In Mahendragarh, the state’s Irrigation Department has launched a project to channel 60 cusecs of water from the NB-1 Jhagdoli Pump House, part of the Jawaharlal Nehru Canal (JLN), through underground pipelines to the Majra Dauhan region.
The two initiatives, undertaken by the Canal and Irrigation Department, aim to revive the Dahan River, which has been struggling for survival for over five decades. These projects are expected to be a game-changer for over 20 nearby villages facing a declining groundwater level. With a total allocation of Rs 28 crore, these efforts will release 120 cusecs of canal water to rejuvenate the 30 km stretch of the river. The local population, especially those in the affected villages, will directly benefit from this project as it restores water to the region.
Projects to Revive the Dahan River
The Irrigation Department is spearheading two key projects to provide relief to the residents of the region:
- First Project:
The department will lay an underground pipeline with a capacity of 60 cusecs from the NB-1 Jhagdoli Pump House. This pipeline, stretching 5.2 kilometres and with a diameter of 1600 mm, will direct water to the Majra Dauhan area. Work on this project began in July and is progressing rapidly. The department has allocated Rs 13 crore for this phase, which is currently nearing completion. - Second Project:
Another 60 cusecs of water will be routed to the Dahan River in Bhagdana village via a 4.5-kilometre underground pipeline connecting the MC-5 and NB-1 pump houses of the JLN canal system. The total cost for this part of the project is Rs 15 crore. All necessary procedures, including the tender process, have been completed, and construction is scheduled to begin by November.
Impact on Groundwater Levels and Surrounding Villages
An official revealed that once 120 cusecs of canal water is supplied to the 30-kilometer stretch of the Dahan River, it will significantly recharge groundwater in over 20 villages. These villages include Deroli Jat, Dewas, Kuksi, Nangal Sirohi, Kaushal Kalan, Kaushal Khurd, Nangwas, Khativas, Beri, Bhandor Unchi, Jasawas, Devnagar, Chitlang, Dulana, Majra Khurd, Majra Kalan, Sisoth, Bhagdana, Lavan, Jhuk, Malda Sarai, Malda Bas, Pali, Jat, Bhurjat, and Basai.
These projects are a much-needed solution for the Mahendragarh area, which is categorized as a dark zone due to its critical groundwater depletion. Furthermore, the Dahan River, which has been struggling to survive, will be rejuvenated. Presently, surplus water from the JLN Canal is being directed into the Dahan River through Dewas village, reducing the risk of water overflow that previously damaged crops. This initiative will stabilize the groundwater table in the region, which has been crucially needed for farmers.
Project Timeline and Future Plans
The irrigation department is committed to completing both projects as quickly as possible. The first project, which involves releasing 60 cusecs from the NB-1 Jhagdoli Pump House, is expected to wrap up by November. Following that, work on the second project, involving the installation of a 4.5-kilometer pipeline to supply water to the Bhagdana Daohan area, will begin later in November.
- Kanwar Singh Yadav, MLA of Mahendragarh, emphasized that these initiatives will not only benefit the villages but also help restore the Dahan River, which has been on the brink of extinction.
- Deepak Kumar, Junior Engineer at the Canal and Irrigation Department, confirmed that the groundwork is in its final stages, and both projects are moving ahead on schedule.
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