Khairagarh, October 2026: The Chhattisgarh government is continuously expanding irrigation facilities to improve farmers’ prosperity and promote agricultural development. In this direction, the Surhi Reservoir Project in Chhuikhadan block of Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district has emerged as a major support for farmers, strengthening irrigation facilities and creating new opportunities to increase agricultural production.
Through initiatives undertaken by the Water Resources Department, irrigation infrastructure has been improved by raising the height of the Surhi Reservoir’s parret weir, renovating and lining the Surhi canal extension, and expanding the canal network. The project is benefiting farmers across 26 villages.
Major Irrigation Project Implemented at a Cost of ₹45.99 Crore
Administrative approval of ₹45.99 crore (₹4,599.48 lakh) was granted for the Surhi Reservoir Project. Its primary objective is to ensure better utilisation of available water resources and provide irrigation water to agricultural fields.
Renovation, lining and extension works have been undertaken under the project to improve water distribution and enhance the overall irrigation capacity of the area. These measures are expected to strengthen agricultural activities by ensuring more efficient delivery of water to farmers.
Irrigation Capacity Increased by 1,362 Hectares
The designed irrigation capacity of the Surhi Reservoir Project is 6,393 hectares, while irrigation facilities were previously available across 5,151 hectares.
The project has addressed the existing irrigation shortfall of 1,242 hectares and created an additional 120 hectares of irrigation facilities for Kharif crops. Together, these interventions have increased irrigation capacity by 1,362 hectares.
In addition, irrigation facilities have been provided for 244 hectares of land for Rabi crops, offering farmers greater opportunities to cultivate their fields beyond the monsoon season.
Canal Renovation and Lining Strengthen Water Management
The renovation and lining of canals have helped reduce unnecessary water seepage and improve the efficient distribution of irrigation water. These improvements are also expected to enhance the supply of water to fields located at the tail ends of the canal network.
Expanded irrigation facilities will help farmers reduce their dependence on rainfall, undertake sowing at the appropriate time and improve crop productivity. Reliable water availability is particularly important for maintaining agricultural operations during periods of uncertain rainfall.
Agricultural Economy of 26 Villages to Benefit
The Surhi Reservoir Project is strengthening agricultural activities across the 26 beneficiary villages. Improved access to irrigation water will provide farmers with better opportunities to cultivate both Kharif and Rabi crops.
The expansion of irrigation facilities is expected to encourage crop diversification, improve agricultural productivity and create opportunities to increase farmers’ incomes. Small and marginal farmers, in particular, stand to benefit from more reliable irrigation, which can help make their livelihoods more stable.
Through investments in irrigation infrastructure, canal renovation and improved water management, the Surhi Reservoir Project represents an important step towards strengthening the rural economy and supporting the long-term development of agriculture in the Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district.
