Read the following information and answer.
Indira Gandhi Canal (Nahar) Command Area
Indira Gandhi Canal, previously known as Rajasthan canal, is one of the largest canal systems in India. The canal originates at Harike barrage in Punjab and runs parallel to Pakistan border at an average distance of 40 km in Thar Desert (Marusthali) of Rajasthan. The construction work of the canal system has been carried out through two stages. The command area of stage- I lies in Ganganagar, Hanumangarh and northern part of Bikaner districts. It has a culturable command area of 5.53 lakh hectares. The command area of stage - II is spread over Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur and Churu districts covering culturable command area of 14.10 lakh hectares.
The introduction of canal irrigation in this dry land has transformed its ecology, economy and society. It has influenced the environmental conditions of the region both positively as well as negatively. The availability of soil moisture for a longer period of time and various afforestation and pasture development programmes under CAD have resulted in greening the land. This also helped in reducing wind erosion and siltation of canal systems. But the intensive irrigation and excessive use of water has led to the emergence of twin environmental problems of waterlogging and soil salinity. Introduction of canal irrigation has brought about a perceptible transformation in the agricultural economy of the region. Soil moisture has been a limiting factor in a successful growing of crops in this area. Spread of canal irrigation has led to increase in cultivated area and intensity of cropping. This has also caused waterlogging and soil salinity, and thus, in the long run, it hampers the sustainability of agriculture.
Which one of the following is the most important effect in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Agricultural development
The passage states: “Introduction of canal irrigation has brought about a perceptible transformation in the agricultural economy of the region.… Spread of canal irrigation has led to increase in cultivated area and intensity of cropping.”
Soil moisture was the main limit on farming in this dry land. Canal water removed that limit, so more land came under crops and more crops were grown on the same land.
Option (1) Agricultural development — Correct. The biggest change the canal brought is in farming.
Option (2) Eco-development — Incorrect. Eco-development through afforestation, shelterbelt plantation and pasture development is one of the measures proposed to restore the ecological balance of the command area. It is a remedy, not the main effect of the canal.
Option (3) Sustainable development — Incorrect. The passage shows the opposite: “This has also caused waterlogging and soil salinity, and thus, in the long run, it hampers the sustainability of agriculture.”
Option (4) Water transport development — Incorrect. The canal water is used for irrigation.