Major Irrigation Projects in India – Indian Geography Notes

Table of Contents

Irrigation and National Water Policy

India implemented a national water policy in 1987, which was revised in 2002. This policy emphasizes that the planning and development of water resources should be guided by a national perspective. The policy document includes specific provisions related to irrigation, which are outlined below:

Comprehensive Planning: Irrigation planning, whether for an individual project or within a watershed, should consider factors such as the suitability of land for irrigation, cost-effective options utilizing all available water sources, and appropriate irrigation techniques to optimize water use efficiency. The aim is to extend the benefits of irrigation to as many farm families as possible while maximizing agricultural production.
Integration of Water and Land Use: There should be a close integration of water use and land use policies. This ensures that water allocation and irrigation planning align with the overall land use objectives, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water utilization.
Equity and Social Justice: Water allocation in irrigation systems should prioritize equity and social justice. Disparities in water availability between farms at the head-reach and tail end, as well as between large and small farms, should be addressed through the adoption of rotational water distribution systems. Water supply should be based on a volumetric basis, with certain limitations and rational pricing, ensuring fair access to water resources.
Utilization of Irrigation Potential: Efforts should be made to fully utilize the created irrigation potential. The command area development approach, which focuses on comprehensive development in the irrigated areas, should be adopted in all irrigation projects. This approach ensures the efficient use of water resources and maximizes the benefits for farmers.
Water Use Efficiency: Since irrigation is the largest consumer of freshwater, the policy emphasizes the need to achieve optimal productivity per unit of water. This involves the adoption of scientific management practices on farms and the promotion of efficient irrigation systems such as sprinkler and drip irrigation, wherever feasible.
Reclamation of Water-logged and Saline-Affected Land: The policy recognizes the importance of reclaiming water-logged and saline-affected land through scientific and cost-effective methods. These land reclamation efforts are considered an integral part of the command area development program, ensuring the sustainable utilization of irrigation resources

Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM)

The planned development of the irrigation sector in India began during the First Five Year Plan (1951-1956) and continued through subsequent plans.
In the Fifth Plan (1974-1978), it became evident that there was a significant gap between the creation of irrigation potential and its actual utilization.
To address this issue, the Command Area Development programme (CADP) was launched as a centrally-sponsored scheme in 1974-75.
The CADP aimed to bridge the gap between the created irrigation potential and its effective utilization in the command areas.
Initially introduced in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area, the CAD programme expanded over the years. By March 1998, it encompassed 217 projects covering a cultivable command area (CCA) of 21.78 million hectares, spanning 23 states and 2 union territories.
To enhance its effectiveness, the programme was restructured and renamed as Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme from April 1, 2004.
Under the CADWM Programme, on-farm development works are carried out, including the construction of field channels and drains, land leveling and shaping, and the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater.
The rotational system of water distribution, known as Warabandi, ensures equitable and timely water supply to farmers. Emphasis is placed on diversifying crop patterns to maximize land productivity, with a focus on producing oilseeds and pulses.

Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM)

Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) is an important component of the CAD programme. The concept of involving farmers in the management of irrigation systems has been recognized as a policy by the Government of India and is included in the National Water Policy adopted in 1987.
The objective of PIM is to create a sense of ownership among users, promote efficient water use, and preserve the irrigation system.
Water Users’ Associations (WUAs), Distributary Committees, and Project Committees have been formed to facilitate farmers’ participation in irrigation system management.
Various states have enacted laws for PIM based on a model act provided by the central government. As of 2022, the total area covered under various WUAs in all states combined was approximately 25 million hectares.

Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)

The Government of India introduced the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) in 1996-97.
This program aimed to provide loan assistance to states for major irrigation projects that were in an advanced stage of completion. For a project to be considered for AIBP inclusion, it had to meet specific criteria:

At least 50% of the latest approved estimated project cost had been incurred.
At least 50% of the physical progress of essential works had taken place.
The state’s proposal for inclusion in AIBP had to be supported by a credible construction schedule.
indicating the works executed and those yet to be completed along with their costs.

Under AIBP, major, medium, and Extension, Renovation & Modernization (ERM) irrigation projects that had investment clearance from the Planning Commission and were projected to be completed within the next four financial years were eligible for financial assistance.
Since the inception of the program until December 1, 2010, state governments received a total of Rs. 43,425.6331 crore as Central Loan Assistance (CLA)/Grant for 283 major/medium irrigation projects and 11,655 surface minor irrigation schemes.
As of now, 129 major/medium projects and 7,969 surface major/medium irrigation schemes have been reported as completed.
These projects have created an additional irrigation potential of 65.39 lakh hectares as of March 2022.

