Special Article: Surguja's life-giving Shyam Ghunghuta project has become a support for farmers, irrigation water is reaching the fields of 63 villages.
Service Resolution Campaign
A 236-kilometer-long canal system provides irrigation facilities to farmers, making water available for farming even during periods of scanty rainfall.
Renovation and lining of old canals completed at a cost of Rs 23.81 crore, water distribution system improved
Along with irrigating the fields, the thirst of Ambikapur city is also being quenched, 8.93 million cubic meters of water is supplied annually under the Amrit Yojana.
Raipur, October 2026 / Water is the most important requirement for flourishing crops in the fields. When rainfall is scarce and moisture in the fields begins to decrease, reliable irrigation sources are a boon for farmers. The Shyam Ghunghuta Project in Surguja district has been fulfilling this need for farmers for years. Considered the lifeline of the district, this project's 236-kilometer-long canal system supplies irrigation water to the fields of 63 villages. The renovation and lining of approximately 35-year-old canals has strengthened the water distribution system. The project has proven to be a vital support for farmers, especially during periods of scanty rainfall.
The Shyam Ghunghuta Project's utility isn't limited to irrigating fields. It's also a major source of drinking water for the city of Ambikapur. While the project's canals support agriculture in rural areas, it also provides 8.93 million cubic meters of water annually to the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation under the Amrit Yojana.
35-year-old canals get new life, renovated at a cost of Rs 23.81 crore
According to information received from Water Resources Division No. 01, Ambikapur, the Shyam Ghunghuta Project is approximately 35 years old. The canals of this long-running project had developed cracks at several locations over time. Furthermore, the canals were also damaged by burrowing by aquatic animals.
Damage to canals affected water flow. Leakage at many locations and the poor condition of canals made it difficult to deliver water for irrigation. This also affected the provision of irrigation facilities to farmers as needed.
To address these problems, the Water Resources Department developed a plan for canal renovation and lining work. Administrative approval for this project was granted on March 8, 2019, for ₹2,381.84 lakh.
Canal renovation and lining work has been completed with the approved funds. This has improved the condition of old canals, and the water flow and distribution system for irrigation has improved compared to before.
When the rains failed, the water from the canals brought relief to the farmers.
Surguja district experienced scanty rainfall during the years 2022-23 and 2023-24. Due to insufficient rainfall, farmers faced problems irrigating their crops. The lack of water in the fields increased the risk of agricultural work being affected.
At this time, the Shyam Ghunghuta Project became a vital support for farmers. The project's canal system provided irrigation water to 63 villages in the district. This helped farmers continue their agricultural activities despite the lack of rainfall.
For farmers whose crops depend on rainfall, having access to irrigation water when needed is crucial. The Shyam Ghunghuta Project has proven its usefulness in supporting agricultural activities by delivering water to fields even during periods of scanty rainfall.
236 km long canal system, supporting agriculture in 63 villages
The Shyam Ghunghuta Project has developed a canal system spanning approximately 236 kilometers. This extensive network supplies irrigation water to 63 villages in the district.
Canal renovations and lining have improved water flow. Repairing damaged sections has helped make water distribution more systematic.
