SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF INDIRA GANDHI CANAL PROJECT IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN
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'fiubmitled in parlial fijfitmeni of the requiremtntt () JT/ for the award of the degree of 'yi\\\ iJlagter of ^liilosiopl}?
V tSEDGRAPHY
AJAZ HUSSAIN ANSARi
/>>- Under the supervision of DR. HIFZUR REHMAN Reader
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY ALIGARH MUSUM UNIVERSITY ALIGARH-202002 (INDIA). 1994 i^'^r^
*»'.n»tv-..li. ».,-^•"- Phone 400683 DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY ALIGARH MUSLIM UNlVERSirv ALiGARH- 202 002
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This is to certify tiiat Mr. igaz .iuss-nin Ansari h s completed the afssertation entitled "Socio-ecotiomic and ^cological Impact of Indira Ganahi Can-il i reject in western r.ajastrran" for the award of K.ihil degree utK.er c;y supervision,
/y-Cei^7C^— . (r.i.) iiifzuv Rahman Keader DEDICATED TO MY PARENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I bow with gratitude to the Almighty " ALLAH " who enable me to achieve this target,
I am fortunate enough to have a highly imaginative, enterprising and accomodative research guide Dr. Hifzur Rahman, Reader, Department of Geography, A.M.U., Aligarh, who inspired me to initiate the research work in this field of Geography, I take pleasure in expressing my deep sense of gratitude to him for his valuable supervision, encouragement and cordinal atti tude during the conpletion of this work.
I feel Immense pleasure to thank Prof. K.Z. Amani, Chairman, Department of Geography, for providing me the research facilities in the department.
I am greately oblidged Prof. M. Shaf i (Pro-Chancellor), Prof, Indra Pal, Drs. Munir Ahmad, Sayeed Ahmad Khan, Frasat Ali Siddiqui, Fakhruddin, S.H. Siddiquie, vho were the source of inspiration for collecting the research materials from different sources.
I must also acknowledge my parents and Brothers who were always prepare to share my financial burden to achieve my academic pursuits. Above all it was their love, constant inspirations and blessings, which enabled me to continue my studies. I obidently and dutifully place on record my gratitudes to my beloved elder brothers MR. ALTAF HUSSAIK AKSARI and DR. AKRAM HUSSAIN ANSARI.
Thanks are also due to my friends and Research Colleagues M/S Shahld Imam, Izhar Ahmad, Hameed Ahmad, M. Danish, Ahmad Iqbal, M. Taiyab, Shafiqullah, M. Irfan, M. Jameel, Alamtar All, Azlsur Rahman, M. Nazim, M. All, H. Sajjad, Ateeg Ahmad, Gulam Ghouse Ansarl for their assistance and manifold cooperation during the completion of this work.
My sincere thanks are also due to Mr. Najmuddin and Shamim Ahmad of the Seminar Library of the cepartment who very oftenly placed the relevant research materials at my disposal and extended their full cooperation.
Dated» 31st Dec, 1994 (AJAZ HUSSAIN ANSARI)
ii CONTENT Page No.
Acaknowledgements i-ii List of Tables v-vl List of Figures vii
Introc'uction 1-7
PART-A Socio-Economlc Characteristics CHAPTER-I A- Popxilation Characteristics 9-20 B- Literacy 21-24 C- Settlement Pattern 24-27
CHAPTER-II A- Occupational Structure 31-34 B- Agriculture 34-47 C. Command Area Development Programme in Indira Gandhi Canal Project 47-50 D- Irrpact of Irrigation on Agricultural Development 50-59 E- Afforestation in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area 60-66 F- Fuel wood 67-68 G- Drinking Water Facilities 68-69 H- Animal Husbandry 70-79 I- Public Transportation 79-80 0- Industrial Development 80-85
contd,
iii Page No.
PARTES
Ecological Inpact of Indira Gandhi Canal Project in Western
Rajasthan
CHAPTER-III
A- Possitive Inpact of IGCP 91-94
a) Inprovement of Micro-climate 91
b) Aeolian activities 91-9 2
c) Inprovement in Soil moisture regime 9 2
d) Changes in the Land use 9 2-9 3
e) Changes of Socio-economic Condition 93
B- Negative Inpat of IGCP 94-100
a) Problems of Water Logging 100-105
b) Soil erosion 106-107
CHAPTER-IV
A Review of Available Literature 110-119
CHAPTER-V
Methodology, Data Base and Correlative Variables 121-125
CONCLUSION 126-128
BIBLIOGRAPHY 129-135
+++++
iv LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page No. 1.1 Density of population in Indira Gandhi 13 Canal Command Area 1. ii Sex-ratio i IGCCA 20
1. iii Literacy rate of IGCCA in Western Rajasthan ^^ 2. i Classification of occupational activities and
participation of workers in IGCCA ^^ 2. ii Cropping pattern in IGCCA 43 2. iii Yield levels of some selected Crops in IGCCA 44 2. iv. Use of agricultural inputs in IGCCA ^^ 2.V Salient features of Indira Gandhi Canal Project 51 2.vi Development of Irrigation in IGCP-yearwise 53 2.vii Utilisation of potentials in IGCPCA ^^
2.viii Creation of additional potentials in IGCPCA 55 2. ix Percentage of net sown area in total geographical area and double cropped area to net sov^-n area in IGCCA. ^^ 2,x Percentage of area under selected crops to the
gross cropped area in IGCCA ^"^ 2..x i Yield levels of some selected crops in IGCCA 58
2.,xi i Plantation done in IGCCA in two different phases
2, ,xiii Afforestation programme in IGCCA under stage-II 66 2. xiv Sources of drinking water supply in IGCCA 69 Table No. Title Page No.
2. XV Variation in live-Stock population 71
2.xvi Livestock population in IGCCA 72
2,xvii Distribution of major sheep breeds in IGCCA 73 2.xviii Status of live-stock population in IGCCA 75 2.xiv Distribution of households by size of live stock holdings in IGCCA 76
3. 1 Rise of water-table in IGCCA IO3
VI LIST OF MAPS
S.Ko, Title Page No.
1, Indira Gandhi Canal Project ^2 ii. Water-logging in IGCA. 105
vii -1-
INTRODUCTION
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGCP) has been constructed in the northwestern part of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, The construction of this canal in such an inhosp itable and hazardous area has been a challenging task. The word 'Barren Land', takes a new meaning when one travels through the western most districts of Bikaner and Jaisalnier of Western Rajasthan, In these districts even the Shrubs fined themselves difficult to servive against the relentless move ment of fine desert sand gradually burying every thing in its path.
