(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
In a monumental step toward Chhattisgarh’s agrarian and developmental transformation, the long-pending Bodhghat project—estimated at ₹49,000 crore—is finally set to see the light of day. The announcement follows a high-level meeting between Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister gave a much-awaited green signal to this ambitious multi-purpose project.

A Dream 45 Years in the Making

Originally conceptualized in 1980, the Bodhghat project was envisioned on the Indravati River in Bastar, primarily as a hydroelectric venture. However, over the years, it expanded in scope to include large-scale irrigation potential. Despite its immense promise, the project remained mired in delays—trapped in a web of environmental clearances, rising Naxalite activity, and public resistance to land acquisition.

With the Prime Minister’s nod, the project is now poised to become a reality—marking the end of a 45-year wait and the beginning of a developmental revolution for South Chhattisgarh.

What the Project Promises

As per the brief shared by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Raipur airport upon his return from Delhi, the Bodhghat project will provide irrigation facilities to nearly seven lakh hectares of land and generate 125 MW of hydroelectric power. This dual-purpose design makes it one of the most ambitious water-resource engineering efforts in independent India.

Game-Changer for Half of Chhattisgarh

More than just a regional initiative, Bodhghat is poised to become the lifeline for nearly half of Chhattisgarh. The project will connect with the Mahanadi River, extending irrigation benefits to vast parts of central Chhattisgarh, including Rajnandgaon, Kawardha, and Mungeli. Such scale and reach will not only ensure water security but also help reverse agrarian distress across districts.

From Conflict to Construction: The Bastar Breakthrough

Perhaps most symbolic is the project’s location — Bastar, a region that has long borne the brunt of insurgency and underdevelopment. The revival of Bodhghat signifies more than just infrastructure; it marks a civilizational shift toward peace and prosperity in a region where development has often been overshadowed by extremism.

Environmental and Social Footprint

With progress comes responsibility. The Bodhghat project will affect approximately 359 villages across Dantewada (151), Sukma (90), and Bijapur (118). Nearly 13,783 hectares of land will be required, comprising:

* 5,704 ha of forest land
* 5,010 ha of private land
* 3,068 ha of government land

According to preliminary government reports, about two dozen villages may be fully submerged, with l14 villages partially affected, leading to the displacement of over 2,000 families. Rehabilitation and resettlement, therefore, remain critical components of the implementation roadmap.

Irrigation Impact: A Statistical Leap

Data from feasibility surveys suggest a dramatic rise in irrigated areas across the most backward districts:

* Dantewada: Irrigation area to rise by 65.73%
* Sukma: Up by 60.59%
* Bijapur: A staggering 68.72% increase

These changes are not merely agricultural metrics—they represent a complete socio-economic transformation of the tribal heartland.

Integrated River Linking

The Bodhghat project is also tied to broader river-linking initiatives discussed during the CM’s meeting with the Prime Minister. By linking the Indravati and Mahanadi river systems, the state plans to ensure year-round irrigation and bolster its fishery production, estimated to rise by 4 lakh tonnes annually under the project impact zone.

PM Modi’s Visionary Backing

Prime Minister Modi reportedly expressed personal interest and approval, asking for the project presentation to be shared with the Union Minister of Jal Shakti. He also assured full central support, recognizing the project as a critical milestone in national integration, energy sufficiency, and rural empowerment.

The PM praised the project as a “daring and ambitious engineering feat” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to seeing it through—an endorsement that adds decisive momentum to the project’s initiation.

A Comparative Perspective

Interestingly, while the Bodhghat project stalled for decades, Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram project, which began much later, has already been completed. This contrast only amplifies the significance of the Centre’s renewed commitment to finally put Bodhghat on the ground.

Chief Minister’s Diplomatic Outreach

CM Vishnu Deo Sai also used his Delhi visit to present a broader picture of Chhattisgarh’s improving governance metrics and peace index. He highlighted the state’s potential to be a leader in water management, rural empowerment, and sustainable development.

A Turning Point in Chhattisgarh’s History

The Bodhghat project is more than a dam—it is a symbol of hope, resolve, and a second chance for a region long denied its rightful share in India’s development story. With strong political will at both the state and central levels, backed by engineering prowess and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, the project is finally set to move from paper to progress.

If implemented with care and speed, Bodhghat could go down in history as the project that redefined Chhattisgarh’s future.

Disclaimer:This article has been written in good faith, based on information available in the public domain for the feedback write to the editor newsmanofindia@gmail.com