Guwahati, July 18 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 18 announced a major irrigation development plan under the Assam Budget 2026, with an estimated investment of nearly Rs 4,000 crore over the next five years to establish a state-wide pressurised piped irrigation distribution system.

Sharing the details on X, the Chief Minister said the project is aimed at improving water management and boosting irrigation efficiency through the "Per Drop More Crop" approach. He highlighted that traditional open canal irrigation systems often suffer significant water losses due to seepage and evaporation, with nearly 40-50 per cent of water being wasted.

As the first step towards implementing the initiative, the state government will c...