Rajeev Sagar dam is a minor irrigation scheme constructed across Dudhinalla canal (River Bhader) which is a tributary of river Parwati. The dam is located near village Maksudangarh in Raghogarh block of Guna district at a distance of 87 km from the district head quarters. The catchment area of the project is 65.65 sqkm.
The total cost of the Rajeev Sagar Project was Rs. 1356.96 lakh of which Rs. 1277.94 lakhs was loan sanctioned by NABARD under RIDF - II. An additional loan of Rs. 703.45 lakh was sanctioned on account of cost escalation thereby increasing NABARD's stake to Rs. 1981.39 lakh.
The construction work started immediately after sanction of loan but was completed only by June 2003. However, the completion of the project has brought overall development to the area which is evident from the diverse gainful economic activities being undertaken in the area.
There was considerable increase in area irrigated and vast stretch of parched lands have been brought under irrigation. The construction of the dam has helped in irrigating 1242 ha and 600 ha under the 8 km long right canal and 6 km long left canal respectively. With the completion of the dam, the cropping pattern has changed. Crops such as wheat (ordinary) and wheat (hybrid) are now being cultivated in 101 and 1619 ha. respectively. Sugarcane is proposed to be cultivated in 122 ha. Due to the assured irrigation, the productivity has gone up and the additional income to the tune of Rs. 137.36 lakh per annum is expected.
Employment opportunities are being created in the area with new industries/business establishments coming up in the area. The project has replenished fast receding water table in the project area raising the water table appreciably. The livestock are now getting adequate water and fodder during summer season.
The number of farmers benefited are 1137 in 17 villages. Out of these 1137 benefited farmers, 50 belong to scheduled caste and 67 to scheduled tribe. Of the 1842 ha land to be irrigated, 81 ha belongs to scheduled caste, 141 ha belongs to scheduled tribes and the remaining 1620 ha belongs to other farmers. Hence, the project has been beneficial to all sections of farmers resulting in social equity. |
