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Mayurbhanj Boosts Irrigation with Water Harvesting & Solar Projects

The District Magistrate of Mayurbhanj highlighted that while 64% of the district's cultivable land has assured irrigation, coverage drops significantly during the Rabi season. To address this and combat a decreasing groundwater table, the administration is focusing on water harvesting structures. Major irrigation projects, Mega Lift Irrigation, and new In-Stream Storage structures are being implemented to enhance potential. Future priorities include solar-powered irrigation projects to ensure sustainable water availability.

Key Points: Mayurbhanj DM on Water Harvesting to Increase Irrigation

  • 64% irrigation coverage of cultivable land
  • Focus on water harvesting to replenish groundwater
  • Major projects like Subarnarekha & Deo
  • Solar-powered irrigation prioritised
  • In-Stream Storage to enhance Rabi season supply
2 min read

Focusing on water harvesting structures which will increase water table: Mayurbhanj DM

Mayurbhanj DM details focus on water harvesting structures and solar irrigation to combat groundwater depletion and boost Rabi season coverage.

"The groundwater table is decreasing, so we are focusing on water harvesting structures... - District Magistrate"

Mayurbhanj, March 6

Special focus is being given on water harvesting structures which will potentially increase the water table here, Mayurbhanj District Magistrate said.

"If you see the total percentage of irrigation in Mayurbhanj, it is around 64% of the total cultivable land. In Mayurbhanj, around four lakh hectares constitute cultivable land, and out of that, 64% has an assured irrigation facility. During Kharif, with rain-fed irrigation, we cover 100% of the cultivable area, but during Rabi, irrigation drops to about one lakh hectares," he told ANI.

He detailed several key projects contributing to the district's irrigation capacity.

"Major projects like the Subarnarekha Irrigation Project, Deo Irrigation Project, and medium irrigation schemes in Rairangpur and Karanjia subdivisions, including the Sulaipal dam, are helping improve irrigation potential. Alongside these, micro-irrigation, Mega Lift Irrigation, and deep borewell projects sanctioned by the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation are being implemented at both community and individual levels," Say said.

Addressing the challenges of groundwater depletion, the DM stressed the importance of water harvesting.

"The groundwater table is decreasing, so we are focusing on water harvesting structures with the help of Panchayati Raj Department and Watershed Departments. These will not only replenish groundwater but also support future irrigation. Solar-powered irrigation projects will also be prioritised," he added.

On the flagship Subarnarekha Irrigation Project, Say said, "More than 60,000 hectares are being covered through Subarnarekha, but irrigation potential during the Rabi season drastically decreases. To counter this, the Government of Odisha and the Government of India are sanctioning In-Stream Storage (ISS) and barrage structures, which will enhance irrigation and provide drinking water facilities in rural areas."

The DM also spoke about future priorities. "Apart from major projects like Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Sulaipal, and Deo, we are prioritising Mega Lift Irrigation. However, water availability in dams is a key factor. ISS projects, like those at Khairibhandhan in Jashipur and Budhabalanga, will increase irrigation coverage and provide assured drinking water to the rural areas."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on solar-powered irrigation too. It reduces dependency on erratic electricity and diesel pumps, saving farmers money. The Rabi season drop is a real problem for farmers' income. Hope these structures ensure year-round water security.
R
Rohit P
Implementation is key. We hear about many projects and 'focus' from officials, but on-ground results often take years. The DM has given specific numbers, which is good. Need to track progress. Will these water harvesting structures be maintained properly by the community?
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in rural development, combining major projects with micro-irrigation and community-level structures is the right strategy. One size doesn't fit all. The mention of drinking water facilities is crucial—water security isn't just for agriculture.
V
Vikram M
The Subarnarekha project has been in the works for ages. Glad to hear they are adding ISS structures to improve its effectiveness. Water harvesting is our ancient wisdom (like stepwells). Time to blend it with modern tech like solar. Best of luck to Mayurbhanj!
K
Kavya N
My respectful criticism: The article is strong on infrastructure but says little about involving local farmers in planning and decision-making. For sustainability, the community must own these projects. Hope that's part of the plan with Panchayati Raj involvement.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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