Remodelling of North Koel Distribution System

Off-taking North Koel Right Main Canal

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
North Koel project is an interstate project of Bihar and Jharkhand being executed in the
drought prone district of Palamu (Jharkhand)-North-Western part of the state of Jharkhand,
Aurangabad and Gaya districts - South part of the state of Bihar. The project is situated on
the North Koel river, tributary on Sone River. North Koel River rises on Ranchi plateau in
Jharkhand. It joins the Sone River (only right bank tributary of Ganga River) a few miles
north-west of Haidarnagar. Its principal tributaries are the Auranga and the Amanat. It
meanders through the northern part of Betla National Park.
The project comprises of rehabilation of Kutku Dam (Mandal Dam) on the river North Koel at
Mandal, a pick up barrage at Mohammadganj 100 Km downstream of the dam and network
of canals. The left main canal originates from left bank of Mohammadganj Barrage. The left
canal is 11.89 km long with a head discharge of 60 cusecs and end at Satbahini river through
connecting channel. The left main canal lies in Garhwa district of Jharkhand. The Right Main
Canal originates from right bank of Mohammad Ganj Barrage in the state of Jharkhand. The
Right Main Canal is 109.8 km long, out of which 31.8 km lies in Palamu District of Jharkhand
and 78 km lies in Aurangabad and Gaya Districts of Bihar, out of which 58.2 km lies in
Aurangabad District and 19.8 km lies in Gaya District. It will serve a designed culturable
command area of 11478 hectare in Jharkhand and 190379 hectare in Bihar. The head
discharge of the lined Right Main canal is 3000.5 cusec (85 cumec).
The North Koel project is one of the long pending Irrigation project, the state government
would like to get it executed as early as possible. Project like North Koel reservoir has been
pending for more than three decades. The Government of Bihar and Jharkhand wants to get
the project completed so that farmers get water while the government has concern over
successive drought years and an uncertain monsoon.
Water Resources Department, formerly known as Irrigation Department is one of the major
establishments of Government of Jharkhand. It protects the right of State in sharing Water
of Inter State Rivers/Basins. The department of Water Resources, Government of Jharkhand

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is involved in the management of the Water Resources of the State in such a sustainable way
so as to provide optimal benefit to the people of the State. Water Resources Department is
one of the major Public work Department of the Government of Jharkhand. The Department
is engaged in construction and maintenance of Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation
Schemes, Flood Protection work, Ground water Conservation/ Reclamation and providing
Industrial water to Industries. It protects the right of the State in sharing water of Interstate
Rivers/ Basins. The Department is also working in the field of Interlinking of various river
basins in order to supply water to water starved areas from water surplus basins. Showing
Index Map of North Koel Given below:-

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Figure 1.1 Index Map of North Koel Distribution System

1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
The construction of the projected originally had started in 1972 and continued till 1993 when
it was stopped by the Bihar forest department over environmental concerns. The Mandal
dam as part of the project had threatened to submerge portions of the Palamau Tiger
Reserve and Betla National Park. The National Wildlife Board (NWB) had cleared the project
in June 2017 with certain conditions. The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation have inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Bihar and Jharkhand for completion of balance works of North Koel reservoir project.
Moreover, supplementary Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between Ministry
of Water Resources, National Water Development Agency, NABARD with both states for
funding under Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) for the project. The project is scheduled to be
completed in 30 months at the estimated cost of Rs. 1622.27 crores. Of this Rs. 1013.11
crores will be borne by Union Government as grant from LTIF under Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY). In which 60% will be financed by Central Government from LTIF and
remaining 40% of cost will be borne by the States through loan financed by NABARD.
The project envisages Remodelling of North Koel Distribution System Off-taking from
Mohammadganj Barrage 96 Km downstream of Mandal Dam. North Koel Canal system
originating from the two main canal (Left and Right) which are offtaking from
Mohammadganj barrage.
The right canal of 109.8 km length (31.8 KM in Jharkhand and rest 78 km in Bihar) and 11.89
km of left main canal and 953.31 kms of distributaries, sub-distributaries and minors are in
progress. Length of Left Main Canal is around 11.89 km fully in Jharkhand. Through these
canals irrigation will be provided in 11478 ha in Palamu and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand
and 190379 ha in Bihar. The head discharge of the lined Right main Canal is 3000.5 cusec (85
cumec). The total GCA under the North Koel project is 201857 ha. The CCA of the project is
141299.9 Ha hence the project requires Environmental Clearance from MoEF&CC. The
proposed project attracts general condition as the project is an interstate issue between

