West Bengal: Irrigation and hydro power

Kangsabati Reservoir Project

Kangsabati Reservoir Project was started in the year 1956-57. Till date an irrigation potential of 3,48,477 ha. has been created in the districts of Bankura, Midnapore and Hooghly through this Project. With bank assistance and under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, the Government has undertaken large extension and improvement programme of the main canals. The project though originally planned for Kharif and limited Rabi, at present the irrigation water is provided for Boro cultivation also to an area of 27,944 ha.

Mayurakshi Reservoir Project

Mayurakshi Reservoir Project was taken up for execution in 1951. This Project has been completed in all respects in the year 1985. The irrigation potential created through completion of this project comes to 2,50,860 ha. in the districts of Birbhum, Murshidabad and Burdwan. Irrigation water is also supplied to the state of Jharkhand from this reservoir to an area of about 6,000 ha. This Project is adjudged to be one of the best performing irrigation projects in India. The project was planned originally for giving water to Kharif and Boro seasons. At present with favourable rainfall we provide irrigation to Boro crops for an area of 20,000 ha (approx.). The industrial requirement of Bakreshwar Thermal Power project is also now made from this project. Though there is no provision for flood control yet with advanced planning it was possible to reduce peak flood of year 2000 by 30%.

Damodar valley corporation

The river Damodar has a basin area of 58,480 sq. km. of which 32,110 sq. km. is in Jharkhand (erstwhile Bihar). A comprehensive programme of flood control, irrigation and power generation was planned under a corporation with participation of Bihar, West Bengal and Govt. of India. DVC was formed in 1948. Four Dams situated in Jharkhand is complete though acquisition of some flood storage areas still remains incomplete. The irrigation and canal system of DVC has been handed over to the Govt. of West Bengal in 1964. In the original project DVC canal system was designed mainly to provide irrigation in Kharif and Rabi period. Now, the system has started providing irrigation to summer paddy also. At present further work for increasing irrigation coverage by reducing transmission losses and changing Cropping pattern has been taken up. An irrigation potential of 4,83,500 ha. out of its ultimate irrigation potential of 5,10,110 ha. has been created through the project in the districts of Burdwan, Bankura, Hooghly and Howrah.

Teesta Barrage Project

Teesta Barrage Project is one of the largest irrigation projects not only in West Bengal but also in the entire eastern region. It will create 9.22 lakh ha. of irrigation potential in six northern districts of West Bengal and 67.50 MW of hydropower from canal falls. The Project has three different phases and the Project envisages utilisation of potential of the Teesta River in the field of irrigation hydropower generation, navigation and flood moderation.

The preliminary activities of 1st Sub-stage of Stage-I of Phase-I was started in the year 1975-76 and the work proper was started from 1976-77. The Irrigation areas in different Sub-stages and stages of Phase – I are indicated below districtwise.

Subarnarekha Barrage Project

The Subarnarekha Barrage project, a new Major Irrigation Project with an irrigation potential of 1,14,200 ha. was identified and proposed for execution in June 1994. The Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE-development/”>Infrastructure Development programme of the project has already been taken up. The project has been proposed for obtaining assistance under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Govt. of India.

Midnapore Canal

West Bengal happened to be a pioneer in the field of irrigation in India. The earliest one namely Midnapore Canal was taken up in 1866 and irrigation commenced in 1871. The canal originally was part of Orissa Canal Scheme. It was intended to have a high canal providing a navigational route between Cuttack and Calcutta. But the Midnapore canal at an early stage was separated and treated as a distinct project. The water supply is derived from the river Kangsabati at Mohanpur where there is a regulating weir with head works and the canal extends to Uluberia on the river Hooghly crossing the Rupnarayan and Damodar rivers en route. The total command area of the scheme is 49,879 ha. The work of this canal was first taken up by East India Irrigation and Canal Company and by the Government two years later.

