Explanations:The Rajasthan Canal, also known as the Indira Gandhi Canal, is a significant irrigation project in India. It is one of the largest canal systems in the world and plays a crucial role in providing water to the arid regions of Rajasthan. The canal draws its water from the Satluj River, which is one of the five rivers of the Punjab region. The Satluj River originates in the Himalayas and flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before entering Pakistan.
The construction of the Rajasthan Canal began in 1948 and was completed in 1987. The canal system is divided into three parts: the Head Reach, the Main Canal, and the Branch Canal. The Head Reach is the part of the canal that diverts water from the Satluj River. The Main Canal then carries the water across the desert regions of Rajasthan, providing irrigation to vast agricultural lands. The Branch Canal further distributes the water to smaller areas for irrigation purposes.
The Satluj River is chosen as the source for the Rajasthan Canal due to its consistent water supply and the topography of the region. The river's flow is regulated by the Bhakra Nangal Dam, which helps in managing the water supply to the canal system. The canal system has significantly improved the agricultural productivity of the desert regions of Rajasthan, transforming the landscape and providing a reliable water source for farmers.
It is important to note that the Rajasthan Canal is not connected to other rivers of the Punjab region, such as the Beas or Chenab. These rivers, while significant in their own right, do not form part of the Rajasthan Canal system. The Satluj River is the sole source of water for the canal, making it a critical component of the water management strategy in Rajasthan.