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Government of Jharkhand and Government of Bihar and the Mandal dam location falls in the
Palamu Tiger Reserve.
As the dam and its distributaries are in the forest area; hence the project attracts Wildlife
clearance and Forest clearance. The project would be helpful in providing drinking water to
the people and water for industrial and agricultural purpose for both Jharkhand and Bihar
states.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
This project aims to focus on Remodelling, restoration and distribution of North Koel main
canal and its distributaries system. The scope of project can be kindly described as:
 Marking of total benefited command area through detailed Topographical Survey and
Command Area Survey, the total command Area is 2 lacs Ha (Approx).
 Lining of the main canal and to carry water up to tail reaches.
 Based on the chak planning with the outlet up to 40 ha, the preparation of capacity
and command statement based on duty and critical level of that are absorption losses
reach wise to be prepared.
 Design of L-section after considering all head losses of the structures as per BIS code
and CWC guidelines.
 Preparation of L-section and X-section as per the original inspection report.
 Hydraulic and Structural design and drawing of all the structures for construction
purpose of distribution system i.e. bridge, CD works, cross regulators, head regulators,
outlets etc. as per BIS code and CWC guidelines.
 Reducing the Head loss by modification in Bridges in Main Canal.
 Increasing the Irrigation Intensity.
 Restoration of the damaged canal allied structures.
 Provision of new structures.

1. Necessity of the project

The proposed project is one of the long pending irrigation projects, the state government
would like to get it executed as early as possible. Projects like North Koel Distribution system

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 Remodelling of North Koel Distribution System
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has been pending for more than three decades. The Government of Bihar and Jharkhand
wants to get the project completed so that farmers get water while the government has
concern over successive drought years and an uncertain monsoon in 2018. The project is
very important for the Jharkhand and Bihar states, an area which has witnessed 10 major
famines since 1935. The proposed project will make the Government to reach out to the
unirrigated area of about 124270 Ha that will help farmers to increase the agro productivity
and their social status eventually.
2. Demand-Supply Gap
Due to growth and development of agriculture and allied sectors in Jharkhand, serious
scarcity of water for domestic and industrial purposes is being envisaged. As per the
Jharkhand Economic Survey 2010-11 the acute shortage of irrigation water and shrinking
watershed areas in forest regions pose additional problems. The survey said surface water
for agriculture was not sufficient due to inadequate storage facilities and ground water
availability was poor due to little recharging by natural process and absence of artificial
recharging facilities. The state government is implementing several schemes to reduce the
adverse effect of water scarcity like rain water harvesting, enhancing efficiency of canal
irrigation system, ground water management and watershed management.
3. Domestic/Export Markets
The proposed project is primarily an irrigation project which focuses upon to meet the water
requirement of local farmers. The purpose of the project does not intend to sell and/or
purchase of water hence no market potential is envisaged. The domestic water supply may
be envisaged through the existing reservoir in the command area and the deficit in the
reservoir shall be met through water from this project.
1.4 AREA OF STUDY
1.4.1. Project site
The North Koel Distribution project lies in two state Jharkhand and Bihar. North Koel Right
main Canal is designed for 84.15 cumec/ 3000 cusec discharge with GCA of Jharkhand state
as 11478 Ha & Bihar 190379 Ha with Total GCA 201857 Ha for the system. Detail of project
site and division is given below with its Gross Command Area.

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State Name of Division District GCA (Ha)

Jharkhand Palamu Palamu 11478
Nabinagar Aurangabad  
Amba Aurangabad  
Bihar Aurangabad Aurangabad  
Madanpur Aurangabad and Gaya  
Gaya Aurangabad and Gaya  
Total      

The Canal system originate from district Palamu of Jharkhand state. Palamu District is in
north-western Jharkhand, on the border of Districts Chatra in the east, Garhwa in the west,
Latehar in the south and state of Bihar in the north. It came into existence on 1st January
1928. Palamu district lies between 23°50′- 24º8′ north latitude and between 83°55′- 84º30′
east longitudes. It covers the area of 5043.8 Sq. Km. The administrative headquarter of
Palamu is Daltonganj (Medininagar), situated on the bank of Koel river in between 24º3′
north and 84º4′ east.

