The Bengal Irrigation Department has decided to implement a new water supply system for farmlands using pipelines from the Teesta River and its canals. This initiative aims to avoid the need for acquiring additional land to dig new canals, sub-canals, and drains.
Key Features of the New System
The new pipe irrigation system will bring more agricultural land under the Teesta Barrage project without the need for land acquisition. The system will use reservoirs at different locations to store water, which will then be distributed through a network of pipelines.
Benefits of the Pipe Irrigation System:
- No Land Acquisition: The system will not require the acquisition of new land for canals.
- Effective Water Distribution: Farmers will have more control over the water supply to their fields.
- Increased Agricultural Coverage: More agricultural land will benefit from the Teesta Barrage project.
Project Implementation Areas
The project will be introduced in the following regions:
- Jalpaiguri
- Cooch Behar
- North Dinajpur
- Siliguri Subdivision of Darjeeling
Official Statements and Support
J.P. Pandey, the executive engineer of the Teesta Barrage Division (Mahananda), emphasized the importance of this system in expanding the reach of the Teesta Barrage Project, which was initially launched in 1975. The project aims to provide water to 9.22 lakh hectares of farmland in North Bengal, although it currently serves only around one lakh hectares.
Swapan Kumar Saha, the superintending engineer of the Mahananda Barrage Division, reassured farmers that once the pipelines are laid, they will be able to farm their land without any issues. Local elected representatives and administrative officials have been asked to inform farmers about the new system to ensure smooth implementation.
Government Approval and Community Feedback
The state government has given its consent for the project, and local leaders have expressed their support. Krishna Roy Barman, the Jalpaiguri Zilla Parishad sabhadipati, praised the initiative and sought further details from irrigation officials to engage farmers effectively.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the main goal of the new pipe irrigation system in Bengal?
- A) To acquire more land for canals
- B) To supply water to farmlands through pipelines from the Teesta River
- C) To build new dams
- D) To replace all existing canals
- Which areas will benefit from the new pipe irrigation system?
- A) Kolkata and Howrah
- B) Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, and Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling
- C) Purulia and Bankura
- D) South Bengal districts
- What is the main advantage of the new irrigation system over traditional canal-based systems?
- A) It requires less water
- B) It does not require land acquisition for new canals
- C) It uses solar energy
- D) It is cheaper to build
- What is the primary purpose of the Teesta Barrage Project?
- A) To provide water to 9.22 lakh hectares of farmland
- B) To build new canals
- C) To create a new river
- D) To supply water to urban areas
- Who expressed support for the new irrigation system at the meeting?
- A) Swapan Kumar Saha
- B) J.P. Pandey
- C) Krishna Roy Barman
- D) The Chief Minister