Initiative to restore water flow in the Indravati River

JAGDALPUR,CG,INDIA: Water has been successfully released into the main stream of the Indravati River by regulating the flow through the Jora Nala Control Structure. With the consent of the Odisha government, sandbags were placed in the structure to improve water retention, leading to an increase in the river’s water level.

Following Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's call, Water Resources Minister Kedar Kashyap and Union Jal Shakti Minister  C.R. Patil discussed measures to address the Indravati River’s water crisis. In response, the Union Minister instructed the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Odisha to collaborate on a solution. As a result, Odisha consented to temporarily elevate the Jora Nala Control Structure, which has significantly improved the river’s water flow.

Additionally, efforts are underway to remove accumulated sand from the upstream and downstream sections of the Indravati River. The project is expected to be completed by the first week of April. In a recent meeting at the district office’s Prerna Sabha hall, district administrative officials briefed local farmers on the progress of these efforts.

The Indravati River originates from Rampur Dhumal village in Odisha’s Kalahandi district and joins the Godavari River after a 534 km journey. Its catchment area spans 41,665 sq. km, covering 7,435 sq. km in Odisha, 33,735 sq. km in Chhattisgarh, and 495 sq. km in Maharashtra.

At Sutapadar village on the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, the Indravati River splits into two streams. One enters Chhattisgarh, while the other, known as Jora Nala, merges with the Shabari (Colab) River 12 km downstream. Historically, Jora Nala’s waters flowed into the Indravati, but over time, this flow diminished, leading to water shortages.

In December 2003, Odisha and Chhattisgarh’s chief engineers decided to construct a control structure at Jora Nala’s mouth to regulate water distribution. The structure, built by the Odisha government and designed by the Central Water Commission (CWC), allocated 40.71% of Jora Nala’s summer water flow to Chhattisgarh and 59.29% to Odisha.

To ensure adequate water flow in the Indravati River, the Chhattisgarh government has made consistent efforts. Officials from Odisha and Chhattisgarh conducted a joint inspection, recommending the removal of sand and boulders and the straightening of Jora Nala’s course to prevent waterlogging.

Since 2018, reduced water flow in the Indravati River has been a significant issue. With Odisha’s cooperation, the Chhattisgarh government is now implementing concrete measures to restore balance in the river’s water flow. These efforts will help sustain irrigation for farmers and improve water availability in the region.