Figure 1.2: Block map of Palamu District (Source: Ministry of Electronics & information
Technilogy, GOI)
1.4.2. Access

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Lesliganj block is one of the administrative blocks of Palamu district, Jharkhand state, India.

It is located 17 KM towards East from District headquarters Daltonganj. Nearest airport to
Lesliganj is Ranchi Airport. Daltonganj Railway Station on the Ranchi-Garhwa line is the
nearest railhead. Lesliganj is linked with various parts of the district by roads. From
Daltonganj it is linked with the State Highway SH-10 Medininagar- Balumath road. Most
villages of the block do not have an all-weather road.

1.4.3. General climatic condition

The Palamu district is characterized by warm climate in March to June and later on there is a
gradual decline in temperature from October onwards to December. January is the coolest
month of the year. March, April and May are the hot and dry months of the district. The
temperature varies from 5.6°C to 46.7°C. The district witnesses dust storms between March
and June associated with low humidity, high temperature and fast blowing wind. During
winter season the district records temperature between 6 to 18 degrees centigrade and
during summer the temperature increases up to 47 degrees centigrade.

1.4.4. Topography of the area

Jharkhand state consists of series of four distinct plateaus, the highest plateau is formed by
western Ranchi plateau or the pat region, which is 800 to 1100 meters above the mean sea
level. It covers the north-western part of the Ranchi district and southern edge of Palamau
district. The next plateau is known as the Ranchi, except the pat region. This plateau is about
600 meters above mean sea level. The Ranchi plateau is separated from the other surface of
the same elevation by Damodar trough. The third plateau has an elevation of 300 meters
above mean sea level and may be termed as the lower Chotanagpur plateau. The fourth
plateau is a uniform surface formed by the river valleys, plains and lower parts of the outer
plateau lying between 150-300 meters above mean sea level. Rajmahal hills and the Kaimur
plateau belong to this category.
The topography of Palamu district is characterized by highly rugged landscape with green
forest all over the area. The elevation of the hill ranges in southern part of the district varies

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from 360-1110 m above m.s.l. The master slope of the area in general tends towards north
and east.
As per the canal system is concerned, the head reaches of the canal about 2-3 km are hilly
terrain rest of the network area of flat-topped terrain.

1.4.5. Soil studies

Soil content of Jharkhand state mainly consist of soil formed from disintegration of rocks and
stones, and soil composition is further divided into:
 Red soil, found mostly in the Damodar valley, and Rajmahal area.
 Micacious soil (containing particles of mica), found in Koderma, Jhumri Telaiya,
Barkagaon, and areas around the Mandar hill.
 Sandy soil, generally found in Hazaribagh and Dhanbad.
 Black soil, found in Rajmahal area.
 Laterite soil, found in western part of Ranchi, Palamu, and parts of Santhal Parganas
and Singhbhum.
Three soil orders namely Entisols, Inceptisols and Alfisols were observed in Palamu district.
Alfisols were the dominant soils covering 53.9 percent of total gross area followed by
Entisols (21.5 %) and Inceptisols (20.0 %). Alfisols amongst which Red sandy soils are
common and Ultisols of which red and yellow soils are common.

1.4.6. Flora and Fauna:

Jharkhand state has an affluent assortment of plants and animals. The Zoological Gardens
and the National Parks and positioned in the Jharkhand state present a vista of this
multiplicity.
Betla National Park in Latehar district wraps up an area of 250 km square. The park has a
great diversity of fauna, including elephants, tigers, bisons, wild boar, sambhars and pythons
that are dappled deer, fozes and rabbits.
Palamu is one of the richest districts of Jharkhand in terms of forest resources. About 43
percent of the total area of the district is covered by forests. The area under forests is

