How can environmental sustainability be brought in the Indira Gandhi…

How can environmental sustainability be brought in the Indira Gandhi canal command area?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Eco-development through afforestation, shelter belt plantation and pasture development should be promoted.

Option (1) Eco-development through afforestation, shelter belt plantation and pasture development should be promoted. — Correct. Trees, shelter belts and pastures cover the sandy land and hold the soil against the wind. Along with the longer-lasting soil moisture from the canal, such programmes have greened the land, and this has reduced wind erosion and the siltation of the canals. Restoring the ecological balance in this way is the aim of five of the seven measures, and it is needed particularly in the fragile environment of Stage-II.

Option (2) Cropping pattern should include water intensive crops. — Incorrect. Such crops need still more canal water, and excessive use of water is what caused waterlogging and soil salinity here.

Option (3) Maximise the water usage for productive irrigation. — Incorrect. Using as much water as possible feeds the same waterlogging and salinity; the plan asks for strict water management instead.

Option (4) More area should be brought under lift irrigation. — Incorrect. Spreading canal water over more land draws more water, while the measures ask for careful use of what is available.

NCERT (2025-26): “Measures for Promotion of Sustainable Development … Hence, five of the seven measures proposed to promote sustainable development in the command area are meant to restore ecological balance.

(i) The first requirement is strict implementation of water management policy. The canal project envisages protective irrigation in Stage-I and extensive irrigation of crops and pasture development in Stage-II.
(ii) In general, the cropping pattern shall not include water intensive crops. It shall be adhered to and people shall be encouraged to grow plantation crops such as citrus fruits.
(iii) The CAD programmes such as lining of water courses, land development and levelling and warabandi system (equal distribution of canal water in the command area of outlet) shall be effectively implemented to reduce the conveyance loss of water.
(iv) The areas affected by water logging and soil salinity shall be reclaimed.
(v) The eco-development through afforestation, shelterbelt plantation and pasture development is necessary particularly in the fragile environment of Stage-II.…”

How can environmental sustainability be brought in the Indira Gandhi canal command area?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Eco-development through afforestation, shelter belt plantation and pasture development should be promoted.

(i) The first requirement is strict implementation of water management policy. The canal project envisages protective irrigation in Stage-I and extensive irrigation of crops and pasture development in Stage-II.
(ii) In general, the cropping pattern shall not include water intensive crops. It shall be adhered to and people shall be encouraged to grow plantation crops such as citrus fruits.
(iii) The CAD programmes such as lining of water courses, land development and levelling and warabandi system (equal distribution of canal water in the command area of outlet) shall be effectively implemented to reduce the conveyance loss of water.
(iv) The areas affected by water logging and soil salinity shall be reclaimed.
(v) The eco-development through afforestation, shelterbelt plantation and pasture development is necessary particularly in the fragile environment of Stage-II.…”