March 27, 2019
Massive improvement in irrigation infrastructure in Bangla
The irrigation network of Bangla has undergone massive improvements during the eight-year rule of the Trinamool Congress.
Highlights of the Irrigation & Waterways and Water Resources Investigation & Development Departments’ achievements
Additional land under irrigation
30,000 acres of additional land brought under irrigation in FY 2018-19
Irrigation & flood management
Rehabilitation and rejuvenation of 57 medium and minor irrigation schemes
Replacement of 373 bridges across irrigation channels and canals
West Bengal Major Irrigation and Flood Management Project to start functioning soon
Minor irrigation projects
From 2011, 74,606 hectares brought under irrigation through 2,305 minor irrigation projects
In FY 2018-19, irrigation potential of 55,000 hectares created through Jal Dharo Jal Bharo, Jalatirtha, RIDF and WBADMIP
Jal Dharo Jal Bharo
29,135 waterbodies and/or water detention structures created or renovated in FY 2018-19
2.62 lakh water bodies and/or water detention structures created since 2011
These are used for irrigation as well as fish and animal farming
Jalatirtha
448 minor irrigation schemes completed, creating irrigation potential of 20,660 hectares
Jalatirtha Scheme extended to the Sundarbans and the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts
Special fund-assisted minor irrigation schemes
1,421 minor irrigation schemes set up in FY 2018-19 (upto Dec), creating irrigation potential of 28,270 hectares
Solar power-assisted projects
876 solar-powered schemes having irrigation potential of 9,082 hectares taken up
Micro-irrigation
To bring efficiency in water usage, State Govt promoting micro-irrigation schemes like sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation
Of these, 191 schemes, creating irrigation potential of 2,005 hectares, are solar power-operated
