Project to save channel in Nagpur, care for drinking water for 200 families, irrigation of crops

Nagpur, April 16 (PTI) A project to save the Sawangi channel in Nagpur has improved the fertility of about 400 hectares of land and benefited 200 families by providing drinking water and an uninterrupted offer of the critical resource for irrigation and livestock. The project, which began in February 2024, is now completed with the widening and flooring of 4.11 km channel stretch ranging from Rant to Valley, which improves the groundwater levels and the standard of living for farmers, livestock and wildlife in the environment. The project aimed at addressing the scarcity of water in the area was part of a CSR Program for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that was initiated by Logistics Conglomerate Allcargo Group’s Arm Avashya Foundation in collaboration with Sadbhavana Gramin Vikas Santha and Purti Synchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sansha. After the Tamaswada pattern of water conservation, the project focused on the decilation and restoration of the channel to ensure optimal water storage and prevention of soil erosion, Allcargo Group said in a statement. It is further said that the Sawangi channel project created 1,00,000 cubic meters of surface water storage and contributed 2,25,000 cubic meters annually. “The project enriched 400 hectares of agricultural land, favored 200 families by providing drinking water, cattle and protective irrigation for Kharif, Rabi crops and vegetables. In general, the project will support agricultural and other activities of more than 1,200 farmers and indirectly support more than 3,000 farmers and their family members,” it added. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is also the Nagpur selection member, appreciated the initiative, saying that the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra needed more such initiatives to prevent the suicide on farmers. “I appreciate the role of the initiative in uplifting the lives of farmers and expanding the best wishes for the continued success of the project and a lasting impact in the coming years.” The founder and chairman of Allcargo Group, Shashi Kiran Shetty, said: “We are pleased to play a role in addressing the water scarcity in the Vidarbha region and to allow the rural economy to flourish. First published: 16 Apr 2025, 10:25 am Ist