Vedanta’s “Sangam Watershed Project” irrigates over 3,500 acres of farmland in Kalahandi, ensures year-round water security

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 21, 2025

India’s largest aluminium producer, Vedanta, is transforming the water landscape in Kalahandi district through its innovative “Sangam Watershed Project.” By leveraging cutting-edge technology and adopting a participatory development model, the project is building sustainable water infrastructure across 41 villages surrounding Lanjigarh. This initiative ensures consistent water availability for both drinking and agricultural use — an extraordinary achievement in a region historically affected by drought and famine.

Sharing his experience, sugarcane farmer Krushna Chandra Mali from Balabhadrapur village said, “We are grateful for the Sangam Project and Vedanta’s support. Our sugarcane yield has increased by 25 per cent — a milestone that once felt unreachable. Access to quality seeds, expert training, and support for fencing has finally helped our efforts bear fruit.”

Commenting on the success of the initiative, Vedanta Aluminium’s CEO Rajiv Kumar said, “The transformation in Kalahandi is a powerful example of what partnerships and innovation can achieve. Through the Sangam Watershed Project and our integrated development programmes, we’ve improved both water security and agricultural productivity, empowering thousands of rural families with sustainable livelihoods.”

“We are steadfast in our commitment to use technology, foster community participation, and build strategic alliances to promote inclusive growth and lasting prosperity for the people of Kalahandi,” he added.

The Sangam Watershed Project currently irrigates over 3,500 acres of cultivable land and significantly boosts water storage and groundwater recharge. Once fully implemented, the initiative is expected to benefit more than 22,000 rural residents annually. In the past financial year alone, over 2,500 people directly benefited from the construction of community and farm ponds, which together increased the region’s water recharge potential by 2.82 lakh cubic metres.

In Balabhadrapur, the project has notably enhanced farm productivity through a comprehensive strategy that includes water security, access to superior seeds and fertilizers, fencing support, and expert-led training. It also promotes smart farming practices such as drip irrigation, trellis-based vegetable cultivation, and strawberry farming. Moreover, the project supports organic farming on 72 acres using NADEP composting techniques and has established five Kisan Seva Kendras to further drive agricultural mechanization in the region.