Hydro power projects in west Bengal

Jaldhaka Hydel Project

Jaldhaka Hydel Project is one of the foremost hydro electric projects in the country which serves as a bridge to go across Bhutan. The site is encircled by the walls and visitors are required to get an approval from the West Bengal State Electricity Board (WBSEB) authorities. Moreover, tourists can also visit the forest cottage which is located in Jhalong nearby the Jaldhaka River.

Massanjore Hydroelectric Project

Massanjore Dam is a hydropower generating dam over the Mayurakshi River located at Massanjore near Dumka in the state of Jharkhand, India. The Massanjore dam (also called Canada Dam), across the Mayurakshi, was commissioned in 1955. It was formally inaugurated by Lester B. Pearson, Foreign Minister of Canada. Massanjore dam is about 38 kilometres (24 mi) upstream from Siuri in West Bengal. It is 47 metres (155 ft) high from its base and is 660 metres (2,170 ft) long. The reservoir has an area of 67.4 square kilometres (16,650 acres) when full and has a storage capacity of 620,000,000 cubic metres (500,000 acre·ft). It cost Rs. 16.10 crore.

Purulia Pumped Storage Project

Purulia Pumped Storage Project of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL) envisaged 4 units of 224 MW each. This project can generate 900 MW power instantly by discharging stored water from Upper dam to Lower Dam through reversible pump-turbine and Generator motor. The project located in Ajodhya Hills in Bagmundi village of Purulia district was commissioned in February 2008 and was dedicated to the nation by the Buddhadeb Bhattercharjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal on 6th April 2008.

The Rammam hydroelectric project

This project is a run of the river scheme and is located at a distance of about 50 km from Ghoom (Siliguri-Darjeeling road) and 130 kms from Siliguri. The nearest rail head is at New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport is at Bagdogra. The diversion structure is located just downstream at the confluence of Rammam river with Lodhama Khola near Lodhama village and the power house site is located near village Barbatia on the right bank of river Rammam.

Teesta Low Dam IV Hydroelectric Project

State-run NHPC’s 160 MW Teesta Low Dam-IV Hydro project in Darjeeling district of West Bengal has become fully operational. The three units of TLDP-IV project were commissioned on February 14, March 31 and July 1 2016.

Irrigation and Hydro Power in West Bengal

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growing of crops. It is usually used to supplement and regulate the natural water cycle. Irrigation can be provided by flooding an area with water, using canals to distribute water, or using sprinklers or Drip Irrigation systems.

Hydro power is the production of electricity from the potential energy of water. It is a RENEWABLE ENERGY source that does not produce greenhouse gases. Hydro power Plants use the force of falling water to turn turbines, which generate electricity.

West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It is the third most populous state in India, with a Population of over 91 million people. The state has a long history of irrigation and hydro power development.

The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is a public sector undertaking that was established in 1948 to develop the Damodar River basin. The DVC has built a number of dams and reservoirs in the basin, which are used for irrigation, flood control, and hydro power generation.

The Kangsabati Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric project located on the Kangsabati River in West Bengal. The project was commissioned in 1978 and has a capacity of 240 MW.

The Mayurakshi Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric project located on the Mayurakshi River in West Bengal. The project was commissioned in 1956 and has a capacity of 120 MW.

The Salandi Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric project located on the Salandi River in West Bengal. The project was commissioned in 1962 and has a capacity of 100 MW.

The Teesta Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric project located on the Teesta River in West Bengal. The project was commissioned in 1975 and has a capacity of 300 MW.

The West Bengal Minor Irrigation and water Management Department is responsible for the development and management of minor irrigation schemes in the state. The department has a number of programs to promote the use of irrigation, including subsidies for the installation of irrigation systems.

The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) is a public sector undertaking that is responsible for the distribution of electricity in the state. The WBSEDCL has a number of programs to promote the use of hydro power, including subsidies for the installation of hydro power systems.

