A new path to prosperity for farmers through coordination of modern science and local resources: Chief Minister Shri Sai

This model of eco-friendly irrigation will be useful in other areas of the state as well: Chief Minister Shri Sai

The first innovative irrigation project of Surguja division, irrigation will be done through turbine pumps powered by river water flow.

The scheme, prepared at a cost of Rs 2 crore 68 lakh, will benefit approximately 135 farmer families.

Raipur, November 10, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today conducted a site inspection of the Anicut Hydro Power-based Pumping Scheme constructed on the Ghughri River in the village of Pongro in the Kansabel development block of Jashpur district. He inquired about the scheme's functioning, irrigation capacity and the benefits it will provide to the farmers. The speciality of this innovative irrigation project, the first of its kind in Surguja division, is that without using electricity, diesel, petrol or solar energy, irrigation water is being supplied to the fields solely from the flow of river water.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that expanding irrigation facilities for agricultural prosperity is a priority for our government. This Pongro project is an excellent example of how modern science and the efficient use of local natural resources can provide sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to farmers' problems. He added that this technology will free farmers from relying on electricity and diesel for irrigation, which will also help reduce farming costs. This innovative initiative can serve as an inspiring model for expanding irrigation facilities in other areas of the state.

The flow of river water will become the energy for irrigation

The Pongro Anicut Hydropower Pumping Scheme uses the energy of flowing river water to operate a turbine pump. A platform was constructed approximately 100 meters downstream of the previously constructed anicut and the turbine pump was installed. This pump is capable of delivering water at a maximum rate of 17 liters per second to a distribution tank located approximately 12 meters above the river bed and 200 meters away. Arrangements have been made to deliver water from the distribution tank to the fields through concrete irrigation canals and drains.

The most significant feature of this project is that it requires no external energy source to operate the pump. This will eliminate the consumption of conventional fuels and the carbon emissions associated with operating the irrigation system. This project is a significant initiative towards green energy, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

135 farmer families will get direct benefit

Completed at a cost of approximately ₹26.8 million, this project will directly benefit approximately 135 farming families in the area. The scheme will provide irrigation facilities for Rabi and summer crops on approximately 80 acres of agricultural land. This will provide farmers with opportunities to reduce their dependence on rain-fed agriculture, grow additional crops, and increase agricultural production.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that it is our commitment to provide year-round farming opportunities to farmers in Chhattisgarh by making better use of water resources. This initiative by Pongro demonstrates that agricultural development can be accelerated by bringing innovation to villages and farms. Our government is continuously working to increase farmers' income, expand irrigation coverage, and make farming more profitable.

On this occasion, Mrs. Kaushalya Sai, District Panchayat President Mr. Salik Sai, Collector Mr. Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Lal Umed Singh, Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Mr. Abhishek Kumar and other officers were present.