The IGCP was concieved by Mr. Kanwar Sain, the Chief Engineer of the erstwhile Bikaner state on 20th October 1948. He suggested, that the arid areas of Rajasthan partis cularly in the western parts of Bikaner and Jaisalmer dist ricts can be converted as one of the potential areas for crop production, if proper water resources be carried with the construction of a canal and taking waters from 'Harrike Barrage, belov; the junction of the sutlej and the Beas rivers in Punjab.
This project was Q gigantic human effort to trans form a part of the lands of hot desert into a land of pros perity and plenty. The IGCP formally commenced on 31st March . 19 58 and at present ranks first amongst the largest of the big projects in the world in respect to its size, length, capacity, command area, use of construction materials as well as human and animal power for the development of agri culture in a dry tract. The canal has a width of 40 metres and its bottom 6.4 metres deep. The carrying capacity of Canal is 18,500 cusecs of water measured at its head.
According to a proposal made in 1981, Rajasthan was allocated 8.6 million acre feet of RavL-BeaS surplus water. The IGCP envisaged to utilize 7.6 million acre-feet of water allocated to Rajasthan. The project comprised two different stages of canal construction. Under stage I it was proposed to cover 204 km* of the Rajasthan feeder, 189 km of the service area of 0.54 million hectares which has to be completed while some progress has been made for the construction under stage II.
A. Construction of IGCP under Staqe-I. Construction work of the canal under stage-I has been completed. It included the construction of a 204 km. long feeder, 189 km. of the Indira Gandhi Main Canal (IGMC) and 3075 km. long distribution systems. Stage-I has five flow branches and one lift canal system. a. Flow branch : i. Rawatsar branch ii. Naurangdesar branch 111. Suratgarh branch lv» Pugal branch and V. Anupgarh branch b. Lift Canal system x 1. Kanwar Sain lift canal.
The above five branches and one lift canal cover southern and western parts of Ganganagar and northern and north western parts of Blkaner districts.
Under stage-I, a culturable command area to Irri^ gated accounted for 525 thousand ha; 479 thousand ha. by flow branches and 46 thousand ha. by lift canal, with a 110 per cent designed Intensity of Irrigation, which Is expressed as a percentage ratio between gross irrigated area and culturable command area. An actual irrigation of 578 thousands ha. has been achieved until 1990-91. The project plan of stage-I envi sages an intensive irrigation with an Intensity of llO percent. Water allowance or volume of water allocated per 470 ha. of land is higher for this part of command area, that ccsues 5.23 c usees,
B. Construction of loCP under stage-II The construction work under stage-II is in progress. According to the original plan it was proposed to be completed by 1978. The stage-II includes the construction of Indira Gandhi main canal from its last stage at 189th km to the tail up to the 445 km. and the distribution systems having a length of 5115 km. The gross service area is nearly 1.10 million ha., where as the cultivable command area is 0.76 million ha.The main branches and their off-take points are as follows j
Name of the branch Off-take point on the a. Under flow (in km. ) i. Dattor branch 215 ii. Birsalpur branch 232 iii. Char an Wali Branch 288 iv. Digha branch 445 V. Lilwa branch 445 b. Under Lift System i. Gajner System 228.6 ii. Kolayat System 229.0 iii. Phalodl system 351.0 iv. Pokran system 366.8 V. Nohar-Sohwa System
The irrigation plan of this project was revised many times with a view for the extensive irrigation. Exten sive irrigation refers to reduce allowaix:e of water per hectare and provide irrigation to maximum extent of the cul tivated area. The Irrigation intensity comes to 80 percent to the culturable command area. Water allowance of stage-II stands for 3.50 cusecs which is relatively less than that of stage-I. One of the basic objectives to design extensive irrigation for this region provide irrigation to more and more areas in the desert, allow to grow light irrigated crops, prevent water-logging and soil salinity. Earlier it was proposal to construct the main canal and lined with burnt clay tiles, where as the distribution system was to be left unlined, where by intensity of irriga tion could kept 80 percent. Subsequently, however, to reduce obsorption losses and to make the maximum consumptive use of water, a decision was taken in 19 67 to line the branches, distributries and the minors also, for generating intensity of irrigation to the time of 110 per cent, kharif season, 47 percent, and during Rabi season, 63 percent.
The main canal and its entire length of 256 km in stage-II has been completed and water has been since January 1,1987 released up to tail near Mohangarh in Jaisalmer dist rict. Contrary to the pace of development of irrigation in stage-I of the project, the stage-II is facing under utiliza tion of water of the created potential of irrigation. The construction work on Dattar, Birsalpur and Charanwala System is in an advanced stage. Where the utilization of the crea ted potential is not more than 5 per cent mainly due to the absence of human settlements. The extreme harsh conditions in the area , lack of communication systems , forbid the cultivators of near by district to migrate in this area. The local inhabitants have not gained a sufficient experience, as they are living there since a very long time. They sustain themselves with the earnings frcxn livestock rearing.
The Indira Gandhi canal command area (IGCCA), however, covers approximately 4 per cent of the Arid Zone of India and nearly one-twelveth of the Rajasthan state. The entire length of Indira Gandhi Canal System (IGCA) with the its main canal. Branches, Lift canals and tributeries will nearly be 8850 km, long, excluding the minor channels. The canal is oriented and run approximately parallel to the India and Pakistan border at an average distance of 40 km.. With the completion of main canal it will lay over 649 km. to flow through mainly four districts, namely, Ganganagar, Bikaner, oaisalmer and Barmer to irrigate over 9.8 million ha. of parched, thirsty, more fertile and virgin lands of Western Rajasthan,
The study attempts to evaluate the lapact of IGCP in barren and hot climatic lands. Both possitive and negative impacts on the ecology and socio-economic conditions of the lands of western-Rajasthan have been considered. The possitive impacts which lasts for a short duration can be visualised with a view to ascertain the improvement of microclimate, aeoline activities, soil moisture reglm etc. are indirectly resulting and the direct resulting to increase the agricul tural productivity and changes in the socio-economic conditions of the down-trodden peoples. The negative impacts, which are proclaimed to be of long duration may have the impact on the depletion of produc tivity of land due to the stagnation of water and creating a condition of water logging, improved drainage condition, seepa ges of Canal water, raising the underground water table, exce ssive creation of Salinity and Alkalinity, soil erosion due to high pressure of wind etc.
