Sonbarsa Diversion to be restored for enhancing irrigation facilities

Central Chronicle News
Bhilai, Sep 16: Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey is going to perform bhoomipujan for restoration and canal lining works of Sonbarsa Diversion on September 17. The construction work of Sonbarsa Diversion was started in the year 1973 and was completed in the year 1986. With the passage of time and lack of maintenance, the canal had become dilapidated. At present, the canal was able to irrigate only 100 hectare of land.
Soon after taking charge as Minister in the Water Resources Department, Choubey initiated to renovate this important irrigation scheme of the area. Efforts are being made by the government to increase the efficiency of the irrigation system by taking effective steps in the direction of operation, maintenance, expansion and modernization of irrigation facilities. For the purpose, Ravindra Choubey conducted inspection along with the officials of water resources and the locals. On January 15, 2019, after getting a complete inspection done, he got the estimate prepared for this scheme. Considering the importance of this scheme, the Minister was constantly chased the approval process and finally got administrative approval of Rs 2167.36 lakh. Under the project, the height of the wear will be increased by 1 meter. Renovation and canal lining works of main canal (length 18.30 km), Bori minor (5.30 km) and the Doma minor (2.30 km) will be done. New construction work of old culverts and other pucca works will also be done. On completion of this scheme, water will be available for irrigation in 03 villages of Rajnandgaon district and total area of 3080 acres in 09 villages of Durg district. In this way water will be available for irrigation in a total of 3265 acres in Rajnandgaon district and Durg district and the local farmers will get benefit from it. With this facility of irrigation, farmers will be able to easily adopt crop diversity in future.