Jharkhand cabinet clears Rs. 607 crore irrigation scheme, key infrastructure projects

RANCHI: The Jharkhand Cabinet has cleared a Rs. 607.03-crore mega-lift irrigation scheme in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, alongside proposals for drinking water, healthcare infrastructure, rural electrification and mineral development.

The irrigation scheme will cover Neemdih and Kukru blocks, drawing water from the Chandil reservoir for distribution through underground pipelines. The project is intended to expand irrigation facilities in the targeted areas. Its eventual impact will depend on implementation and the extent to which water reaches farmers.

The Cabinet also approved an estimated Rs. 96.55 crore for installing 7,890 hand pumps across 263 blocks during the 2026-27 financial year. The programme is aimed at expanding access to drinking water, although the number of pumps installed will depend on the execution of the approved plan.

In healthcare, the Cabinet approved a revised administrative sanction of Rs. 545.38 crore for a 500-bed hospital at MGM Medical College in Jamshedpur. It also cleared Rs. 284.17 crore for infrastructure associated with Jharkhand Medico City.

The approvals provide for investment in medical infrastructure. Construction progress, staffing and commissioning will determine when the proposed facilities become operational.

Animal feed plant planned for Godda

The Cabinet approved a proposal for an animal feed plant in Godda through the Jharkhand Milk Federation. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 51.49 crore, with an initial capacity of 50 metric tonnes per day and provision for expansion to 100 metric tonnes per day. The Cabinet approved Rs. 30 crore for the project in the 2026-27 financial year.

The facility is intended to add capacity to the state’s dairy-related infrastructure. Its contribution to the rural economy will depend on commissioning, production and access for livestock farmers.

The Cabinet also approved Rs. 184.52 crore for electrifying unelectrified hamlets and houses in tribal-majority villages under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. The number of households connected will depend on implementation of the programme.

Mineral policy and land acquisition portal

The Cabinet approved the Jharkhand Mineral Exploration and Block Development Policy, 2026, which will provide a framework for selecting operational models for the exploration, development and mining of mineral blocks obtained by state entities.

It also cleared an integrated Land Acquisition Portal intended to improve the management and transparency of land acquisition for state projects, including land acquired in the past. The effectiveness of the system will depend on the completeness of records and its use by the concerned departments.

Other decisions included an additional Rs. 58.62 crore for 28 watershed projects, with their implementation period extended until March 31, 2027.

The Cabinet also approved approximately Rs. 1.18 crore towards pending consultant payments related to CCTV installation in police stations. The payment approval does not establish that installation has been completed at all locations.

Further approvals covered road improvement and reconstruction proposals in Giridih and Ranchi, internship training for polytechnic students through government tool-room centres in Ranchi, Dumka and Ramgarh, and a statute concerning healthcare management and mental wellbeing at government universities.

The decisions span infrastructure and public-service priorities across the state. Their impact will depend on project execution, utilisation of funds and the delivery of services to residents.