However, the present work is divided into five chapters. The first chapter deals with a theoritical framwork of Social changes (population characteristics, settlement pattern and literacy rates of the region). Second chapter deals with the Economic changes that have been with the introduction of Indira Gandhi Canal Project in Western Rajasthan (occupa tional distribution. Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Indus tries). The Third Chapter deals with a correlative assessment of ecology of the area and the changes that have taken place with the availability of irrigation water in arid climatic lands. A review of ground work and researches already available relating the study area is presented in chapter fourth, Ch^ter fifth highlights the importance of study and the methodology adopted for continuing work on this problem. 8
_PABT;_A_ SOCIO-BC ONOMICgBAMC TERIsT IG S_ CHM>TER-1 A. Population Characteristics t
Human resources plays an Important role in the eco nomic development of a region. Human being is a dynamic essen tial resource in society, who determines the economic patterns of resources utilisation, who provides the required labour and skill to plan and perform the process of utilisation of natural resources. He is also the beneficiary in the entire process of resources development and its proper utilisation. The inter play of human beings and resources determines the stages of economic development. a) Spatial distribution of population-
The Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area (IGCCA) of Western Rajasthan, has inpacts of way of life. Socio-economic and on the cultural set vp of the region. These impacts can be visualised with human concentration and it distribution. The distribution of population in the region is sparse and uneven. This sparseness and unevenness in population is due to uneven availability of natural resources- water, land, hot climatic condition and politico-cultural factors.
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGCP ) envisages to irrigate about 15.88 lakh hectares of barran and desert lands along the international borders of the state of Rajasthan • Besides converting the hitherto waste land into a country's greenary and wippig out its perpetual drought conditions, the project promises to settle between 20 and 25 lakh people provi ding an employment to more than 2,4 lakh families. 10
This incoming and increased population is planned to be settled in about 1200 newly settle of villages, of which 160 will be designed at amentty villages and 28 market towns. A planned distribution of the incoming population in various hierarchies of settlement has been felt very necessary for proper growth and development of the agriculture and industrial activities of the canal command Area. With the availability of water resources, either for domestic uses or irrigational uses, changed the agricultural pattern and other related economic activities of the stage-I canal corom- 3 and Area particularly.
Each and Every person wants to settled where physi cal and economic conditions are relatively better for susta ining easy life. With the development of agriculture, pasto- ralism and small scale cottage industries, a sizable popula tion which has migrated to the region is to be settled along the canal tract. Under the Caial Area Development Programme, government has alloted land at a very low cost for its devel opment. In those regions where water resources are available in required amount, like in Ganganagar district and in north western parts of Bikaner districts (Canal Command Areas), reipid increase in the population, and the emergance of new villages, new colonies and mandies. There is a remarkable change in socio-economic set Mp of the people, which is 11
visible in all economic activities, linprovetnent in household income and expenditure structure, changes in attitude and life style of people. Which has resulted in a greater urge for education and upsurgences in mobility and communication 4 systems* b. Density of Population- The density of population in an area has been defined a land-man ratio, considering the total population in relation to total area. According to the latest census (1991), the average density of population in the v^estern. Rajasthan is 55 2 persons per km. as against the state*s average of 129 persons 2 per kro . But both of these figures are unfortunately much lower than the national average which is 267 persons per km . of area.
According to 1981 census the density of population 2 varies from 6 persons per km in district which was the lowest,
and highest being in Ganganagar district's of western Rajas than canal command areas. After the release of water parti cularly in the stage-II the density of over all command areas of stag€-II has increased rapidly within last 10 years. The census of 1991 gives the density <4f Jaisalmer district with 9 persons per km^ and as high as 127 persons per km^ in the Ganganagar district, followed by the districts of Barmer and Bikaner where it was 51 and 44 persons per km respectively.^ 12
The regional variations in population concent ration indifferent districts has also been recorded on the basis of resource availability. The largest concentration is seen in Ganganagar district Canal Command Area followed by Barmer, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts command area of the Indira Gandhi Canal (Table 1.1).
The concentration of human population in IGCP is divided in to four district density groupst
I. Areas with very low density of population (below 30) II, Areas with low density of population (30-60) ill. Areas with Moderate density of popwdation (60-90) iv. Areas with High density of population (Above-90)
i. Areas with very low density of population (below 30 persons
The areas characterised by the concentration of population having the densities below 30 persons per sq. km. are confined to the extreme western parts of the region, covering the parts of Mohangarh, Ggdra, Asutar, parts of Sagarmal Gopa, Shah id Birbal, RjBmgarh, part of Kolayat, Blrbal and Birsal flow out branches system of Jaisalmer and Barmer 13
c^
TH o\ in o o ^ CO o\«-t o\ ro in rH 0\ <0 VO CM 00 tn c o\ 00 o T-< •H 4J ID «-l fH 3 V r* \0 CM ^ CO o«H^ r~ CM I I (0 8- ID 0< CQ rH ID "D (0 \o r« <* o* »-i 00 M C a0>^ CM ^ m in CM a; 10 1-1 C C (II <0 (V rt o E E •p 00 •H u 0\ m 00 ^ so 0\ ^ o ID o districts ccwnmand and parts of Dattor system, Pokaran Lift areas and Bikaner district canal command areas. Thus the population concentration In these areas of canal command Is very sparse, which Is attributive to acute dryness, very low amount of rainfall, barrenland, uiproductlve sands and presence of enormous sand dunes, scarcity of cultivable land. Insuffi cient amount of water source for domestic as well as for irri gation purposes. 