The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, 16 January 2026: The Ministry of Jal Shakti, through the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, has reinforced India’s irrigation and water-management infrastructure by leveraging PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) for effective project oversight and governance.
Water, a critical natural resource, shapes livelihoods, food security, public health, and economic productivity. With urbanisation, climate variability, and competing demands, a resilient and equitable water-management framework is essential. In this context, PRAGATI has been instrumental in monitoring and resolving bottlenecks across high-value irrigation and river-development projects.
Currently, the Ministry is tracking 93 major projects with a cumulative investment of approximately ₹2.86 lakh crore. Of these:
44 projects (₹44,123 crore) have been commissioned, including 1 PRAGATI-reviewed project.
49 projects (₹2.42 lakh crore) are under implementation, with 9 PRAGATI-reviewed projects.
A total of 10 projects worth ₹43,583 crore have been reviewed under PRAGATI.
The PRAGATI mechanism addresses challenges such as land acquisition, rehabilitation, inter-state coordination, fund-release delays, contract management, and field-level encumbrances, converting long-standing issues into actionable solutions. Out of 126 issues identified across 93 projects, 106 have already been resolved, including 14 issues in PRAGATI-reviewed projects.
North Koel Reservoir Project
Gosikhurd Project and CADWM works
Subernarekha Multipurpose Project (Jharkhand & Odisha)
Integrated Anandpur Barrage Project
Sulwade-Jamphal-Kanoli Lift Irrigation Scheme
Lower Pedhi Project
Bembla Irrigation Project, Maharashtra
Aruna Medium Irrigation Project
The projects collectively expand irrigation potential, stabilise command areas, support drought resilience, and enhance farmer incomes. PRAGATI-reviewed projects have achieved an average physical progress of 73%, with the Bembla Irrigation Project in Maharashtra now commissioned.
Sanctioned in 2007 under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the project spans multiple tehsils of Yavatmal district, aiming to irrigate 6,968 hectares. The project faced delays due to land acquisition, incomplete canal lining, and contractor issues. Following PRAGATI review by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in October 2023, issues were systematically addressed through multi-level monitoring, contract resolution, and expedited construction.
As a result, the project was commissioned on 30 June 2025, enhancing irrigation coverage, agricultural resilience, and rural development in drought-prone areas.
Overall, the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s portfolio demonstrates a whole-of-government commitment to water security, rural services, and sustainable agriculture, with PRAGATI acting as a governance accelerator—ensuring timely decision-making, stakeholder alignment, and measurable impact for citizens.
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