Question

Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:

Sardar Sarovar Project Sardar Sarovar Dam has been built over the Narmada river in Gujarat. This is one of the largest water resources projects of India covering four states - Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Sardar Sarovar Project would meet the requirement of water in drought prone and desert areas. Sardar Sarovar Project will provide irrigation facilities to 18.45 lakh hectare of land, covering 3112 villages in 15 districts of Gujarat. It will also irrigate 2,46,000 hectare of land in the strategic desert districts of Barmer and Jalore in Rajasthan and 37,500 hectare in the tribal hilly tract of Maharashtra through lift. About 75% of the command area in Gujarat is drought prone while entire command in Rajasthan is drought prone. Assured water supply will soon make this area drought proof.

1. Why is Sardar Sarovar Project considered important for Gujarat? (1)
2. Why is Sardar Sarovar Project designed to cover four states? (1)
3. In what ways does this project promote sustainability? (2)

Answer 1

1. It is vital for Gujarat since it supplies vital irrigation to 18.45 lakh hectares of land, with a focus on 3,112 villages in areas where 75% of the land is drought-prone.
2. In order to guarantee a fair distribution of the water resources of the Narmada river and to reduce water scarcity in desert and tribal areas beyond state boundaries, the project is designed to cover four states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
3. The project promotes sustainability by:
   • Providing a continuous water supply to drought-prone and dry areas, which prevents land degradation and desertification.
   • Lift irrigation in tribal hilly territories will ensure social and economic stability for marginalised communities.