Explanations:The Indira Gandhi Canal, also known as the Rajasthan Canal, is a major irrigation canal in India that has significantly contributed to the agricultural development and greenery in the desert regions of Rajasthan. The canal was constructed to bring water from the Beas River, which is located in Punjab, to the arid areas of Rajasthan. The canal system is one of the largest in the world and has played a crucial role in transforming the desert landscape into a fertile agricultural region.
The construction of the Indira Gandhi Canal began in 1948 and was completed in 1987. It is a part of the Indira Gandhi Project, which includes the construction of the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River and the Beas Dam on the Beas River. The canal system is divided into three branches: the Western Branch, the Eastern Branch, and the Main Branch. The Main Branch of the canal is the longest and extends over 443 kilometers, reaching the districts of Bikaner, Churu, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
The primary purpose of the Indira Gandhi Canal is to provide irrigation water to the desert regions of Rajasthan, which were previously unsuitable for agriculture due to the scarcity of water. The canal has enabled farmers to cultivate crops such as wheat, barley, mustard, and vegetables, which were previously not possible in these areas. The canal system has also helped in the recharging of groundwater, which has further improved the agricultural productivity of the region.
The impact of the Indira Gandhi Canal on the agricultural productivity and greenery of Rajasthan has been significant. The canal has transformed the desert landscape into a fertile agricultural region, providing livelihood to thousands of farmers. The canal system has also helped in the development of the rural economy of Rajasthan by increasing the production of food grains and other crops.
It is important to note that while the Indira Gandhi Canal has brought about greenery in Rajasthan, it is not the only canal in the state. However, it is the most significant one in terms of its impact on the agricultural development of the region. Other canals, such as the Rajiv Gandhi Canal, Jawaharlal Canal, and Mahatma Gandhi Canal, are located in different states and do not have a significant impact on Rajasthan's greenery.