Haryana Tender Notice: Canal Lining and Rehabilitation Project
Haryana invites tenders for canal lining to improve water efficiency and irrigation.
Photo by Steve Douglas
Key Facts
Project: Canal lining and rehabilitation
Location: Haryana
Objective: Improve water conveyance efficiency
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3 (Economy): Irrigation, water management
GS Paper 1 (Geography): Water resources, canal systems
Potential questions on water conservation, agricultural productivity
Visual Insights
Haryana Canal Lining Project Locations
Map showing the districts in Haryana where the canal lining and rehabilitation project will be implemented. This project aims to improve water conveyance efficiency and ensure better irrigation facilities.
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More Information
Background
The history of canal irrigation in India dates back to ancient times, with evidence of sophisticated systems in the Indus Valley Civilization. During the Mughal era, canals like the Western Yamuna Canal were further developed. However, a more systematic approach to canal construction and management was adopted during British rule, driven by the need to increase agricultural productivity and revenue.
The Upper Ganga Canal, completed in 1854, stands as a significant example of this era. Post-independence, large-scale irrigation projects became central to India's development strategy, exemplified by the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Indira Gandhi Canal, aimed at addressing food security and regional disparities. The focus has gradually shifted towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of existing canal systems through lining and rehabilitation efforts, recognizing the environmental and economic costs of water loss and inefficient irrigation practices.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there's been a growing emphasis on micro-irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems to enhance water use efficiency beyond canal lining. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015, promotes efficient water management at the field level. Furthermore, there is increasing adoption of remote sensing and GIS technologies for monitoring canal performance and identifying areas requiring rehabilitation.
The focus is also shifting towards participatory irrigation management (PIM), involving farmers in the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems. Looking ahead, climate change considerations are likely to drive further innovation in water management practices, including the use of drought-resistant crops and rainwater harvesting, alongside canal rehabilitation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main objective of the Haryana canal lining and rehabilitation project?
The project aims to improve water conveyance efficiency and ensure better irrigation facilities in the region.
2. For UPSC Prelims, what are the key facts to remember about this Haryana canal project?
Remember that the project involves canal lining and rehabilitation in Haryana, with the goal of improving water efficiency for irrigation. Focus on the location (Haryana) and the objective (water efficiency).
Exam Tip
Focus on the project's location and objective for quick recall in the exam.
3. How does this canal lining project relate to broader government initiatives for water management?
The project aligns with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), which promotes efficient water management at the field level. It also reflects the increasing use of technology for monitoring water resources.
4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of canal lining projects like this one in Haryana?
Benefits include improved water conveyance, reduced water loss, and better irrigation. Drawbacks might involve high initial costs and potential environmental impacts if not properly managed.
5. What is the historical background of canal irrigation in India, and how does this project fit into that history?
Canal irrigation has a long history in India, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. This project represents a continuation of efforts to improve irrigation infrastructure, with a modern focus on water efficiency.
6. How might this project impact common citizens in Haryana?
Improved irrigation can lead to increased agricultural productivity, potentially benefiting farmers and consumers through stable food supplies and prices. It can also improve water availability for drinking and other uses.
7. What are the recent developments related to water management in India, beyond canal lining?
Recent developments include a growing emphasis on micro-irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, as well as the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies for monitoring water resources.
8. What is the significance of 'water conveyance efficiency' in the context of this project?
Water conveyance efficiency refers to minimizing water loss during transportation from the source to the field. Improving this efficiency is crucial for conserving water resources and maximizing irrigation benefits.
9. What type of government expenditure does this Haryana canal project represent?
This project represents government expenditure on infrastructure development, specifically in the irrigation sector. Such expenditure is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and rural development.
10. What are some potential reforms needed in canal management in India?
Potential reforms include increased community participation in canal management, adoption of modern technologies for monitoring water flow, and improved coordination between different government departments involved in irrigation.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the benefits of canal lining: 1. It reduces water seepage, leading to increased water availability for irrigation. 2. It prevents weed growth in canals, reducing maintenance costs. 3. It increases the velocity of water flow, improving conveyance efficiency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. Canal lining, typically with concrete or other impermeable materials, reduces water loss through seepage, which directly increases water availability for irrigation. It also inhibits weed growth, lowering maintenance needs and costs. The smoother surface of lined canals reduces friction, leading to increased water velocity and improved conveyance efficiency. Therefore, all the statements are accurate descriptions of the benefits of canal lining.
2. Which of the following schemes focuses on improving water use efficiency at the farm level through micro-irrigation and other interventions?
- A.National Food Security Mission
- B.Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
- C.Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
- D.Atal Bhujal Yojana
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a national mission to improve farm productivity and water use efficiency. Its components include Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), and Per Drop More Crop (PDMC). The PDMC component specifically focuses on micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation to enhance water use efficiency at the farm level. The other options are related to food security, rural employment, and groundwater management, but do not have the same primary focus on water use efficiency at the farm level.
3. Assertion (A): Rehabilitation of existing water courses is crucial for sustainable irrigation. Reason (R): Deteriorated water courses lead to significant water losses and reduced agricultural productivity. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Rehabilitating existing water courses is indeed crucial for sustainable irrigation because deteriorated water courses suffer from seepage, leaks, and other forms of water loss. This water loss directly translates to reduced agricultural productivity as less water reaches the crops. Therefore, addressing the deterioration of water courses is essential for ensuring efficient and sustainable irrigation practices.