Chhattisgarh CM briefs PM Modi on water projects worth Rs 49K cr in Bastar
RAIPUR:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held a detailed meeting with
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi regarding the implementation of the multipurpose Bodhghat Dam Project and the Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project.
CM Sai proposed that both initiatives be taken up as national projects, highlighting their strategic importance for the holistic development of the Bastar region.
Chief Minister Sai said that Bastar, having been severely affected by Naxalite violence for decades, has lagged behind in irrigation infrastructure. To bridge this gap and boost regional development, the state government is prioritizing these two key projects.
During the meeting, CM Sai emphasized the strategic importance of these projects for Bastar, which has long suffered from Naxalite violence and underdevelopment. He informed the Prime Minister that of the total 8.15 lakh hectares of cultivable land in Bastar, irrigation facilities currently cover only 1.36 lakh hectares, highlighting the urgent need for expansion.
According to CM Sai, the Bodhghat Multipurpose Dam Project, proposed on the Indravati River — a major tributary of the Godavari — will be transformative for Bastar.
Although the project was mentioned as far back as the 1980 award by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, it had remained unimplemented due to its remote location and security challenges. While other states have executed similar projects mentioned in the same award, Bodhghat remained unrealized — until now.
Doubling the Pace of Development in Bastar
Officials told TOI that Bodhghat project is expected to significantly expand irrigation facilities and catalyze Bastar's overall development.
It will facilitate irrigation across 3.78 lakh hectares in the Kharif and Rabi seasons, generate 125 MW of hydroelectric power, ensure 49 million cubic meters of drinking water, and support an annual fish production of 4,824 metric tonnes — thereby creating multiple livelihood opportunities.
The Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project will enable irrigation across more than 3 lakh hectares of land, including 50,000 hectares in Kanker district alone.
Combined, both projects are expected to bring irrigation to approximately 7 lakh hectares of farmland across the Bastar division — a game-changer for agriculture, water security, and employment in the region.
The Bodhghat Dam is proposed on the Indravati River, which flows for 264 km within Chhattisgarh. The dam site is located about 8 km from Barsur village in Geedam block of Dantewada district and around 100 km from Jagdalpur city.
Officials told TOI, the total estimated cost for both projects is Rs 49,000 crore — Rs 29,000 crore for Bodhghat Dam and Rs 20,000 crore for Indravati-Mahanadi link. The plan includes civil irrigation works and hydroelectric power infrastructure. The dam will have a usable water storage capacity of 2009 million cubic meters and a total capacity of 2727 million cubic meters, with a full reservoir area of 10,440 hectares.
Bodhghat Dam Project will directly benefit 269 villages in Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts. Meanwhile, the Indravati-Mahanadi project will expand irrigation facilities to several villages in Kanker district. Together, these projects aim to build a stronger, self-reliant, and prosperous Bastar.
Prime Minister Modi gave the proposals a serious hearing and assured consideration.
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