Chandrapur: A large-scale plan to harness the waters of the Wainganga River through a network of barrages is steadily taking shape in eastern Vidarbha. The Maharashtra government expects the initiative to bring more than 53,000 hectares of farmland under irrigation and provide sustainable water security to nearly 200 villages across Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts.
Project Vision and Origin
Conceived under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the project seeks to maximize the use of the Wainganga basin's water resources through a series of completed, ongoing, and proposed barrages. The initiative traces its origins to a proposal advanced by Fadnavis in February 2024, when he directed the water resources department to explore long-term solutions for irrigation expansion, groundwater recharge, and water conservation in the region.
Completed Barrage: Chichdoh
A key component of the program, the Chichdoh barrage near Chamorshi, has already been completed and is operational. The project supports irrigation through lift irrigation schemes at Wagholi-Buti and Talodhi Mokasa. Around 4,330 hectares across 16 villages in the Chamorshi region have already been brought under irrigation.
In addition, administrative approval is being processed for the Rajiv Chichdoh scheme, which will provide irrigation facilities to 4,017 hectares in 13 villages located in the tail-end areas of the Dina Project, along with an additional independent command area of 1,233 hectares.
Ongoing Construction: Kotgal Barrage
The Kotgal barrage in Gadchiroli taluka is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion by June 2027. Once operational, it is expected to provide irrigation to over 10,119 hectares spread across 41 villages through three lift irrigation schemes.
Proposed Barrages: Ainbothala and Dongarsawangi
The government is also accelerating studies for the proposed Ainbothala barrage in Chandrapur district and Dongarsawangi barrage in Gadchiroli district. The Ainbothala project alone is projected to bring more than 24,261 hectares under irrigation across 69 villages while also helping meet a portion of the region's industrial water demand. The Dongarsawangi project is expected to provide assured irrigation to over 4,541 hectares in 17 villages.
Combined Impact and Benefits
Officials said the combined impact of the completed and proposed projects could bring nearly 53,622 hectares under irrigation and benefit about 198 villages across the two districts. Apart from strengthening agriculture, the barrage network is expected to improve drinking water availability, support industrial growth, and enhance groundwater recharge.
Officials believe that this large-scale water resource initiative, inspired by Chief Minister Fadnavis's vision, will provide fresh momentum to development across the Wainganga basin and play a transformative role in the future growth of East Vidarbha.
