The Indira Gandhi Canal was built to support irrigation in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan, India's westernmost state. The project was originally known as the Rajasthan Canal, but it was renamed in 1984 as a tribute and honor after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The origin of this canal is from the Harike barrage, Harike situated in Punjab. This article consists of the whole concept of the Indira Gandhi project that is important for the UPSC exam.

Background

• Kanwar Sain conceived it in 1948, and it was first broadcast on March 31, 1958.
• The canal begins from the Harike Barrage in Punjab and goes about 40 kilometers in the Thar Desert (Marusthali) of Rajasthan, parallel to the Pakistan border.
• The system's overall projected length is 9,060 kilometers, and it will serve the irrigation needs of a total culturable command area of 19.63 million hectares.
• The flow system was supposed to irrigate around 70% of the total command area, while the lift system was supposed to irrigate the rest.
• There are two stages to the construction process:

STAGE - I

• The command area of Stage-I lies in Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and the northern part of the Bikaner districts.
• It's a gently undulating topography, and its culturable command area is 5.53 lakh hectares.

STAGE - II

• Stage II's command area spans the districts of Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Churu, encompassing 14.10 lakh hectares.
• It consists of desert territory scattered with shifting dunes, with summer temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius.
• The water is hoisted in the lift canal to make it flow against the land's slope.
• The Indira Gandhi Canal system's lift canals all originate on the left bank of the main canal, while the flow canals all originate on the right side.

Objectives

• To offer irrigation facilities in desert areas in order to meet the growing demand for agricultural products;
• To provide water for drinking and industrial use.
• Improving living conditions and drought-proofing the area.
• To provide drinking water, fodder, and other necessities for the region's animal wealth.
• To create job opportunities and promote the area's general growth.

Indira Gandhi Canal: Facts

• In the mid-1960s, the water system in the Stage-I order section of the canal was presented.
• During the 1980s, however, the entire area of Stage II began to receive a water system.
• The way the river system is presented in this dry country has influenced its biology, economy, and society.
• It has had a positive and negative impact on the district's natural conditions.
• The availability of soil moisture for a longer period of time, as well as other afforestation and field enhancement activities under CAD, has resulted in land greening.
• This has also aided in the reduction of breeze disintegration and siltation of channel structures.
• The deterioration of the water infrastructure and excessive water consumption has resulted in the emergence of two natural problems: waterlogging and soil salinity.
• The installation of the canal irrigation system has resulted in a noticeable transformation in the local horticulture business.
• Soil moisture has been a stumbling block to the growth of productive harvests.
• The extension of the canal water system in urbanized areas has prompted a force of editing.
• Wheat, cotton, peanut, and rice have overtaken the traditional yields of a gram, bajra, and jowar. This is the result of a deteriorated water system.
• Initially, the increased water system is thought to have spurred a massive increase in rural and domesticated animal development.
• This has also resulted in waterlogging and salinity in the soil, making farming more difficult to maintain in the long run.

Advantages

• Irrigation facilities: This canal provides water for irrigation in Sriganganagar, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer, covering a total area of 12.58 lakh hectares.
• Drinking water service: It provides drinking water service in eight districts of west Rajasthan.
• Agricultural development: Agricultural production has increased significantly as a result of the availability of sufficient water for irrigation.
• Agriculture-related industries have also flourished.
• Establishment of industrial urban centers: The state has established industrial cities and markets as a result of this canal.
• Livestock – Development: The availability of green fodder and agricultural products has resulted in the state's livestock and fisheries development.
• Forestry: As a result of the canal, the forest area has grown.
• The pasture grounds have been expanded, and the desert area's expansion has been checked.
• Development of Barren Land: The development of barren land has become possible due to the availability of water.
• Electricity: Suratgarh and Anupgarh branches have three micro hydropower plants that provide electricity to the state.
• Other Benefits: Famine control, increased human settlements, mineral industry development, and increased per capita income.

