The Indira Gandhi Canal: The Lifeline of Rajasthan

India's longest canal, the Indira Gandhi Canal, holds the distinction of being the lifeline of Rajasthan. Spanning thousands of kilometers, this canal originates from the Sutlej River in Punjab and stretches through the arid regions of Rajasthan, transforming it into an agricultural haven and providing essential resources to the Thar Desert. This article delves into the significance of the Indira Gandhi Canal, the reasons why it's called the lifeline of Rajasthan, and the challenges it poses.

Aravali: The Other Lifeline of Rajasthan

While the Indira Gandhi Canal is renowned, there are other factors that contribute to the development and sustenance of Rajasthan. Aravali, a mountain range, is considered another key lifeline of the state due to its numerous benefits:

Mineral Resources: Abundant in mineral wealth, providing economic benefits. Desert Spread Control: Helps in the containment of the spread of the desert in the eastern direction. Rivers and Vegetation: Sources of multiple rivers and supports an abundance of vegetation, including medicinal herbs. Monsoon Modification: Aids in creating rainfall in the eastern and southern regions of Rajasthan.

The Indira Gandhi Canal: Design and Construction

The Indira Gandhi Canal, previously known as the Rajasthan Canal, starts at the Harike Barrage in Punjab, a few kilometers downstream of the confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. Constructed in stages, it consists of the feeder canal in Punjab and Haryana, followed by the main canal in Rajasthan. The canal has a total length of 924.5 km (574.5 miles), serving an area of over 9,245 km2 (5,745 miles).

Historical Context and Renaming

The indus water treaty of 1960 paved the way for the use of Punjab rivers' waters in Rajasthan. By 1970, the plan was revised, and the entire canal would be lined with concrete tiles, with five lift schemes added and flow to be increased by 100,000 hectares. Stage I was completed in 1983, about 20 years behind schedule.

Impact and Benefits of the Indira Gandhi Canal

The Indira Gandhi Canal has transformed Rajasthan's arid regions into fertile lands, supporting agriculture and animal husbandry. It irrigates over 6,770 km2 (1,670,000 acres) in the Jaisalmer district and 37 km2 (9,100 acres) in the Barmer district.

Irrigation: The canal has transformed barren deserts into rich, lush fields, enabling the cultivation of mustard, cotton, wheat, and other crops. Drinking Water: Provides drinking water to towns and villages, contributing to urbanization. Agricultural Development: Limits the spread of sand dunes and enhances tree cover, improving overall ecology. National Security: Serves as a protective barrier against military invasion from Pakistan, Environmental Concerns: Challenges like water logging and soil salinity pose sustainability issues.

Conclusion

The Indira Gandhi Canal is a testament to the ingenuity of human engineering and its ability to transform arid regions. Despite its many benefits, it is essential to address the emerging environmental challenges and ensure sustainable water use for the long-term prosperity of Rajasthan.