11, Areas with Low density of population (30-60 persons)- The areas characterised with the density of 30-60 persons 2 per km , have shown a slight irrprovement in the economic condi tions of the people on receiving the water. The economy of the region is mainly confined to the growing of crops and keeping of animals, which is absolutely rural in nature. The water level is a bit higher, agriculture is based on canal irrigation, sand dunes are also less severse and the Infra structural facilities are in developing through CCD programme. This area receives water from different branches, namely, Pokran, Asutar, Sagarmal Gopa, Shahid Blrbal, Chauanwala, Birsalpur, Pugal, which 2 possess a density of 30-60 persons per km . ill. Areas with Moderate density of Population (60-90 persons)- Kost parts of the stage -I Canal command Area show a 15 density of population within the range of 60-90 persons per tan , because of these parts of IGCC where water was released earlier as compared to other parts of stage-II canal command. They have shown a tremendous change in agriculture in addi tion to small scale and cottage industries. This part of canal ccxiunand fulfil the basic needs of the people, as conpared two £Ctrmer density range areas. Ml the areas lying along different branches namely, Suratgarh, Anupgarh, Hantimangarh , part of pugal flow Kanvv'arsen, Lunkaransar, Shahwa Lift Scheme have density of population with range of 60-90 persons per tan2 of land. Dunes find no place over the surface, high water table and developed infrastructural facilities have attracted more people. Being a large administrative town in the canal command area, it is relatively an industrialised and urbanised part of the canal command area in western Rajasthan. iv. Areas with high density of population (above 90 persons)- The highest density in the IGCCA above 90 persons per tan2 is the characteristic of highest urbanisation in few areas. Though it does not form any contiguous belt, but cluster around the major towns. The sandy soils and dunes find no place Over the scene, adequate irrigation water, high water table well infrastructure facilities and tertiary occupation favours high density of population . 16 c. Growth of Population - According to 1981 census, the districts of IGCC have experienced a tremendous growth in population. An over all average growth rates have been recorded to the tune of 39.76, 26.62, 45.78 and 39.29 per cent during the periods extending between 1951-61, 1961-71, 1971-81 and 1981-91 respectively. The entire extent of population growth considered covers the 7 period pre-canal and post-canal constructed periods. The first half of the period has experienced a slow growth rate, where as the second half exhibits a healthy growth rate. The rate of growth in spatial perspective varies from district to district. The highest rate of growth was recorded in Ganganagar district which is followed by the district of Bikaner, being 51.64 percent and 47.36 per cent respectively. One of the main reason for the high growth rate in these canal command districts has been a considerable irrigation of people from other areas, the incentive was the agricultural and infra structural facilities available here. Lowest rate of 32.54 per cent was recorded in the district of Barmer which is followed by Oaisalmer canal command area being 34.12 per cent. It was mainly because of out migration of the people, who moved out the area in search of better opportunities of jobs. The rate of population growth in total population has shown a varied trend from decade to 17 p decade throuohout the Indira Gandhi Canal Command areas (IGCCA) . d. Age-Structure- The age-structure or the proportion of a people cont ained within various age groi^js is one of the basic charact eristics of the population. The socio-economic structure is determined by the absolute and relative proportions of a population found within the young, middle-aged, and old-aged groups. The age structure of both sexes, male and female, in each group l«e« the number of males and females is an expre ssion of the process of fertility, mortality, and migration as they have operated during the life time. The population has been divided in to three convenient age groi;^s with a very small proportion ? According to 1971 census about 55 per cent of the total population is found under the age groi^) of below 19 years, the middle aged population constitute to about 45.2 per cent and the old group aged accounted for only 3 percent of the total population. The preportion of d^ove groups slightly differ from the state's average which is Q 50 per cent, 46 per cent and 4 per cent respectively. The Canal command districts of western Rajasthan show ing the Variations in age structure from one district comman ds to others depend on economic conditions of the region. The 18 proportion of youngs also varies, in accordance with economic conditions of the people. The highest per centages of youngs in areas of stage-I canal cononand districts and lowest in unirrigated command areas of stage-II. In Ganganagar district and northwestern and eastern parts of Bikaner district canal command area recorded the highest percentages and the districts of Jaisaimer and Barmer recorded lov^est percentages, particu larly irriguted and lift areas of canal command. The pctcentages of adults in population constitutes more than 40 percent in the entire canal command districts of western Rajasthan. Most of the adults are directly and others industries as coinpaired to stage-II, where water is not easly available. The old-aged persons constitute only 5.6 per cent of the total population in canal command districts, the highest percentage's is found in Ganganagar, Bikaner districts, because of the development of economy and other infrastructural faci lities, and which is low in the districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer canal command areas. c. Sex Ratio - Sex-Ratio in a population is normally expressed as the number of females per-thousand of males. An assessment of the the extent of variation of sex ratio is of the interest when 19 one has to examine soclo-econcxnic Implications. AS the other population characteristics varies from one district to other in canal command area, the sex-ratio of the population also varies. The participation of maximum number of females are recorded in the Barmer district canal command area where it stands as 904 per thousand of males, where as the minimum number of females were recorded in the Jaisalmer canal command area« being 802 per thousand of males. The sex ratio, in general, is found to be 8.74 (197l), 875(1981) and 865 (1991), per 1000 males in districts of namely, Ganga- nagar, Bikaner, Oaisalmer and Barmer of vtstern Rajasthan • In case of Canal commond area?, this ratio is slightly in an inc reased form, which is mainly due to a continued process of economic development. This figure for 1971 is 875, 880 tor 1981 and 873 for 1991, per 1000 males in canal •command dist ricts. The estern region of Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area (IGCCA), ^.C. in the districts of Bikaner, Barmer and Jaiselmer shovi highest sex-ratio as conpared to western parts of the canal command area. 12 20 Sex-Ratio t Ineira Gandhi Canal Command Area • S.No. Name of districts Sex ratio Canal Coari.and Area Sex ratio 1971 1981 1991 1971 1981 1991 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. Ganganagar 874 881 877 880 886 883 2. Bikaner 901 891 885 901 896 882 3. J a is aimer 810 830 807 810 830 823 4. B armer 910 909 891 910 909 902 5. W.RajaStban (Average) 874 875 865 6, IGCCA(Average) - _ - 875 880 873 Sources 1, Census of India^RaJasthan. Series -18, pt.llA, General Population tables. New Delhi, 1971, 81,91. 2. ORG Survey report 1990, 3. Districts Hand Book, Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer, 1971, 81 and 91. 