Watershed initiative revives irrigation prospects in Kalahandi

By Payal Banerjee
Bhubaneswar, April 8:A steady shift is taking place in the arid pockets of Odisha’s Kalahandi district, where agriculture has traditionally depended on uncertain rainfall. A watershed development initiative has brought irrigation access to over 800 acres of farmland spanning 41 villages, benefiting more than 9,000 people and offering renewed hope to farming communities.

Carried out under Project Sangam by Vedanta Aluminium, the effort has centred on restoring water resources and creating infrastructure to conserve rainwater. According to officials, the construction of 61 water structures has enabled groundwater recharge of more than 11 lakh cubic metres, improving water availability for both cultivation and domestic use.

For decades, Kalahandi has grappled with drought-like conditions and limited irrigation coverage, particularly in its remote regions. The current intervention seeks to bridge this gap through a mix of scientific watershed techniques and active community participation. Activities include rejuvenating traditional water bodies, building check dams and percolation tanks, and capturing monsoon runoff more effectively.

Early outcomes are visible in villages such as Balabhadrapur, where farmers are beginning to see tangible changes. Fields that once relied solely on rainfall are now irrigated more consistently, allowing cultivators to improve productivity and experiment with multiple crops. “We used to depend entirely on rains, which were never reliable. Now, with assured water supply, farming has become more stable,” said local farmer Krushnacharan Mali.

Apart from enhancing irrigation, the initiative is also aiding in improving soil moisture and supporting gradual ecological recovery. The involvement of local communities in planning and maintaining the water assets has strengthened a sense of ownership, which experts believe is key to ensuring long-term impact.

Looking ahead, there are plans to extend irrigation coverage to more than 3,500 acres. If the momentum continues, such watershed-based interventions could significantly reduce migration pressures and bolster rural livelihoods in one of Odisha’s most climate-sensitive districts.

Photograph: A farmer in Balabhadrapur village of Kalahandi district irrigates his farmland using water made available through the integrated watershed initiative.