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estimated at 226850 hectares. The species of forest trees which are found in the district
include Sal, Dhaura, Mahua, Kendu, Bamboo, Asan etc. The major products of forest include
Timber, Palas, Firewood, Sal seed, Mahua seed, Biripatta etc. These forests are a source of
revenue for the government and also help to meet the demand for timber, firewood, fodder
etc.
1.4.1.1. Project site
After 9 minors of Jharkhand all remaining minors lies in Bihar region. In Bihar 5 different
division- Nabinagar, Amba, Aurangabad, Madanpur and Gaya. Which lies in two district
Aurangabad and Gaya The total GCA of these region is 190379 Ha. Naur sub Dy. Is first canal
take off from RMC at R.D. 107.5 in Nabinagar division which is in Aurangabad district. There
are 9 no. of block and 469 villages benefited by this three division namely Nabinagr, Amba
and madanpur.
The Canal system run through district Aurangabad of Bihar state. Aurangabad town is
located in north east India on the NH 2 now NH19 (Grand Trunk Road) at its crossing with
NH98 now NH139. It’s nearest large town is Gaya 70 kilometres (43 mi) to the east. The
capital of Bihar, Patna is 140 kilometres (87 mi) to the north east. Two major riverbed
crossings through the district:- (i) Sone River (ii) Punpun River. The area of the town is 89
square kilometres (34 sq mi). Aurangabad rests on alluvial plain on the bank of Adri river.
The larger son river is 26 kilometres (16 mi) to the west. Other rivers such as the Punpun,
Auranga, Bataane, Morhar, and Madaar flow through Aurangabad district. Aurangabad
district lies between 24°50° north latitude and 84°35° East longitudes. It covers the area of
1419.7 Sq. Km. The administrative headquarter of Aurangabad is Water Ways Division Sichai
Colony Aurangabad.

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Figure 1.3: Block map of Aurangabad District (Source: Aurangabad.bih.nic.in)

1.4.1.2. Access
Aurangabad is well connected by road and train. Anugraha Narayan Road railway station
(AUBR) is the nearest railway station, about 11 km away from Aurangabad city. The major
highways are NH-19 and NH-139. NH-19 directly connects Delhi and Kolkata city and NH-139
connects Patna via Daudnagar. There is direct train to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow,
Bhubaneswar, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Nagpur, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad
(Maharashtra), Jammu, Haridwar, Lucknow, Pune, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Varanasi, Patna and
Ranchi.
The nearest airport is Gaya International Airport, which is 80 km away from the city centre
and Patna Airport which is 136 km away from city centre. The main superfast train stops at
Anugrah Narayan Road station.
1.4.1.3. General climatic condition
The Aurangabad lies on 108 m (354 ft) above sea level. The climate is warm in Aurangabad.
In winter, there is much less rainfall in Aurangabad than in summer. The average
temperature in Aurangabad is 26.5 °C | 79.6 °F. The annual rainfall is 1017 mm | 40.0 inch.
The climate of this district is generally hot in summer, mild humid and cold in winter, humid
in monsoon season. The cold season starts late in November and lasts till March. April to mid

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June is the hot season. The period from mid June to about the first week of October
constitutes the southwest monsoon season. The succeeding period till late November is the
post monsoon or transition period.
The average annual rainfall in the district is 995.9 mm. The rainfall is largely confined to the
southwest monsoon season when 88% of the annual rainfall is received. July is the generally
the month with the highest rainfall with an average value of 308.1 mm. The variation from
year to year of the annual rainfall is not very large. In the fifty years period 1951 to 2000, the
highest annual rainfall occurred in 1961 when it amounted to 161% of the normal. The
lowest annual rainfall which was 50% of the normal occurred in 1966.

1.4.1.4. Topography of the area

Aurangabad District can be divided into two regions namely hard core rock region and
Jalodhak region. The district consists of flat alluvial plain. The northern portion of the district
is mostly a plain formed an alluvial soil and is extremely fertile. In a few portion of
Aurangabad, fertile alluvium is found. This is locally known as Kewal and is very suitable for
paddy, wheat and sugar-cane. In the south western part of this district, below the hills,
sandy loam is found. The only important and principal river of the district is the Sone which
rises near the sources of Narbada and Mahanadi in the elevated plateau of Central India
near Maikal Hills. It treverses a course of 520 kilometres through a hilly tract until it enters
the gangetic valley opposite Akbarpur in Rohtas district. It then passes Barun and Daudnagar
and then leaves the district. The Sone receives no tributary of any importance from the point
where it enters the district until it joins the Ganges. The river, as a matter of fact, does not
enter the district and after passing Barun and Daudanagar, leaves the district. At Barun there
is a massive masonry dam on the river Sone.
1.4.1.5. Soil studies
Three types of soil are mainly observed in the district:
(i) Younger Alluvial soils,
(ii) Older Alluvial soils, and
(iii) Foot hill soils.