Irrigation and hydro power are important for the economy of West Bengal. Irrigation helps to increase agricultural production, while hydro power provides a clean and renewable Source Of Energy. The State Government is committed to the development of irrigation and hydro power, and has a number of programs to promote their use.

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growing of crops. It is usually used to supplement and improve the natural water cycle. Irrigation systems can be used to irrigate agricultural land, parks, golf courses, and other areas.

Hydropower is the conversion of the energy of falling water into electricity. Hydropower plants use the kinetic energy of moving water to turn a turbine, which then generates electricity. Hydropower is a renewable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gases.

Here are some frequently asked questions about irrigation and hydropower:

What are the benefits of irrigation?
Irrigation can help to increase crop yields, improve crop quality, and reduce the risk of crop failure. Irrigation can also help to conserve water and protect the Environment.
What are the different types of irrigation systems?
There are many different types of irrigation systems, including surface irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation, and drip irrigation. Surface irrigation is the oldest and most common type of irrigation. It involves flooding the land with water. Sprinkler irrigation uses sprinklers to spray water onto the land. Drip irrigation is a more efficient type of irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of plants.
What are the challenges of irrigation?
One of the biggest challenges of irrigation is water scarcity. In many parts of the world, there is not enough water to meet the needs of both agriculture and other human uses. Another challenge of irrigation is Soil erosion. When water flows over land, it can carry away topsoil. This can damage the land and make it less productive.
What are the benefits of hydropower?
Hydropower is a renewable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gases. It is also a reliable source of energy, as the water supply is relatively constant. Hydropower can also help to regulate river flows and prevent flooding.
What are the different types of hydropower plants?
There are two main types of hydropower plants: run-of-river plants and storage plants. Run-of-river plants use the natural flow of water to generate electricity. Storage plants use dams to store water and then release it to generate electricity when needed.
What are the challenges of hydropower?
One of the biggest challenges of hydropower is the construction of dams. Dams can have a negative impact on the environment, including disrupting fish Migration and altering water flows. Another challenge of hydropower is the potential for accidents. Dam failures can cause flooding and loss of life.
What are the future of irrigation and hydropower?
The future of irrigation and hydropower is uncertain. The demand for water is increasing, and water Resources are becoming increasingly scarce. This could lead to increased competition for water between agriculture and other human uses. The future of hydropower is also uncertain. The construction of new dams is becoming increasingly controversial, and the potential for accidents is a concern.

Which of the following is not a type of irrigation?
(A) Canal Irrigation
(B) Sprinkler irrigation
(C) Drip irrigation
(D) Hydroelectric power
Which of the following is not a source of water for irrigation?
(A) Rivers
(B) Lakes
(C) Wells
(D) Hydroelectric power
Which of the following is not a benefit of irrigation?
(A) Increased crop yields
(B) Reduced soil erosion
(C) Improved water quality
(D) Increased greenhouse gas emissions
Which of the following is not a challenge of irrigation?
(A) Water scarcity
(B) Salinity
(C) Waterlogging
(D) Hydroelectric power
Which of the following is not a type of hydro power?
(A) Run-of-the-river hydropower
(B) Pumped storage hydropower
(C) Tidal hydropower
(D) Geothermal hydropower
Which of the following is not a source of water for hydro power?
(A) Rivers
(B) Lakes
(C) Wells
(D) Geothermal Energy
Which of the following is not a benefit of hydro power?
(A) Low greenhouse gas emissions
(B) Renewable energy source
(C) Job creation
(D) Increased Water Pollution
Which of the following is not a challenge of hydro power?
(A) Dam construction
(B) Fish migration
(C) Landslides
(D) Geothermal energy
Which of the following is not a type of irrigation system?
(A) Surface irrigation
(B) Subsurface irrigation
(C) Drip irrigation
(D) Hydroelectric power
Which of the following is not a source of water for irrigation systems?
(A) Rivers
(B) Lakes
(C) Wells
(D) Geothermal energy