Ranchi, Sep 2: Jharkhand has outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on rainwater conservation, expansion of irrigation facilities and efficient utilisation of existing water infrastructure at the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Departmental Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
Water Resources Minister Hafizul Hasan and Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Yogendra Prasad represented Jharkhand at the concluding session of the two-day summit held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan.Highlighting the state’s geographical characteristics, Hasan said Jharkhand needs to strengthen rainwater harvesting and storage to address seasonal water shortages.
He noted that a substantial share of the state’s annual rainfall runs off, making effective water conservation essential for year-round availability.The state has estimated an irrigation potential of about 24.25 lakh hectares, against roughly 10 lakh hectares of capacity developed so far. The government is therefore seeking to expand irrigation coverage while improving the utilisation of infrastructure that is already in place.
Officials are focusing on reducing water losses in canals and improving the delivery of irrigation water to fields located at the far end of canal networks.
Jharkhand has also sought assistance from the Centre for completing major irrigation initiatives, including the Patamda-Boram and Nimdih-Kukru mega lift irrigation projects and the remaining works of the Amanat Barrage in Palamu.
The estimated requirement for these projects is around Rs 3,000 crore.The state’s proposed water-management strategy also includes desilting reservoirs, restoring ponds and traditional water-harvesting structures, and strengthening systems for flood and drought preparedness.
Real-time monitoring, forecasting and data-based planning are being considered to improve the state’s response to extreme water-related situations.
The government has also proposed the use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin systems, to support water-resource planning, monitoring and infrastructure management.
Hasan stressed the importance of sharing experiences and successful practices among states to strengthen water security at the national level.
The Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, said it remains committed to conserving water, expanding irrigation facilities and ensuring more efficient use of the state’s water resources.