21 B. LITERACY Educational attainment is considered an iinportant aspect among various qualities of population. Low degree of literacy and lack of adequate professional training are Serious abstacles for the economic development. The Indira Gandhi canal command area (IGCCA) held only 26.12. per cent of literacy rates in 1981, which raised 30,23 per cent in 1991. On the basis of these figures one may conclude the educational backwardness of the region. There is a wide variation in the Literacy rates of in IGCCA. The Literacy is much higher in areas of Ganganagar district ccHTimand being 34.65 per cent in 1981, and the lowest being in Banner district ccromands where it was 23.05 per cent. The literacy rate is obviously much higher in Urban areas as conpaired to rural areas, where its ranged on an average 50-55 per cent, and only 16.60 per cent in rural areas.^ Much variations have been experienced in the regional literacy. The highest percentage is recorded in Ganganagar command, where number of school and colleges are relatively much his number as conparcd to other district command areas namely, Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts. One of the main contributor is the Ganga Canal system, which provides adequate water resources about one-half of the whole district. It is 22 also agriculturally developed district in canal command areas and on the other hand some agro-based, metal-based industries are found. This region accounts for 34.65 per cent of the literacy followed by Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barroer districts command, 25.60 per cent, 24.05 per cent and 23.05 per cent respectively in 1981. In the year of 1991, Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer districts commands accounted for 37.75, 33.90, 30.40 and 25.03 per cent respectively.^* Table - 1. iii Literacy Rates of IGCCA in w. Rajasthan S.No. District Literacy Rate (in %) 1971 1981 1991 1. Ganganagar 22.60 34.65 37.75 2. Bikaner 19.35 25.60 33.90 3. Jaisalmer 20.30 24*. 05 30.40 4. Barmer 13.65 23.05 25.03 6. Average IGCCA 18.99 26.83 31.77 Soxirces : l. Districts Handbooks , Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer, Rajasthan, 1971, 81,91. 2. ORG Survey Report. 1990. 23 About one-fourth of the total population of the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area in Western Rajasthan may be regar ded as literate which can read and write. Of the old aged group of people the ratio of educated persons is less, but in younger grot?) literacy is more to the extent of 50-55 per cent. The highest percentage of literates in male and female are 38.50 and 20.90 per cent respectively. The literacy rates of urban -areas female is much higher than the rural areas. The major factors that influence literacy rate are as followsj i. Level of economic development ii. Level of urbanization iii. Standard of living iv. The status of female in a society. V. Availability of adequate educational facilities and the policy of government. Out of these above mentioned factors the level of economic development is both a Cause and effect of literacy. No doubt due to the introduction of Indira Gandhi Canal Project in Western Rajasthan, the level of economic development, standard of living of the people, levels of urbanization, due to the migration and status of female in society has raised tremendously, and on the side of effects of these 24 factors, the literacy rates Increased on an average from 8.6 per cent in 1951, to 1981 is 26.12 percent and at present more than one-third of the people are in a position to real and write. Due to the reclamation of barren lands, particularly in areas in the vicinity of stage-I lying in the district! of Ganganagar and South Western parts of Blkaner Canal Command Areas, both central and state governments have assisted to educational institutions. To examine the percentage of castevise literacy in the canal command area (CCA) in western Rajasthan, it will be transpired that the literacy among Mahajans is highest, which is followed by Brahmins, Rajputs, Muslims, Purohits and Malies. In case of Ganganagar Canal coromond areas, where farmers are stronge from Socio-economic and Political point of view, the interest to educate their children is quite keen. Where as, most of the farmers think it is of almost importance to take help from their children in their day to day-works, C. SETTLEMENT PATTERN AS the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, envisaged to irrigate 1.68 mil lien hectares of desert land in the extreme western districts 25 Of Rajasthan and converting the hitherto waste land Into a country's grainary and wiping out its perpetual drought condk-. itions, the phasewise conpletion of the project promises to settle about 20-25 lakh people and providing an employment to about 2.3 lakh families until. This incoming population is planned to be settled in about 1200 new settlement(villages), 160 amenity villages and 28 market towns, A planned distribution of the incoming popula tion in various hierarchies of settlement has been felt to be very necessary for proper economic growth and development of agriculture and the resulting Socio-economic and industrial activities of the canal command area* The form and size of settlement in India is of contact village type which seems to establish itself in different regions as a part of cultural heritage. The pattern of sett lement is influenced by the physical« social and economic factors. As an Inferplay of these factors, the form of settl ement in desert areas is of district nature. The villages in canal command area are scattered over long distances, human habitations springing up only where the conditions permit 18 sedentarization. The settlement patterns of the population of Indira Gandhi Canal command areas, falls into three distnict categories : (i) Entirely conpact type, (ii) Entirely scatered type and (iii) Areas having both compact and scattered homestead type of settlement. 26 a. Settlement patterns In Stage-I Canal Command Area. In the stage-I canal command areas, most of the settlements have been covered under command Area Development Programme (CADP). Under CADP^, Abadi settlements are developed for every 6 or 7 murabba of cultivated land, with all the basic infra- structural facilities such as, stpply of drinking vater, Bustand, Primary Schools, Road etc. by the Canal Area Develop ment Authority. Most of these Abadis are well connected with main mandi towns, through pakka roads hence, the quality of life of the people living in this part of the canal command areas has inproved over past few years. Most of the houses are m^de up of stone. b. Settlement Pattern in Stage~II Canal Command Area. Distinct physical and cultural characteristics of the desert like duny landscape, in sufficient water,different caste system and traditional Oagirdari system are mainly resp onsible for the scattered types of settlements pattern in western part of the canal. In stage-II canal command area villages are located at a far distance from each other. Majority of families, generally live near by their agricultural fields. The existing settlement patterns is characterised by low population pressure on land, lack of transport and commun ication facilities leading to inadequate economic activities. 