■ In Bihar, the total water area stands at 3.52 lakh hectares, accounting for 3.8% of the total geographical area. Bihar is endowed with substantial ground and surface water resources. The river Ganga and its tributaries provide water resources to the state, for both agricultural and non-agricultural uses.
On average, the state receives annual rainfall amounting to 1000 MMS, the bulk of which comes from the southwest monsoon. This is not adequate to water the entire farming activities in the state. Therefore, a well-planned irrigation system is needed to assist in stabilizing production, improving yield and cropping intensities.
Gross Irrigated Area (GIA):
Gross Irrigated Area (GIA) is the total area under crops, irrigated either once or more than once in a year. For areas irrigated more than once, they are counted as many times as they are irrigated.
The Gross Irrigated Area (GIA) has increased from 54.14 lakh hectares in 2017-18 to 55.98 lakh hectares in 2021-22.
The GIA was the highest in Rohtas (4.32 lakh hectares), while the lowest was in Sheohar (0.25 lakh hectares).
The Net Irrigated Area was also highest in Rohtas (2.27 lakh hectares) followed by Aurangabad and West Champaran. The Net Irrigated Area is the area irrigated through any source once in a year for a particular crop.
Source-wise Gross Irrigated area in Bihar (2021-22)
Tubewells
Tubewells are the largest source of irrigation in Bihar, contributing to about 63.1% of the total gross irrigated area in the state. Tubewells along with other wells constitute an area of 35.3 lakh hectares in the state.
The district of Samastipur (2.48 lakh hectares) had extensive irrigation from tubewells and other wells, followed by Sitamarhi (1.92 lakh hectares) and Nalanda (1.89 lakh hectares).
Canals
Canal irrigation, constituted 31% of GIA at 16.6 lakh ha. The area under canal irrigation has significantly increased during the last ten years.
Rohtas district had the highest share in area under canal irrigation at 3.19 lakh hectares, followed by West Champaran (1.82 lakh hectares) and Aurangabad (1.64 lakh hectares), together accounting for nearly 38 percent of the total canal irrigation in the state.
Tanks
Tank irrigation, constituted 2.2% of GIA at 1.2 lakh ha.
Darbhanga district had the highest share in the area under tank irrigation at 0.4 lakh ha.
Therefore, tubewells and canals provide bulk of the irrigated water for agricultural activities in the state.
Irrigation potential
The irrigation schemes in Bihar can be broadly divided into major, medium, and minor irrigation schemes.
- The ultimate irrigation potentialin Bihar stood at 117.54 lakh hectares.
- In 2022-23, the irrigation potential created by major and medium irrigation projects stood at 37.38 lakh hectares.
Government Initiatives:
The Department of Water Resources aims to enhance the agricultural sector through sustainable water management by modernizing irrigation, promoting water-efficient practices, and reducing groundwater depletion. The following are the key initiatives taken for the development and management of water resources and irrigation systems in the state:
- Increasing Irrigation Potential: The Department is focusing on major and medium irrigation projects, reaching 37.38 lakh hectares of potential by March 2023, with an emphasis on medium projects for faster farmer benefits.
- Har Khet Tak Sinchai Ka Paani: This Saat Nishchay-2 initiative extends irrigation to all villages via canal and check dam construction, along with farmer training. A budget of ₹200 crore for 2023-24 has supported ongoing projects.
- Western Kosi Canal Scheme: This cross-border project between India and Nepal is expected to create irrigation for 2,65,265 hectares in Bihar by June 2024, at a cost of ₹803 crore.
- Information Cell: A toll-free number and social media channels allow citizens to report embankment issues to prevent floods.
- Physical Modelling Centre: A ₹108.93 crore Physical Modelling Centre at Centre of Excellence in Supaul district is underway, aiming to advance research in water management. This will enhance regional water science capabilities, second only to Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune.
***