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These soils have been formed as a narrow belt along the western periphery of the district
following the Sone River. These are generally yellowish white to reddish yellow in colour,
sandy to loamy sand in texture.
Major parts of the district are occupied by the Older Alluvial soils. These soils are composed
of very fine to fine sand and clay. These are gray to grayish yellow in colour and moderate to
heavy in texture. They develop wide polygonal cracks during the dry season. Layers of
calcium carbonate concretions are also common in some places. The foot hill soils occur at
the southern parts of the district in the blocks of Kutumba, Deo, Madanpur and Rafiganj.
These soils are mainly derived from the crystalline rocks. These soils form a very thin veneer
over the bed-rocks. These are generally light textured, stony and gravelly, moderately acidic
in nature. Most of these soils support the forests
1.4.1.6. Flora and Fauna:
The Aurangabad Forest Division came into existence in 2003 vide Environment and Forests
department, Government of Bihar notification no. 3688 dated 22.10.2003 comprising the
Aurangabad and Arwal Districts with the objective of protection of natural resources and
increasing green cover through afforestation on government wastelands, road, river and
canal sides and non-productive private lands.
The total forest area of the Aurangabad Forest Division is 187.60 ha limited to Aurangabad
District only, there being no forests in Arwal district. The total forest area of the Division is
protected forest, amounting to 5.60% of the total geographical area of the district. In
present times wildlife is not prominent in the tract. Jackal, hare, rats, monkeys and few
reptiles are seen in this tract and no eco-sensitive zone exists in Aurangabad district of Bihar.
1.4.2.1. Project site
At the tail reach of RMC there is 2 division which lies in Gaya district and some part in
Aurangabad district also. Madanpur division lies from R.D. 304.3 to 326.9 R.D and Gaya
Division Lies through R.D. 326.9 ton357.9 R.D.
Gaya is 116 kilometres (72 mi) south of Patna, the capital city of Bihar. It is the state's
second-largest city, with a population of 470,839, and is the headquarters of Gaya district
and Magadh division. The city is surrounded on three sides by small, rocky hills (Mangla

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Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, and Brahmayoni), with the Phalgu River on its eastern side.
Gaya district lies 24°75° north latitude and 84°01° East longitudes. It covers the area of 308
Sq. Km.

Figure 1.4: Block map of Gaya District (Source: gaya.nic.in)

1.4.2.2 Access
Gaya is one of the thirty-eight districts of Bihar state, India. It was officially established on 3
October 1865. The district has a common boundary with the state of Jharkhand to the
south. Gaya city is both the district headquarters and the second-largest city in Bihar. In May
1981, the Bihar state government created the Magadh Division, comprising the district
of Gaya, along with Nawada, Aurangabad and Jehanabad, all of which had originally been
sub-divisions when Gaya district was created.[5] Aurangabad and Nawada were partitioned
from the territory of Gaya in 1976; and Jehanabad in 1988. Gaya district occupies an area of
4,976 km2 (1,921-mile2). The closest Airports of Gaya are: Gaya Airport (GAY) 8.36km,Lok
Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (PAT) 89.17km,Birsa Munda Airport (IXR) 167.45km

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1.4.2.3 General climatic condition

Gaya being surrounded by hills from three sides and one side by a river makes the region
experience seasonal temperature. In summer which begins in May and continues till July
temperatures ranges from 20.5°C to 44.5°C. People of the region can be seen wearing light
colored cotton clothes to get some relief from the scotching heat. Gaya receives about 214
cms of rainfall annually between July to October and it is advisable to avoid traveling to Gaya
and nearby regions during that time. The best season to visit is around Oct-Feb. During the
winters, the temperatures range from -04°C to 28°C. Therefore during the winter months of
October to March proper woolen clothing is advisable.

1.4.2.4. Topography of the area

One of the 5 districts of the Magadh division and one of the 38 districts in Bihar, Gaya is
spread in an area of 4,976 sq.kms with 24 blocks. Phalgu is the main river that flows through
Gaya. Initially, Gaya was a part of the districts of Bihar and Ramgarh till 1864 and was given
the status of independent district in 1865.

Then, during May 1981 the Bihar government created the Magadh Division with the districts
of Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada and Jehanabad. The river Phalgu flows through the Gaya and

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is considered as a sacred river for Hindus. Below Bodh Gaya, the junction of Lilajan and
Mohana, two large streams form the Phalgu. During the monsoons, the Phalgu faces high
floods.