Drawbacks

• Since the desert's wildlife is changing, ecologists are concerned about this project.
• Non-native species are attracted to the area by the water and vegetation.
• The nilgai and wild boar have moved into the canal's vicinity, causing crop damage.
• Other larger animals may be harmed as a result of this.
• New bird species, ranging from common waterfowl to the exotic paradise flycatcher, are the most significant migrants.
• The canal is proving to be a mixed blessing for wildlife, even if it has been a boon for water-strapped farmers.
• Waterlogging and soil salinity have emerged as twin environmental problems in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area as a result of intensive irrigation and excessive water use.

Conclusion

The number of jobs created by this project is estimated to be 5.18 million man-days, according to the executing agency's records. Residents are also employed for operation and maintenance even after the project has been completed. In addition, both men and women were employed in afforestation work. Others have argued that "the state has mortgaged its future to a single project," despite the fact that the project will change the economic fortunes of vast areas of the desert (the irrigated area of stage I already yields crops worth well over Rs 250 crore annually).

FAQs

MCQs

1. Where does the Indira Gandhi Canal originate?

A) Bhakra Dam
B) Harike Barrage
C) Tehri Dam
D) Sutlej River

2. Which of the following districts are part of Stage II of the canal?

A) Jaisalmer
B) Ganganagar
C) Bikaner
D) None of the above

3. What is the primary purpose of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project?

A) Hydropower generation
B) Irrigation and drinking water
C) Tourism development
D) Industrial development

4. Which environmental issue is associated with the Indira Gandhi Canal?

A) Deforestation
B) Soil erosion
C) Waterlogging and salinity
D) Air pollution

5. In which year was the canal renamed as the Indira Gandhi Canal?

A) 1960
B) 1975
C) 1984
D) 1991

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the economic and social impact of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project on Rajasthan’s desert regions.

Model Answer: The Indira Gandhi Canal Project has transformed Rajasthan’s desert areas by providing water for irrigation, leading to an agricultural revolution. The availability of water has enabled the cultivation of cash crops like wheat and cotton, improving the livelihood of local farmers. The canal also provides drinking water to several districts, enhancing the quality of life. However, it has led to waterlogging and soil salinity in some regions, presenting environmental challenges.

Q2: Analyze the environmental challenges posed by the Indira Gandhi Canal Project and suggest measures for sustainable water management.

Model Answer: The Indira Gandhi Canal has brought unintended environmental issues such as waterlogging and soil salinity due to excessive irrigation. To address these, sustainable water management practices like proper drainage systems, judicious water use, and soil reclamation techniques should be implemented. Measures like drip irrigation can help minimize water waste and promote more efficient farming.

Q3: Evaluate the role of the Indira Gandhi Canal in promoting agricultural diversity in the Thar Desert region.

Model Answer: The canal has enabled farmers in the Thar Desert to switch from traditional crops like millets and bajra to high-value crops like wheat, cotton, and groundnuts. This agricultural diversification has led to increased incomes and economic stability. However, the overuse of water resources has also created issues like water scarcity in some parts, calling for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Previous Year Questions on Indira Gandhi Canal Project

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021

Question: The Indira Gandhi Canal provides water to which of the following areas?
A) Punjab and Haryana
B) Gujarat and Maharashtra
C) Rajasthan and Haryana
D) Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Answer: C

Explanation: The Indira Gandhi Canal provides water to the desert regions of Rajasthan and parts of Haryana.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019

Question: Examine the socio-economic impact of large irrigation projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal on desert ecosystems.

Model Answer: Large irrigation projects such as the Indira Gandhi Canal have brought water to arid regions, boosting agriculture, improving livelihoods, and facilitating industrial development. However, these projects also pose challenges to the desert ecosystem, leading to problems like waterlogging, salinity, and loss of traditional crop diversity. Sustainable water management practices are crucial to mitigating these environmental risks while supporting socio-economic development.