27 In case of flow command areas of Indira Gandhi canal Project (IGCP) stage-II commend most of the settlements are located at a longer distance from each other and have population less than 300 persons. However, the Tehsil head quarters like, Kolayat, Mohangarh, Ramgarh, Nachna and Oaisalmer are densely populated because of the availability of better infra structural facilities, drinking water, marke ting. Transport and communication. During the cultivation season most of the population shift to their farms and lived in "Dhanis" for a periods of about four to five months. Many of the settlements have been observed to have more than 15 number of "Dhanis, in surroundinc cultivated fields. As compared to flow canal command, in the lift area comm and majority of the villages have a population more than 700. This may be due to their proximity to urban centres in addi- 20 tion to well developed infra structural facilities. 28 REFEREMCES 1. Chouhan, T. S., Integrated i^rea Development of Indian Desert, Jodhpur, 1988, pp. 139-141. 2. Ibid, p. 143. 3. Bhattacharjee, B.D., Proposed Settlement types in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area, Annals of Arid Zone, V0I.21CI), 1982, pp. 49-54. 4. Dhir, R.P., (Ed), Desertification and its Control, ICAR, Jodhpur, 1977, pp.102-105. 5. Singh, H., Indira Gandhi Nahar Project , Status Report by CAD Authority, Bikaner, 1991, pp. 45-48. 6. ORG Sanple Survey Reports on IGCP, Jaipur, 1990, pp.59-65. 7. Ibid, p. 71. 8. Census of India, Rajasthan, Series-18, Pt. 11-A, General Population tables. New Delhi, 197161981. 9. Chouhan, T. S., op. cit., p. 145. 10. Districts Statistical Hand Books, Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaislamer and Barraer, 1971, 81 and 91. 11. Singh, H., op. cit., pp. 53-56. 12. ORG Sample Reports, op. cit., pp. 69-73. 13. Ministry of Education, Government of India Proceedings of the Symposium on Problems of Indian Arid Zone, New Delhi, 1970, pp. 78-80. 29 14. Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Statistical Abstract Rajasthan, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 1989, pp.56-59. 15. Qureshi, M.H., India's i Resources and Regional Development , New Delhi, 1992, pp.103-124. 16. Districts Statistical Hand Books, Op. cit. , pp. 13-30. 17. Kumar, R.D., Types of Settlement Pattern in Western Rajasthan, Case Study of IGCP, Stage-I, ui5>ublished, M.Phil. Dissertation^ Jodhpur, 1990, pp. 35-43. 18. Bhattacharjee, B.D., Op. cit., pp. 69-73. 19. Evaluation of CAP Programme in IGCP- Stage I & II, Interim Report submitted to CAD Authority, Bikaner, 1991, pp. 29-40. 20. Ibid., pp. 59-69. 30 CHM>TER-II 31 (A) OCCUPATION STRUCTURE Occvjpatlonal structure is an iirportant index to explain a dynamic character of health and vigour of the region. As the Indira Gandhi Canal Command area forms a part of desert and most of the population lives in rural areas. Therefore an examination of occupational structure vill be of great help for uivaer standing the strength of economy. With the exception of agriculture and ai^imal husbandry, labour work is observed to be lacking due to low density of population and limitations by nature. Most of the people are engaged in agri culture and livestock rearing collectively. In Stage-I of Canal Command Area (CCA) more than 59 per cent households are primarily engaged in animal husbandry and its related activities , while another 32 per cent household.' have been engaged in agriculture as their main occupation, both the exceptions of cultivating the crops, animal husbandry and casual work in these occipations have been regarded as subsidiary work. In terms of subsidiary engagements about 36, 29 and 27 percent in agriculture, animal husbandry and area of Stage-I. In the stage-II canal coninand area, more than 85 per cent of house holds were reported to be engaged in animal husbandry as their main occupation, while only 5 per cent households were recorded to be engaged in agriculture as their main occupation and 4.2, 5.8 per cent households were 32 Table 2.1 Classification of occupational activities and participation of workers in IGCCA. Occ ip at ion Percentage of Percentage of house holds house holds engaged engaged Stage I Stage II A- Main occupation 1. Agriculture 32 5 2. Animal husbandry 59 85 3. Labour 4 A. 2 4. Others 6 5.8 B- Subsidiary occcpation 1. Agriculture 36 7.3 2. Animal husbandry 29 6.5 3. Labour 27 12 4. Others 8 8.5 source t ORG, Sample Survey Report. 1990. 33 categoriesed as labours and persons who engaged in others economic activities. As a subsidiary occvj5)ation, both in Stage-I and Stage-II the human involvement has been as agriculturists reported as 36 and 73 per cent respectively; while 29 and 6,5 per cent households were involved in animal husbandry. Prom the point of view of labour partici pation in Case of Stage-I and Stage.II their percentages have been about 27 and 12 per cent, and the remaining 8 per cent households in Stage-I and 8.5 per cent households in stage-II have been involved in other economic activities, in fact, with the introduction of Indira Gandhi Canal Project on a barren and thirsty land, the mode of occupation of the people have tremendously been changes. This is because of the availability of water resources, either for irrigation purpose , animal husbandry or for domestic uses. Prior to introduction of canal more than 90 per cent of peoples were engaged in animal husbandry or in the cultivation of crops which has to be sustained on meagre amount of rain. The occi;pation of the people in stage-II has been pastorol. Before the work of land reforms taken the landless had access to to large tracts of common grazing land maintained by the 2 feudal lords. There is a gradual increase in the hiunan and animal population during the last 35 years. The number of gOats 34 a lone has gone \sp by 240 per cent, and the abolition of the old land tennxire system, which resulted in a neglection of common grazing. The sewan grass has dispersed or disappeared altogether in many parts of IGCC area* It is observed, that most of the pastoral families in Jaislmer and Barmer of the canal command area are engaged in pastoral activities and the labour force is to work on peasant's fields only few of them, can be considered as dire ctly engaged in the cultivation of crc^s. B. AGRICULTURE The Indira Gandhi Canal Project was conieved in 1948. When the chief engineer of the erstwhile Bikaner state, Kanwar Sain, suggested that the hot arid areas of western Rajasthan (Thar-Desert) have a potential for producing good crops, animal husbandry and a si:qpporting capacity for new settlements, if the water could be brought through a canal from Harike barrage, below the junction of the Sutlej and the Beas rivers in Ferozpur district of Punjab. The Indira Gandhi Canal was deliberately planned to run parallel to the Pakistan border. From the project documents it is evident that populating this region was an i/rportant strategic consideration. J.n addition, having argued that it 35 needed 8.56 m.a.f. of water, Rajasthan had to justify that it would put this water to good use for greening the western- 4 Rajasthan desert. A 649 Jan. long Indira Gandhi canal is to flow through mainly four districts namely, Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Bairmer in Western Rajasthan to irrigate about 9.8 million hectares of land. This gigantic project's depends on surplus water of Ravi^beas, which are diverted into the Sutlej at the Harrike Barrage to transform this tract into a pr<»perous and fully developed region, huming with agriculture, industry, animal husbandry and commerce. Deficiency of Soil.moisture has been a limiting factor for agricultural