Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indira Gandhi Canal, originating from the Harike Barrage on the Beas River, is a monumental feat of engineering aimed at transforming the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan into a productive agricultural landscape. Conceived in 1948 and dedicated in 1985, the 649 km long canal irrigates a command area of approximately 1.99 million hectares. While intended to alleviate poverty and boost agricultural output, the canal’s development has triggered a complex interplay of ecological and economic consequences, demanding a critical examination of its overall impact. The project represents a significant intervention in a fragile ecosystem, and its long-term sustainability remains a subject of ongoing debate.
Ecological Impacts
The IGC’s impact on the environment is multifaceted, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
Negative Impacts
- Waterlogging and Salinity: The most significant ecological issue is waterlogging, particularly in the lower reaches of the canal. Excessive irrigation, coupled with poor drainage facilities, has led to the rise of the water table, bringing saline subsoil to the surface. This renders vast tracts of land unproductive. According to a 2019 report by the Rajasthan Water Resources Department, approximately 30% of the command area suffers from varying degrees of waterlogging and salinity.
- Desertification: Paradoxically, while intended to combat desertification, the canal has contributed to it in certain areas. The increased water availability has encouraged the cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane, leading to over-extraction of groundwater and exacerbating desertification in areas beyond the canal’s direct command.
- Impact on River Ecology: Reduced flow in the Beas River due to diversion for the canal has impacted the river’s ecosystem, affecting aquatic life and downstream water availability.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Altered hydrological regimes and land use patterns have led to habitat loss and a decline in native flora and fauna.
Positive Impacts
- Afforestation Efforts: The canal has facilitated afforestation programs, particularly along its banks and in areas where irrigation has made tree planting viable. The Rajasthan Forest Department has undertaken extensive plantation drives, utilizing species like Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) and Acacia nilotica.
- Groundwater Recharge (limited): In some areas, canal seepage has contributed to groundwater recharge, although this is often offset by over-extraction.
- Creation of New Habitats: The canal itself has created a linear aquatic habitat, supporting certain species of birds and fish.
Economic Impacts
The economic consequences of the IGC are equally complex, with both positive and negative dimensions.
Positive Impacts
- Agricultural Growth: The canal has dramatically increased agricultural production in Rajasthan, transforming it from a chronically drought-prone state to a major producer of wheat, cotton, and oilseeds. The area under irrigation has expanded significantly, leading to increased food security.
- Diversification of Crops: Irrigation has enabled farmers to diversify their crops, moving away from traditional drought-resistant varieties to more profitable options.
- Industrial Development: Increased agricultural output has spurred the growth of agro-based industries, such as cotton ginning, textile mills, and sugar factories.
- Employment Generation: The canal project itself created employment opportunities during its construction and operation. Increased agricultural activity has also generated employment in rural areas.
Negative Impacts
- Regional Disparities: The benefits of the canal are not evenly distributed. Areas closer to the canal headworks have benefited more than those in the tail-end reaches, leading to regional disparities in agricultural development and income levels.
- Increased Input Costs: The introduction of irrigation has led to increased reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, raising input costs for farmers and potentially harming the environment.
- Land Degradation (Economic Cost): Waterlogging and salinity have rendered significant areas of land unproductive, resulting in economic losses for farmers and the state government.
- Socio-economic Changes: The influx of migrants seeking employment has led to social tensions and pressure on local resources.
| Impact Category | Positive Effects | Negative Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Ecological | Afforestation, limited groundwater recharge, new aquatic habitats | Waterlogging, salinity, desertification, impact on river ecology, biodiversity loss |
| Economic | Agricultural growth, crop diversification, industrial development, employment | Regional disparities, increased input costs, land degradation, socio-economic changes |
Conclusion
The Indira Gandhi Canal represents a bold attempt to overcome the challenges of aridity in Rajasthan. While it has undoubtedly contributed to agricultural growth and economic development, its ecological consequences, particularly waterlogging and salinity, cannot be ignored. A sustainable approach requires integrated water resource management, including improved drainage systems, judicious use of water, promotion of drought-resistant crops, and community participation. Future planning must prioritize ecological sustainability alongside economic gains to ensure the long-term viability of the canal and the well-being of the region.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.