Explanations:The Indra Gandhi Canal, also known as the Rajasthan Canal, is a significant irrigation project that has had a profound impact on the agricultural landscape of Rajasthan. This canal is the longest in India and is a part of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, which was initiated to provide water to the arid regions of western Rajasthan. The canal originates from the Beas River in Punjab and extends through Rajasthan, covering a vast area and providing much-needed irrigation to the desert regions.
The primary purpose of the Indra Gandhi Canal is to improve agricultural productivity in Rajasthan, which is known for its arid and semi-arid climate. Before the canal was constructed, large parts of Rajasthan were barren and unsuitable for agriculture due to the scarcity of water. The canal has transformed these areas by providing a reliable source of water for irrigation, leading to the cultivation of crops such as wheat, cotton, and sugarcane. This has not only increased the agricultural output but has also led to a greener landscape in the region.
The canal system includes several branches and distributaries that extend over a large area, covering districts such as Bikaner, Churu, and Jaisalmer. The water from the canal is distributed through a network of channels and is used for both irrigation and drinking purposes. The success of the Indra Gandhi Canal has been instrumental in making Rajasthan one of the leading agricultural states in India, particularly in terms of wheat production.
It is important to note that while the Indra Gandhi Canal has had a significant impact on Rajasthan, other canals and waterways mentioned in the options are located in different parts of India and serve different purposes. The Buckingham Canal, for instance, is located in Tamil Nadu and is primarily used for navigation and irrigation in that region. The Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project is a proposed canal in Tamil Nadu that aims to connect the Palk Strait with the Gulf of Mannar, and it has no direct impact on Rajasthan's agricultural productivity. Similarly, National Waterway 3 (West Coast Canal) is located in Kerala and is used for inland water transport, not for irrigation in Rajasthan.
In conclusion, the Indra Gandhi Canal has played a pivotal role in transforming large parts of Rajasthan into fertile agricultural land, leading to increased greenery and agricultural productivity. This makes it the correct answer to the question regarding the cause of the greening of Rajasthan.