Explanation: The Rajasthan Canal, also known as the Indira Gandhi Canal, is a significant irrigation project in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the largest irrigation canals in the world and plays a crucial role in providing water to the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern Rajasthan.
The canal draws its water from the Satluj River, which is a major tributary of the Indus River. The Satluj originates in the Himalayas and flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before reaching the Harike Barrage, where the water is diverted into the Rajasthan Canal. The canal system is designed to provide irrigation to the desert regions of Rajasthan, which are otherwise extremely dry and receive very little rainfall.
The construction of the Rajasthan Canal began in 1948 and was completed in 1987. It is divided into three branches: the Western Branch, the Eastern Branch, and the Bhakra Branch. The Western Branch is the longest and most significant part of the canal, extending over 443 kilometers. It provides water to the districts of Bikaner, Churu, and Jaisalmer, which are some of the driest regions in Rajasthan.
The canal system has significantly improved the agricultural productivity of the region. Before the canal was constructed, these areas were largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture, which was highly unreliable due to the low and unpredictable rainfall. The canal has enabled farmers to cultivate crops such as wheat, cotton, and vegetables, which require a consistent water supply.
It is important to note that while the Beas and Chenab rivers are also tributaries of the Indus River and are significant in the region, they are not the source of the Rajasthan Canal. The Beas flows into the Satluj, and the Chenab is further west and does not directly supply water to the Rajasthan Canal.
In summary, the Rajasthan Canal draws its water from the Satluj River, which is a crucial source of water for the arid regions of Rajasthan, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of farmers in the region.