Tue Jul 15 13:55:46 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The article reports on the successful construction of drainage ditch bridges in the Bidar district of Karnataka, India, under the Namma Grama, Namma Raste program, utilizing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). These bridges, costing between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2 lakh each, facilitate access to agricultural fields for farmers, allowing them to transport produce easily. They also prevent flooding and crop damage by ensuring smooth water flow during the rainy season. The Zilla Panchayat CEO highlights the initiative as a farmer-centric effort under MGNREGA aimed at improving agricultural practices.

**News Article:**

**Bidar Farmers Benefit from New Drainage Ditch Bridges Under MGNREGA Scheme**

**KALABURAGI, July 15, 2025** – Farmers in the Bidar district of Karnataka are experiencing improved accessibility and reduced crop damage thanks to the construction of new drainage ditch bridges under the Namma Grama, Namma Raste program. The initiative, funded through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has seen the completion of 14 bridges across Hokrana and Barur Gram Panchayats.

The bridges, costing between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2 lakh each, have been strategically built along agricultural fields to provide farmers with easy access, particularly during the harvest season when transporting produce is crucial. The design incorporates drainage ditches beneath the bridges to ensure consistent water flow during heavy rains, preventing flooding and safeguarding crops from water damage.

“These bridges are a significant boon for our farmers,” stated Girish Badole, Chief Executive Officer of Bidar Zilla Panchayat. “They facilitate smoother access to fields and, more importantly, protect crops from the devastating effects of flooding. This is just one of the many farmer-centric initiatives the Zilla Panchayat is undertaking under MGNREGA to uplift the agricultural community.”

Six bridges were constructed in Chintelgera village, and three each in Hokrana and Barur villages, and two bridges in Dharmapur village. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and enhance the livelihoods of farmers in the region by creating a more stable and accessible agricultural environment. The Zilla Panchayat plans to continue similar initiatives to further support the farming community in Bidar.

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