Question

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 major thrust upon 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 water courses, land development, and levelling and 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.
• The areas affected by water logging and soil salinity shall be reclaimed.
• The eco-development through afforestation, shelterbelt plantation, and pasture development is necessary particularly in the fragile environment of Stage-II.
• Social sustainability in the region can be achieved only if the land allottees with poor economic backgrounds are provided adequate financial and institutional support for land cultivation.
• Economic sustainability in the region cannot be attained only through agriculture and animal husbandry development. The agricultural and allied activities have to develop along with other sectors of the economy. This shall lead to diversifying the economic base and establishing functional linkages between basic villages, agro-service centers, and market centers.