Construction of Artesian Wells in Scheduled Tribe Areas provides free irrigation support for farmers living in tribal-dominated regions of Uttarakhand. This 100% state-funded scheme by the Department of Minor Irrigation installs artesian wells to give your crops a reliable water supply through the year.
For the 2026-27 period, the scheme continues to operate across eligible Scheduled Tribe dominated villages. Farmers can approach their local Gram Sabha or Panchayat to get a proposal started for a new well on their land.
Construction of Artesian Wells in Scheduled Tribe Areas - Introduction
Construction of Artesian Wells in Scheduled Tribe Areas is a dedicated scheme by the Department of Minor Irrigation, Government of Uttarakhand. It gives free irrigation facilities to farmers living in tribal-dominated regions so they can improve their agricultural output.
As a fully state government-funded program, this scheme looks after the irrigation needs of underserved areas. If you live in an eligible Scheduled Tribe dominated village, you can benefit from the infrastructure built under this scheme. For example, if Ramesh, a farmer in a notified tribal village, needs water for his land, this scheme can help build an artesian well to support his farming.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Construction of Artesian Wells in Scheduled Tribe Areas |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual farmers |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Nodal Department | Minor Irrigation Department |
| Official Website | minorirrigation.uk.gov.in |
Benefits
When you take part in this scheme, you get real support for your farming work. The main benefits are listed below.
- You get access to free irrigation facilities, so you do not have to pay for the water used on your land.
- Artesian wells are built properly to serve your community in a useful way.
- The infrastructure is made in regions where Scheduled Tribes live, making sure water is shared fairly among eligible farmers.
Eligibility
To find out if you qualify for the support under this scheme, check the criteria given below.
- You must be a resident of Uttarakhand.
- You should be a farmer who is actively doing agricultural work.
- Your community must be interested in using the shared irrigation projects.
- Your village must appear on the official list of Scheduled Tribe dominated villages published by the Department of Social Welfare.
- The site chosen for the well must be geologically suitable for artesian water extraction.
- Your proposed area must have a clear need for irrigation.
- The total project cost should not exceed ₹4.00 lakh per hectare, and the project must keep a benefit cost ratio greater than 1.0.
Application Process
The application process follows a set path to make sure each project is workable. Here are the steps to follow.
STEP 1 - Submit your proposal through your local Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, or District Panchayat. These proposals are then passed on to the relevant Division, Sub-Division, or departmental office.
STEP 2 - Departmental officials will visit the site to check if it is suitable. If the site looks good, they will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
STEP 3 - The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will review your DPR. After their check, the report is sent to the headquarters, which then sends the proposal to the government for financial approval.
STEP 4 - Once the government gives financial clearance, the construction work for the well begins.
Documents
You should keep the required papers ready as per the Department of Minor Irrigation rules. Check with your local Gram Panchayat office to confirm if any specific land ownership or identity documents are needed for your local proposal submission.
References
Visit the Official Minor Irrigation Website
FAQ's
Who can benefit from this scheme?
Farmers living in Scheduled Tribe dominated areas of Uttarakhand who are actively engaged in farming can apply.
In which areas is this scheme implemented?
The scheme is mainly implemented in specific areas of Udham Singh Nagar and parts of Nainital districts, provided the land is suitable for artesian wells.
What types of projects are built under this scheme?
The government builds shared irrigation projects designed to improve water access for the community.
How can a village become eligible for this scheme?
Your village must be on the official list of Scheduled Tribe dominated villages kept by the Department of Social Welfare.
What is the maximum cost allowed per hectare for the project?
The project cost should not exceed ₹4.00 lakh per hectare.
How can proposals be submitted?
You should submit your proposals through the Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, or Zila Parishad to your local departmental office.
How is financial approval obtained?
After your DPR passes departmental scrutiny, it is sent to the Government of Uttarakhand for final financial approval.
Is there any cost to farmers for irrigation under this scheme?
No, the government provides free irrigation facilities through these wells, so you do not pay any personal cost for the water use.