Repair, Renovation, and Restoration of Water Bodies Scheme

Water bodies, such as tanks, ponds, and lakes, have traditionally played a crucial role in conserving water and meeting the various needs of communities in India.
However, around 15-20% of these minor irrigation sources are not in use, resulting in a loss of one million hectares of irrigation potential. Additionally, around 2 million hectares of potential are lost due to underutilization of tanks that are still in use.
To address this issue, the Government of India sanctioned a Pilot Scheme for the “National Project for Repair, Renovation & Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies directly linked to Agriculture” in January 2005.
The scheme, with a financial share ratio of 3:1 between the central and state governments, aimed to restore and enhance the storage capacities of water bodies and recover their lost irrigation potential. In the pilot phase, irrigation potential for 1.73 lakh hectares was realized.
Following the success of the pilot scheme, it was extended for the twelfth five-year plan. The scheme plans to undertake RRR works in 10,000 water bodies, with a central assistance of Rs. 6,235 crore. Out of the 10,000 water bodies, 9,000 will be in rural areas, while the remaining 1,000 will be in urban areas.
Water bodies where the Integrated Water Management Programme (IWMP) is implemented will be considered for inclusion in the RRR scheme.
Water users’ associations (WUAs) at the gram panchayat level will be responsible for the detailed project report and implementation. Corresponding bodies at the district, state, and national levels will also be involved.

The main objectives of the scheme:

Include comprehensive improvement.
restoration of water bodies to increase tank storage capacity.
groundwater recharge.
availability of drinking water.
improvement in agriculture/horticulture productivity.
improvement of catchment areas of tank commands.
environmental benefits through improved water use efficiency and promotion of conjunctive use of surface and groundwater.
community participation, and capacity building for sustainable water management.

Virtual Water

The concept of “virtual water” was introduced by Professor Allan in the early 1990s and refers to the water required for the production of agricultural commodities, representing the water “embedded” in those products.
For example, it takes an average of 1,600 cubic meters of water to produce one metric tonne of wheat. The term “virtual” is used because once the wheat is grown, the water used for its growth is no longer physically contained within the wheat.
Understanding the concept of virtual water helps us recognize the amount of water needed for different goods and services.
In arid and semi-arid regions, knowing the virtual water value of a product can be valuable in determining how to best utilize scarce water resources.
Virtual water trade involves the idea that when goods and services are exchanged, virtual water is also exchanged. When a country imports one tonne of wheat instead of producing it domestically, it saves approximately 1,300 cubic meters of its own water resources.
This saved water can then be utilized for other purposes, particularly in water-scarce countries. However, if the exporting country is also water-scarce, it effectively exports 1,300 cubic meters of virtual water, as the water used to grow the wheat is no longer available for other uses.
In certain cases, countries with limited water resources discourage the export of water-intensive products, like oranges, to prevent significant amounts of water from being exported to other parts of the world.

Limitations of Virtual Water Measures

Virtual water measures assume that all sources of water, whether from rainfall or irrigation, are of equal value, which may not be the case in reality.
The assumption that water saved from reducing a high-water-use activity can be automatically used for a less water-intensive alternative may not hold true, as water availability and economic viability vary.
Virtual water measures do not serve as indicators of environmental harm or provide insight into whether water resources are being used sustainably.
Importing food through virtual water trade can lead to increased political dependence and may challenge the notion of self-sufficiency that many nations value.
Virtual water trade offers a new perspective on water issues, shifting from a supply-oriented to a demand-oriented management approach.
It enables the governance of water resources at global, regional, and local levels, recognizing their interconnections.
This approach allows for problem-solving in larger “problem sheds” when local or regional solutions are not sufficient, moving away from a narrow watershed view that focuses solely on hydrological boundaries.

FAQs

Q1. What is the major irrigation project in India?

Ans. Indira Gandhi Canal: This canal, one of the largest irrigation projects in India, is located in the arid regions of Rajasthan and serves to provide water for irrigation and drinking purposes.

Q2. Which project holds the distinction of being the biggest irrigation project in Karnataka?

Ans. The Upper Krishna Project (UKP): This project is one of the largest and most significant irrigation projects in Karnataka, designed to harness the waters of the Krishna River for irrigation and power generation.

Q3. What is the largest irrigation project in the world?

Ans. The South-North Water Transfer Project, China: This colossal water diversion project aims to transfer water from the water-rich south to the water-deficient north of China, encompassing a series of canals and pipelines spanning thousands of kilometers.

Q4. Which project is recognized as the largest irrigation project in Kerala?

Ans. The Kuttanad Package: This comprehensive package in Kerala aims to provide comprehensive irrigation facilities to the Kuttanad region, ensuring effective water management and agricultural development.

Q5. What are some examples of major medium and minor irrigation projects in India?

Major Irrigation Projects: These include the Sardar Sarovar Project in Gujarat, the Tungabhadra Project in Karnataka, and the Damodar Valley Corporation Project in West Bengal, among others.
Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects: These encompass numerous state-level projects, such as the Periyar Project in Tamil Nadu, the Ghaghara-Koel Project in Bihar, and the Rengali Project in Odisha, aimed at providing water for irrigation to smaller regions within the states.

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