Indira Gandhi Canal is no less than a boon for the vast desert and water-scarce areas spread in the western part of Rajasthan. This canal, one of the largest irrigation projects in the country, has changed the picture of dry and barren areas. Where farming was once very difficult, now crops are flourishing and people are also getting the facility of drinking water.
Indira Gandhi Canal Project was earlier known as Rajasthan Canal Project. It was started in the year 1958. The objective of this project was to convey the water of the rivers of Punjab to the desert areas of Rajasthan, so that agriculture and life could develop here. In the year 1984, its name was changed to Indira Gandhi Canal in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The water of this canal is taken from Harike Barrage in Punjab, where the waters of Sutlej and Beas rivers converge. After this the canal network spreads to many districts of Rajasthan. This approximately 650 kilometer long canal is an important water source for districts of Rajasthan like Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Churu and Nagaur.
agricultural revolution in the desert
Before the coming of Indira Gandhi Canal, there was a huge problem of water in western Rajasthan. Farming was limited here due to low rainfall and sandy land. After the arrival of the canal, lakhs of hectares of land became irrigable. Now wheat, mustard, cotton and other crops have started being produced in these areas.
The canal project has strengthened the economic condition of farmers. Agriculture-based employment has increased in many areas and villages have developed rapidly. Apart from this, animal husbandry has also got a boost, because the availability of water has improved fodder and resources for animals.
Lakhs of people got drinking water
Indira Gandhi Canal is not only for agriculture but also a great medium for quenching people's thirst. In many areas of Western Rajasthan, where earlier people had to fetch water from far away, now drinking water is being supplied through canals.
Expansion took place in two phases
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project was mainly completed in two phases. In the first phase, areas like Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh and Bikaner were added. In the second phase the canal was extended to Jaisalmer, Barmer and other desert districts.
Challenges also arose
While Indira Gandhi Canal has given a new direction to Rajasthan, some problems have also emerged with it. The problem of waterlogging and increasing salinity in the land has been seen in many areas. Apart from this, regular availability and maintenance of water in the canal is also a big challenge.
Despite this, Indira Gandhi Canal is counted among the biggest development projects of Rajasthan. This has given new energy to life, farming and economic activities in the desert. Today this canal has become the most important stream of water and development for millions of people of Rajasthan.