Construction of more than 27 lakh structures underway through CAMPA funds
Raipur, 23 September 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 26.75 lakh structures across 1503 canals is underway, with an approved amount of Rs 284.81 crore, aimed to benefit 2.79 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 and Head of Forest Force, 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 87,351 structures worth Rs. 10 crore across 50 canals is underway in Guru Ghasidas National Park, construction of 5663 structures worth Rs. 13 crore across 64 canals is underway in Indravati Tiger Reserve, and construction of 1554 lakh structures worth Rs. 1.2 crore across 8 canals is underway in Kanger Valley National Park. Similarly, the construction of 24594 structures worth Rs. 11 crore across 57 canals is underway in Tamor Pingla Elephant Reserve; the construction of 39868 structures worth Rs. 9.31 crore across 46 canals is underway in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve; the construction of 14579 structures worth Rs. 1.70 crore across 11 canals is underway in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.
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, 12 canals in Balod, 24 canals in Rajnandgaon, 60 canals in Kawardha, 40 canals in Bilaspur, 86 canals in Marwahi, 27 canals in Korba, 30 canals in Katghora, 41 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, 28 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 Koriya, and 48 canals in Manendragarh.
