*State irrigation reservoir storage improves significantly over two years, now above 67% capacity*
*Ensure continuous monitoring of reservoir levels and proper utilisation of water resources: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai*
Ashish kashyap editor in chief Raipur, / Water levels in Chhattisgarh’s irrigation reservoirs are significantly better this year compared to the past two years. Across 12 major and 34 medium irrigation projects, the current storage position reflects improved availability. At present, the state’s 46 key reservoirs have an average water storage of 67.43 percent. This marks a clear rise from 45.23 percent during the same period in 2025 and 42 percent in 2024. The improvement is credited to better rainfall, planned water management, and efficient reservoir operations.
Among the 12 major irrigation projects, the current average storage stands at 68.19 percent, compared to 45.84 percent in 2025 and 38.62 percent in 2024. Key reservoirs include Maniyari at 90.41 percent, Murumsilli at 86.85 percent, Kharang at 84.99 percent, Dudhawa at 84.54 percent, Ravishankar Sagar at 76.72 percent, Sondhur at 70.65 percent, and Tandula at 66.19 percent. Minimata Bango currently holds 63.86 percent, while Kelo stands at 51.83 percent. Kodar reservoir has relatively lower storage at 35.45 percent.
In the 34 medium irrigation projects, the average storage is 63.38 percent, higher than 44.62 percent in 2025 and 45.38 percent in 2024. Among these, Chirpani stands at 92.23 percent, Khapri at 92.98 percent, Pipariya Nala at 89.69 percent, Gondli at 85.53 percent, Sutiyapat at 79.82 percent, Saroda at 77.57 percent, and Kosarteda at 77.46 percent.
To meet farmers’ requirements, water is being released in a controlled and phased manner from various irrigation projects. The Ravishankar Sagar (Gangrel) project is supplying water through canals to Dhamtari and Raipur regions for irrigation and domestic use. Water is also being released through main canals from the Dudhawa reservoir, while the Sondhur project is operating through its canal network. From the Kodar reservoir, about 6.84 cumecs of water is being discharged through canals. In addition, the Paralkot project is distributing water through its right and left bank canals.
In medium projects, reservoirs such as Kharkhara, Gondli, Pipariya, Saroda, Jumka and Kedar Nala are releasing water through canals and sluice gates as required. This is ensuring adequate supply for the final irrigation of rabi crops as well as for summer crops and domestic needs. Efforts are being made to ensure efficient use of water and equitable distribution across irrigated areas.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the state government is giving top priority to farmers’ interests by ensuring scientific and effective management of water resources. He noted that the improved storage levels this year reflect coordinated efforts. The goal, he said, is to ensure timely availability of irrigation water to farmers, leading to higher agricultural output and improved incomes. He has directed officials to maintain continuous monitoring of reservoir levels and ensure proper utilisation of water resources.
