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Economic Geography: Major Irrigation Projects

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Rajasthan Geography: Major Irrigation Projects

[!IMPORTANT] The Lifelines of Rajasthan: Rajasthan has only 1% of India's surface water. To counter this, massive engineering projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal (IGNP) have been developed, transforming the desert into a agricultural hub.

1. Classification of Irrigation Projects

In India, irrigation projects are classified based on the command area:

  • Major (Brihad): Cultivable Command Area (CCA) > 10,000 hectares.
  • Medium (Madhyam): CCA between 2,000 and 10,000 hectares.
  • Minor (Laghu): CCA < 2,000 hectares.

2. Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGNP)

  • Original Name: Rajasthan Canal (renamed in 1984).
  • Architect: Kanwar Sain (1948 concept).
  • Source: Harike Barrage (Punjab) at the confluence of Satluj and Beas rivers.
  • Total Length: 649 km (Feeder: 204 km + Main Canal: 445 km).
  • Terminology:
    • Zero Point: Gadra Road (Barmer).
    • Main Canal End: Mohangarh (Jaisalmer).
  • Lift Canals: 7 major lift canals provide water to higher elevations (e.g., Kanwar Sain Lift Canal is the longest).

3. Other Major Multipurpose Projects

A. Bhakra Nangal Project

  • Partners: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.
  • Rajasthan's Share: 15.2%.
  • Benefit: Hanumangarh and Ganganagar districts.

B. Chambal Valley Project

  • Partners: Rajasthan (50%) and Madhya Pradesh (50%).
  • Dams:
    1. Gandhi Sagar (MP)
    2. Rana Pratap Sagar (Chittorgarh - max water storage)
    3. Jawahar Sagar (Kota)
    4. Kota Barrage (Kota - only for irrigation via canals).

C. Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project

  • Partners: Rajasthan (45%) and Gujarat (55%).
  • Note: All electricity generated goes to Rajasthan. Dam is located in Banswara.

4. Specific Irrigation Schemes

  • Narmada Canal Project: Rajasthan's first project with mandatory Drip Irrigation. Enters Rajasthan at Silu village (Jalore).
  • Jawal Dam: Built on the Jawai river (Pali). Known as the 'Amrit Sarovar of Marwar'.
  • Bisalpur Dam: Located on Banas river (Tonk). Largest drinking water project in Rajasthan (Life-line of Jaipur/Ajmer).

[!TIP] Irrigation Methods in Rajasthan:

  1. Open Wells & Tube-wells: ~70% (Highest in Jaipur/Alwar).
  2. Canals: ~27% (Highest in Ganganagar).
  3. Tanks (Talabs): ~0.6% (Highest in Bhilwara).