development in Western Rajasthan. Farmers dan raise crops during Kharif season only and a large tract of cultivable land lies uncultivated and seems to be as cultura- ble waste and fallow land Introduction of irrigation by Indira Gandhi has helped in increasing the extent of net sown and double cropped area. Prior to bring irrigated water to the area only drought resistant crops like bajra, gwar, moong, moth and gran occup ied about 95 per cent of the gross cropped area. The cropping pattern of the region has drastically changed with the intro> duction tf irrigation. Agricultural production and productivity 36 per hectare of land have increased rapidly in the canal command area* a. Land Use Pattern j The study of the land use and proper assessment of land resources is very essential to understand the agricultural potential for planning the region • Physical and cultural factors directly affect the land use. The agricultural land use pattern is also directly governed and controlled by the climo-edaphlc conditions, which to a large extents restrict the cropping pattern in western Rajasthan. Owing to the paucity of natural resources, like minerals, fuels. Flora and technology the required infrastructure for industrialization could not be developed in this region. Therefore, agriculture and animal husbandry has dominated the land use, and main sources for their-livelihood. Out of total geographical canal command area of Indira Gandhi of 15.37 lakh hectares, the region covers 9.36 lakh hectares which is 56 per cent of the total land area, of which about 45.4 per cent of land is cropped, while 8.90 per cent is uncultivated and 19.4 per cent is not fit for agricultural uses. 6 b. Total Cropped Area s The total cropped area in the canal command area has 37 been reported as 15.37 lakh hectares, out of total canal command geographical area, more than 45.4 per cent of area falls under this category, and this fact reveals the agri cultural dependency of the region. It has registered a cont inuous increase in the cultivated area, because due to availa bility of irrigation and thus more and more new land have been brought under cultivation. An area of 6.5 lakh hectares was brought under cultivation in 1969-70, which increased to 8.32 lakh hectares in 1979-80, and it further increased to 13i86 lakh hectares in 1989-90. Obiously, the pattern and the intensify of the land utilisation has been influenced by physical and socio-economic and cultural factors, which have played a positive role in the distribution of new land' in western Rajasthan. c. Culturable Waste land t Although such land have potentials for cultivation but are not actually cultivated due to some physical, socio economic, demographic and agronomic constraints, such as the presence of over extensive areas the deep rooted grasses, weeds. Salinity and alkanity, water lagging. The land under this category course about 3.20 laJ^h hectares. The largest percentage of land under this category is reported in Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts. Most of the Canal command districts have 38 reported a high percentages because of the prevalence of the sand dunes, low fertility of soil, absence of irrigation water etc. It is possible to bring most of the cultivable wasteland under cultivation in near future by adopting ln5)roved methods including the use of prqperdoses of fertilizers and specific 7 quantities of mannure . d. The Distribution of Land : The problem of land distribution is actue especially among the landless who initially constitute about 91 and 68 percent of the population to whom the land was alloted in two different stages of the canal constrxiction. Of the total number of allottee?, only 66 per cent belong to the formerly land less category, indicating a high incidence of resale among the people who belong to this economic class. For example, the Odh community, a nomadic group which worked during a canal construction period included in the IGCP. According to a Harlchand Odh, a community leader, though 200 murabas (a unit in the command area equibalent to 25 bighas or 6.32 hectares) were reserved for the odh community. Even these could be cancelled because the Patwaris, who have considerable power in assessing allottees, are demanding that they produce a domicile certificate, in hindi it is called "Mool Niwas Patra, which is considered to be a certificate to prove that they have been residing in the area continuously during last 35 years. 39 Many farmers particularly in Stage-II have complained that the land allotted to them is so aandy that it is impossible for them to keep the water courses clear and p maintaine a check on deep percolation of water. e. Cropping Patterns i The cropping pattecn of the Western Rajasthan has changed drastically with the bringing of irrigation water. A number of food and commercial crops like wheats rice, cotton, groundnut, mustard, maize, sugarcane, are being cultivating with the help of available water. A number of crops introduced in Idiarif season introdix:ed are : maize, jawar, rice, urad and arhar. Even the water brought with the Stage-II, millets and moong remained one of the chief cereals and some pulse crcps also dominate the area. The chief rabi crops introduced in the canal command area, particularly in stage-I are wheat, mustard, lentiles, linseed and bras sic a, barseem.. A large number of crops grown and intro duced in the region have created a characteristic of intensive use of land, leading to a diversified pattern of cropping. Irrigation in the initial stages in the dtsert region is considered to be protective rather than intensive, minimizing a risk to £amine conditions. It avoids drought conditions to ensure high level of stable harvest and to incr ease agricultural production and productivity. 40 Th€ prepartion of land, cultivated under unirrigated condition has progressively decreased from year by year, with the availability of canal water. The net sown area has also increased with the availability of irrigation. During 1991-92 net sown area has been reported as 45.4 per cent. The potentials created interms of culturable command area has tremendously incr eased from one year to another. Though there is a shift from subsistance farming of rainfed crops like bajra, moong, moth, til and jawar to various kharif and rabi cash crops, by the permanancy depends on the climate and water. The cropping pattern based on kharif and rabi has a ratio of 37:63 reccxmnended for area affecting the over all crcp acreages, or water needs is as follows ; cotton, hybrid bajra, ground nut, fodder and pulses are the major crops where as wheat, barley, gram, mustard, taramira sugar beet and barseem were the recommended major rabi crops in 1987-88. Paddy crops dcc\;$>y only a limited area where water is abendantly available. Perennial crops belonging to the categories of fruits and vege tables are also recommended to be soon in kharif and rabi seasons in the area. Out of the total area sown during kharif season during 1969-70 under more than half was, under fodder crops, Jawar followed by bajra or to be sown as a mixed crcp like bajra - moong which occupied one-third of the total cultivated area* 41 Some pulses and oilseeds like til covered hardly more than three percent of the area, with the irrigation facilities among the cere at crops. In addition to moong and moth, urad and arhar were tried to be sown as new pulse crops. The sugarcane, cotton, sunheamps and groundnut occi^jied- some area. The over all acreages under cereal crops increased in stage->I and stage from 17.5 per cent, out of the total area sown, under irrigated conditions in 1969-70 to 45 per cent in 1984-85 and more than 60 per cent in 1991-92. Bajra occt^jied more than fourth-fifth of the total area sown in 1969-70 as coapared one twentieth of the total area sown during 1969-70 under irrigated conditioned. Under jawar more than Fourth-Fifth of the total area sown in 1969-70 was irrigated, whereas in 1975-80 it covered One-Fifth of the net area sown. Area under jowar, a crop fodder under irrigated condition reduced in 1969-70 particularly in the Stage-I canal command area to half of it in 1991-92 to its One-Fourth, because of the utilisation of water confined to cereals crops rather than to this fodder crop. Rabi crops before the availability of irrigation were almost non-existant. With the introduction of canal water particularly in Stage-I area, it brought irrigation, the use of high yielding varities of seed and fertilizers. 