West Bengal chalks out irrigation plan for drought-prone Purulia district

KOLKATA: West Bengal's irrigation and waterways department has chalked out projects worth Rs 30 crore to ensure water supply to 35,000 acre of agricultural land in drought-prone Purulia district, according to an official.

The plan includes restoration of canals and repair of embankments. The department has already created 89 check dams in neighbouring Bankura district and work to construct another eight is on.

In 2016-17, the state government had brought over 3 lakh acre of agricultural land under irrigation, a move that ensured there was enough water for rabi crops. One lakh of the 3-lakh acre comes under Jangalmahal area.