Watershed Scheme Reaches 2.29 Lakh Farmers in Six Bengal Districts
A watershed scheme operating across six districts of West Bengal has benefited 2.29 lakh farmers, The Statesman reported on 11 October 2026. The report does not name the implementing agency, total project cost, or the specific districts covered. The scheme falls under the broader category of other irrigation projects, a sub-sector that carries a large and active pipeline across India.
| Detail | Reported Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme type | Watershed scheme |
| State | West Bengal |
| Districts covered | Six (names not reported) |
| Farmers benefited | 2.29 lakh |
| Project value | Not reported |
| Implementing agency | Not reported |
| Source | The Statesman, 11 October 2026 |
National Pipeline of Other Irrigation Projects
Projects India tracks 2,210 live projects in the other irrigation projects sub-sector nationally, with three added in the last 90 days. The pipeline is heavily weighted towards projects still seeking or processing approvals: 1,340 of the 2,210 tracked projects are at the under-approvals stage, while 788 have moved into active construction. A further 45 are at the planning stage, 19 are at early or announced stage, and 11 are nearing completion. Only five have received approvals and are awaiting construction start.
West Bengal does not feature in the top six states by tracked project count in this sub-sector. Maharashtra leads with 585 tracked projects, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 378, Karnataka with 178, Chhattisgarh with 165, Andhra Pradesh with 163, and Telangana with 126.
Recent Projects Entering Construction Nationally
Among recently tracked projects that have entered the construction stage, several carry substantial values. In Maharashtra, the Varangaon Talvel Parisar Lift Irrigation Scheme at Bhusawal, Jalgaon, promoted by Tapi Irrigation Development Corporation, is valued at Rs 542 crore. The Purna Barrage II Project at Telhara, Akola, promoted by Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation, is valued at Rs 888 crore. In Chhattisgarh, a Lift Irrigation and Barrage Project at Arang, Raipur, promoted by the Water Resources Department, Chhattisgarh, is valued at Rs 568 crore. In Rajasthan, an irrigation project at Baran promoted by the Water Resources Department, Rajasthan, carries a value of Rs 482 crore.
At the approvals stage, the Lift Irrigation Project at Tasgaon, Satara, Maharashtra, promoted by Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation, is valued at Rs 126.37 crore. In Telangana, an irrigation project at Modikuntavagu, Khammam, promoted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, is valued at Rs 425 crore. In Odisha, the In-Stream Storage Structure Project at Khairmal, Boudh, promoted by the Water Resources Department, Odisha, is valued at Rs 830 crore and is under approvals. These projects, spread across multiple states, illustrate the breadth of opportunity currently emerging in the sub-sector. For a fuller view of activity, readers can browse the irrigation projects sector overview.
Tender Activity
Projects India currently records zero open tenders in the irrigation projects sector. Suppliers and contractors monitoring procurement windows should note that the large volume of projects at the under-approvals stage — 1,340 nationally — represents a pipeline that will progressively generate tendering activity as projects clear regulatory processes. Live tenders across all sectors can be tracked on the platform.
What this means for suppliers and contractors
The Bengal watershed report signals continued government focus on small and medium irrigation infrastructure at the district level, a segment that typically generates demand for civil works, earthmoving equipment, water-control structures, and field-level distribution systems. While project-specific procurement details for the Bengal scheme have not been reported, the broader national picture is instructive for firms deciding where to direct business development efforts.
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana together account for the largest concentrations of tracked projects. With 788 projects nationally already in construction, demand for equipment, materials, and specialist subcontractors is active across multiple states. The 1,340 projects under approvals represent the medium-term opportunity: firms that engage at this stage — through pre-qualification, relationship building with Water Resources Departments, and equipment positioning — are better placed when procurement opens.
Recent state-level activity, including approvals for projects in Maharashtra and Rajasthan and construction starts in Chhattisgarh, suggests that project timelines are progressing. Suppliers should also monitor emerging activity in states such as Odisha and Gujarat, where projects are currently navigating the approvals pipeline. All tracked projects are accessible on the Projects India platform for detailed project-level intelligence.
Frequently asked questions
How many farmers have benefited from the watershed scheme in West Bengal?
According to a report by The Statesman published on 11 October 2026, 2.29 lakh farmers have benefited from a watershed scheme spanning six districts of West Bengal. The implementing agency and total project cost were not reported.
Which states have the most other irrigation projects in India?
Based on Projects India data, Maharashtra leads with 585 tracked projects in the other irrigation projects sub-sector, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 378, Karnataka with 178, Chhattisgarh with 165, Andhra Pradesh with 163, and Telangana with 126.
How many other irrigation projects in India are currently under construction?
Projects India tracks 2,210 projects in the other irrigation projects sub-sector nationally. Of these, 788 are at the construction-started stage, while 1,340 remain under approvals, representing a large forward pipeline for suppliers and contractors.
Are there open tenders for irrigation projects in India right now?
Projects India currently records zero open tenders in the irrigation projects sector. However, 1,340 projects in the other irrigation projects sub-sector are under approvals nationally, indicating that new tender opportunities are likely to emerge as projects clear regulatory processes.
