Question

Answer the following question in about 150 words.

Suggest the measures of promotion of sustainability in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area.

Formulate the guidelines to promote sustainability in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command area.

Answer 1

Various scholars have questioned the ecological sustainability of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project. It is a hard fact that attaining sustainable development in the command area requires a major thrust on the measures to achieve ecological sustainability. Hence, five of the seven measures proposed to promote sustainable development in the command area are meant to restore ecological balance.

• The first requirement is the strict implementation of a water management policy. The canal project envisages protective irrigation in Stage I and extensive irrigation of crops and pasture development in Stage 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.
• The CAD programmes, such as the lining of watercourses, land development, and the levelling and warabandi system (equal distribution of canal water in the command area of the outlet), shall be effectively implemented to reduce water conveyance losses.
• The areas affected by waterlogging and soil salinity shall be reclaimed.
• Eco-development through afforestation, shelterbelt plantations, and pasture development is necessary, particularly in the fragile environment of Stage II.
• Social sustainability in the region can be achieved only if land allottees from poor economic backgrounds are provided with adequate financial and institutional support for land cultivation.
• Economic sustainability in the region cannot be attained solely through the development of agriculture and animal husbandry. Agricultural and allied activities have to develop alongside other sectors of the economy. This shall lead to diversifying the economic base and establishing functional linkages between basic villages, agro-service centres, and market centres.