Question

The development of the Indira Gandhi Canal Command area has led to the degradation of the physical environment there. Suggest five measures to promote ecological sustainability in the Indira Gandhi Canal Project.

Answer 1

Measures proposed to promote sustainable development in the Indira Gandhi Canal Project are meant to restore ecological balance.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The CAD programmes, such as lining of watercourses, land development and levelling and the warabandi system (equal distribution of canal water in the command area of the outlet), shall be effectively implemented to reduce the conveyance loss of water.
4. The areas affected by waterlogging and soil salinity shall be reclaimed.
5. The eco-development through afforestation, shelterbelt plantation and pasture development is necessary, particularly in the fragile environment of Stage II.
6. The social sustainability in the region can be achieved only if the land allottees having poor economic backgrounds are provided adequate financial and institutional support for cultivation of land. 
7. The economic sustainability in the region cannot be attained only through the development of agriculture and animal husbandry. The agricultural and allied activities have to develop along with other sectors of the economy. This shall lead to diversification of the economic base and establishment of functional linkages between basic villages, agro-service centres and market centres.