1.4.3.5. Soil studies

Soil content of Jharkhand state mainly consist of soil formed from disintegration of rocks and
stones, and soil composition is further divided into:
 Sandy Loam, is a admixture of sand & Clay, predominantly sandy, found alongside the
river beds. This soil covering largest percentage of soils in gaya region. It is covering an
area of 210-742 hectares.
 Loamy soil is found near the hills and formed by rains washings from higher area. It is
covering an area of 110-20 hectares.
 Sandy soil, publically known as Balui, found near the bank of the river. It is covering an
area of 70-26 hectares.
 Kewal Soil (Black), It is a mixture of clay and loam and is very productive acidic in
nature. It is covering an area of 86-27 hectares.
 Foot hill Balthar Soil (Red), It is in between the plain and dissected plateau. It is acidic
in nature. It is covering an area of 17-14 hectares.

1.4.4.6. Flora and Fauna:

The main agriculture crops are paddy, wheat, potato and lentils. In 1976 Gaya district
became home to the Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, which has an area of 260 km2
(100.4 sq. Mile). The prominent mineral reserve of Gaya is Stone (Boulders). Other minor
minerals include sand which is found in the river beds and is collected and transported to the
district and to major construction sites etc.

1.5 IMPACT OF THE PROJECT

Remodelling and restoration of the project will benefit the farmers to increase agro
productivity and their social status eventually. This project will also create employment
opportunities for the skilled and non- skilled labours during the project construction phase.

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4. Necessity of the project

The proposed project is one of the long pending irrigation projects, the state government
would like to get it executed as early as possible. Projects like North Koel Distribution system
has been pending for more than three decades. The Government of Bihar and Jharkhand
wants to get the project completed so that farmers get water while the government has
concern over successive drought years and an uncertain monsoon in 2018. The project is
very important for the Jharkhand and Bihar states, an area which has witnessed 10 major
famines since 1935. The proposed project will make the Government to reach out to the
unirrigated area of about 124270 Ha that will help farmers to increase the agro productivity
and their social status eventually.
NECESSITY OF THE PROJECT
Seeking to provide irrigation facilities to over on lakh hectare of farm land in Dalton Ganj and
Palamu region of Jharkhand states and neighbouring district of Bihar, the centre has decided
to revive the project as early as possible. Once completed, the project will provide irrigation
facilities to over one lakh hectare of farm land and deal with the issue of drinking water
problems in the entire region of the two states.
Water is the most important element for the growth of plants. Different types of plants
require different quantities of water at different times during their growing period. Water is
supplied to the plants through direct rain or flood waters of the rivers which inundate large
land areas during floods. As these are natural processes, there may be heavy rain and
damaging the crops or creating a scarcity of supplying water for the crops. So an artificial
method is needed by which water can be collected and stored so that it can be used when
necessary.
Irrigation is an artificial application of water to the soil for crop production by constructing
headworks (weir) across a river in case of flow irrigation system. In lift irrigation system
water required for irrigation purpose has been lifted from the river as the situation
commands by diesel operated or electricity power operated barge mounted pump. In third
case where these two systems are not feasible required water are extracted from the water
bearing aquifer beneath the ground level by means of deep tube well assembly. Besides

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these popular systems of irrigation there are sprinkler system and drip irrigation system. In a
world of explosive population growth, particularly in developing nations, it is the need of the
time to enhance the growth of food grain production keeping in conformity with the
increase in population. The increase in agricultural production in general and food grain
production in particular has not kept pace with the growth of the population by ushering the
traditional cultivation system.

Importance of Irrigation
1. Control of Drought and Famines Insufficient, uncertain and irregular rain causes
uncertainty in agriculture. The period of rain is restricted to only four months in a year, June
to September, when monsoon arrives. The remaining eight months are dry. There is some
rainfall during the months of December and January in some parts of the country. Even
during monsoon, the rainfall is scanty and undependable in many parts of the country.
Sometimes the monsoon delayed considerably while sometimes they cease prematurely.
This pushes large areas of the country into drought conditions. With the help of irrigation,
droughts and famines can be effectively controlled.
2. Higher productivity on irrigated land:
Productivity on irrigated land is considerably more than the productivity on un-irrigated
land.
3. Multiple cropping possible:
Since India has a tropical and sub-tropical climate, it has potentialities to grow crops on a
year-round basis. However, since 80% of the annual rainfall is received in less than four
months, multiple cropping is generally not possible. Provision of irrigation facilities can make
possible the growing of two or three crops in a year in most areas of the country. This will
considerably enhance agriculture production and productivity.
4. Role in new agricultural strategy:
The successful implementation of the High Yielding Programme enhances agricultural
production in a great intent.
5. Bringing more land under cultivation:

