Successful trial run of revamped Bhathagaon Lift Irrigation Unit conducted

Central Chronicle News
Bhilai, Jul 24: The lift irrigation project of Bhatgaon, which was lying dead for the last 30 years, got a new lease of life with the visionary initiatives of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Within a few months of project’s approval, the unit has been revamped and its trial run has been successfully conducted.
The Lift Irrigation Unit of Bhathagaon, which remained un-operational for almost 30 years, has been rejuvenated with an expenditure of almost Rs 5.5 crore. Successful trial run means that this unit is technically capable of providing water to the farmers. This unit is connected to Tandula Reservoir. Once the Tandula reservoir gets filled upto the standard level, this unit can be operated to provide water to the farmers. It needs to be mentioned here that Collector Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure had visited this lift irrigation unit after approval of the rejuvenation project and instructed the officials to complete the work at the earliest. Executive Engineer Suresh Pandey informed that the work has been completed and testing has been done. The unit has been completely revamped and made capable of irrigation. SDO NR Verma, who is looking after the works of the unit, said that in view of the great potential of this lift irrigation unit, the work was done on a war footing. Civil work was completed and the silt was removed. The damaged portion was repaired and electrical and machinery related works were completed expeditiously. He further informed that this project would irrigate an area of 1538 hectares. Out of this, 818 hectares of fields will be irrigated in Jamgaon R, Borwai and Aauri. Verma said that through this scheme, the farmers will be able to take Rabi crops also.
It needs special mention here that on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, many such irrigation schemes, which were lying dead in need of minor repairs, have got new life. Many canals have been de-silted and technically repaired. Many farmers are getting benefits from these initiatives. On the instructions of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, work of improving irrigation facilities is being done for irrigation in two directions. Ground water is being recharged through Narva Yojana, so that farmers get more water for irrigation. The shut down or dead structures are being revived. Where projects have been damaged due to minor wear and tear, they are being identified and repaired. Possibilities of irrigation through unused mines and quarries of Patan area are also being explored.