Small and innovative irrigation projects have proved a boon for the farmers in the hilly terrains of Kalahandi where big projects cannot be implemented.
In 1970s and ’80s, a tribal Karji Majhi of Malijubang under Lanjigarh block in Kalahandi district applying indigenous knowledge and common sense had constructed more than 20 small irrigation structures by diverting and channelising hilly streams. He diverted stream water by digging small channels and putting wooden boat like structures to facilitate water passage from one elevation to another. With this arrangement, he was able to provide irrigation facilities to the farmers of the area at a very low cost. For his activities and talent, Majhi was popularly known as illiterate tribal engineer and in 1997 he was also honoured in the Kalahandi Utsav. He is no longer alive now but his deeds are remembered. On Friday, late Karji Majhi was remembered as a hydraulic pressured diversion irrigation project constructed at a cost of ` four lakh by Sevjagat, an NGO, was inaugurated at Bengaon in Lanjigarh block.
From a height of 50 metres, the stream water has been diverted with PVC pipes and after one km, three outlets with switches have been set up. The best part of the system is that it will provide water for irrigation throughout the year to about 30 acres of land without any displacement of people or submergence of land.
Satya Pattnaik, the head of Sevajagat, said, “Such small projects are economical and eco-friendly. In Kalahandi’s hilly region particularly Thuamul Rampur, Lanjigarh and Madanpur Rampur blocks, such small projects are feasible.” During last one year, another similar project at Karengili of Lanjigarh block and two at Sulesur and Khaliamunda in Madanpur Rampur block have been implemented by the organisation. On an average, each of these projects is capable of irrigating 30 to 50 acres of land. Pattnaik said construction of six more such projects has been proposed in Lanjigarh and Madanpur Rampur blocks. The survey for the projects has already been completed. Funds from philanthropic organisations are awaited to begin the works, he added.