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Total reporting area for land utilization statistics was 306.05 million hectares in 1999-2000.
of these 19.44 million hectares was current fallow land. Current fallowed include lands which
are lying fallow for less than one year other than current fallows include land lying un-
ploughed for one to five years. Cultivable waste land comprises another 13.83 million
hectares. Cultivation on all such lands is impossible in some cases while in others it requires
substantial capital investment to make land fit for cultivation. Provision of irrigation facilities
can make some portion of this land cultivable.
6. Reduces instability in output levels:
Irrigation helps in stabilizing the output and yield levels. It also plays a protective role during
drought years. Since, both income and employment are positively and closely related to
output, prevention of fall in output during drought is an important instrument for achieving
stability of income and employment in the countryside. Irrigation has enabled many states to
acquire ‗partial immunity from drought.
7. Indirect benefits of irrigation:
Irrigation confers indirect benefits through increased agricultural production. Employment
potential of irrigated lands, increase production, helps in developing allied activities means
of water transport etc. are improve income of government from agriculture. Availability of
regular 77 water supply will increase the income of farmers imparting a sense of security and
stability in agriculture.

When the total rainfall is less than needed for the crop, artificial supply is necessary. In such
case, irrigation works may be constructed at a place where more water is available, and
then to convey the water to the area where there is deficiency of water.
If rainfall is less than the demand for plants, irrigation is necessary to fulfill
the water requirement of plants. The difference in water holding capacity of the soil plays an
important role in the Necessity of Irrigation supply. For example, sandy soil requires frequent
irrigation than clay soil.

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Irrigation helps to grow agricultural crops, maintain landscapes, and revegetate disturbed

soils in dry areas and during periods of less than average rainfall. Irrigation also has other
uses in crop production, including frost protection, suppressing weed growth in grain fields
and preventing soil consolidation.
Water is the most important element for the growth of plants. Different types of plants
require different quantities of water at different times during their growing period. Water is
supplied to the plants through direct rain or flood waters of the rivers which inundate
large land areas during floods. As these are natural processes, there may be heavy rain
and damaging the crops or creating a scarcity of supplying water for the crops. So an
artificial method is needed by which water can be collected and stored so that it can be
used when necessary. This method of science is termed as “irrigation”. There are various
types of irrigation methods. Irrigation system definition, irrigation history, irrigation
scheduling approaches, irrigation examples are briefly described below. 

Importance of Irrigation
Irrigation is the process through which controlled amount of water can be supplied through
artificial means such as pipes, ditches, sprinklers etc. the main objectives of irrigation systems
is to help agricultural crop growth, landscape maintenance, reduce the effect of inadequate
rainfall etc. Therefore, the importance of irrigation systems is very high.

Main importances of irrigation supplies are discussed below.

 Agriculture is often greatly hampered due to irregular, insufficient or uncertain

rain. Proper irrigation systems can secure uninterrupted agriculture.
 The productivity of irrigated land is more than the un-irrigated land. Crop yields
everywhere in the developing world are consistently higher in irrigated areas than
in rainfed areas1.
 Seeds cannot grow in dry soil as moisture is necessary for the germination of
seeds. With the help of irrigation supply, the required moisture content of soil for
the growth of seed can be ensured.
 Multiple cropping in a year is possible through irrigation. This will enhance
production & productivity. In many areas of India, two or three crops in a year are
cultivated with irrigation facilities.
 Through the irrigation, it is possible to supply the required amount of hydrogen &
oxygen, which is important for the proper development of plant root.
 A plant can absorb mineral nutrients from the irrigated soil. Thus irrigation is
essential for the general growth of the plant.

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 Bringing more land under cultivation is possible through irrigation.

 Insufficient rain may also cause drought & famines. Irrigation can play a protective
role during the period of drought & famines.
 Irrigation contributes to the economic growth and poverty reduction 2. As income
and employment are closely related to output and irrigation increases production,
substantial increase in income is achieved in the countryside.

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