, 51 canals in Balrampur, 87 canals in Korea, and 48 canals in Manendragarh.