42 Wheat has been introduced as the Chief cereal crop and occi^led more than 40 per cent, out of the total area devoted to cereals. Among the cereal crops grown are« Gojra# Qochlni bejad etc. all occtpy on an average not more than 3 percent in total net sown area. In 1987-88 the cereal constituted about 70 per cent in net sown area, par ticularly the wheat and coarse grains, and the area under rest of the crops declined tremendously in both the stages I and II where waters were easily available for irrigation. Masoor was the only crop jowar on a trial basis in 1987-88 in stage-II area. Mustard and taramira, the most dominent oilseed crops prior to irrigation were continued to be grown tremendously even after irrigation was made. More than 12 per cent of the area in Stage-I and more than 10 per cent in Stage-Il canal cooonand areas was occupied by mustard crop in 1990-91. The use of land with Irrigation has became more intensive and the farmers are able to harvest more than one crop in irrigated tracts. The extent of total cropped area sown with single and double crops has increased, leading an increase in intensity in cropping pattern. The quantum of production of groundnut, wheat, cotton mustard and grain crops has increased sufficiently. 43 Table 2.11 Cropping pattern In IGCCA of Western Rajasthan Area In per centage Name of Crops Stage-I Stage-II A. Kharif Crops Jowar 58 45 Bajra 16 47.5 Moth 3.5 4.5 Til 2.5 1.5 Narma Cotton 14 Paddy 2 Groundnut 5 Others 5 B. Rabl Crops. Wheat 52.5 29.5 Gram 22.5 39.5 Mustard 13 12 Others 12 19 Source I ORG, Survey Report, 1990. 44 Table 2. iii Yield Levels of Some Selected Crops in IGCCA. Crops Yields of Crops (qnt/ha ) 1980-82 1990-9 2 vnieat 20.38 30,33 Gram 6.47 10,64 Mustard 9.04 12.34 Groundnut 14.65 15.93 Cotton 10.15 18.20 source i TGCP. Head Office. Jaipur, 1992. due tio an Increase In area under these crops, increase in yields per hectare of crops. With the conpletion of the project and full development of irrigation potentials, the canal command area is expected to production 37 lakh tonnes of food crops, i«e., 14.5 lakh tonnes from 1 o stage-I and 22.5 lakh tonnes from stage-II. f. Use of Modern Agricultural Inputs } when water brought to area by Indira Gandhi Canal is provided incentives to the cultivaters to follow ia^rove6 45 agricultural practices. In general, it is cA>s€rved that most of the allottes in stage-Z comnand area now using inproved high yielding varities of seed, chemical fertilizers and pesticides to sustain higher crop yields. The use of highyielding varities of seed, fertilizers and pesticides is more common in stage-I as conpared to stage-II canal command area. In stage-I canal command area, more than 40 per cent of the farmers are using hybrid seeds, 60 per cent of them use chemical fertilizers while 55 oer cent spray pesticides as plant protection measures. In the stage-II Indira Gandhi canal command area the agriculture very recently is less developed due to the poorness of the cultivators. Therefore, they practice traditional methods of cultivation. Tabl e 2. iv use of agricultural inputs in IGCCA. Areas in per cent Stage-I Stage-II Stage-II Total S.No, Particulars Irrigated Onirriga- areas. t4d and lift area 1. High Yielding Varities (HYV) 40 8 5 53 2. Fertilizers 60 12 16 88 3. Pesticides 55 7 2 64 SOURCE : ORG, Survey Report, 1990. 46 In adequacy of water supply has been one of the major reasons for the backwardness of agriculture. 13 g. Crops and Diseases t Two Important crops of wheat and Barley are highly succeptlble to attack of rusts, smuts and leaf spot. Of these black (Pycclnlagrammls trltchl) yellow (P. glumarum) and orange (P. rublgo. veratrltlcl) are the most Important rusts Infecting the wheat crops. Rust resistant varieties have now been Introduced which suffer very little loss due these diseases. The smut that course considerable damage to wheat crop are covered smut or belnt (Tllletla Foellda ) and loose smut (ustllagotrltles), The farmer Is controlled by treat ment with formaldyhyde and organic mercury ccwipounds (Agroson, G.N.). Now resistant varltles have been Introduced particul arly in stage-I Qanal command area* The loose Smut is also controlled by treatment with Agroson G.N, as well as hot water treatment of seed. Covered snut and loose smut of barley are similarly controlled in Stage-I and Stage-II command areas. In case of maize, Helmlnthoporium maydis or corn leaf blight some time causes immense loss particularly lift canal region of stage-I, Cercosparezeae-mydls or leaf spot occas. lonally seriously Infect when water sources become flooded 47 in some areas of Lunkaransare^ Kanwarsen lift, AniQ>garh flow region of stage-I. Some times in wet season, leaf spotdisease in stage-II area particularly in Jaisalmer and Barmer command areas have also been recognised on the leaves of the crops. Kernel Smut some time ^pear on the crops. It is essential to treat the seed prior to sowing with copper sulphate. In Case of pearl millet both in stage.I and Stage-II areas green ear disease is most important. 14 C. COMMAND AREA DEVEDOPMENT PROGRAMME IN INDIRA GANDHI CANAL PROJECT t The command area Development Programme (CADP) is an Integrated Area Development (IAD) approach towards the command area of major and medium irrigation projects in the country. This programme is aimed at bridging the gap between created irrigation potential and its utilisation in the command areas of major and medium irrigation projects. The Fifth Five Year Plan document enphasised the need of implementing this progra mme in all the major and medium projects in the country. The canal command area development programme was introduced in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command area in 1974. Out of the total areas of 5*25 lakh hectares under Stage-I, 1.87 lakh hectares has been developed under phase-I 48 (IDA Assistant) project and 0.46 lakh hectares area of Bikanar Kanwarsen lift canal developed with the state's own resovarces. Under phase-II of St age-I (IF AD Assisted) Project OFD work was started to cover 1.44 lakh hectares.- An additional area of 0.27 lakh hectares was proposed to be taken v:p during the current year in phase-II. Phase-I of stage-I project assisted by IDA was started in July, 1974. This project included 1 inning of water courses in 2 lakh hectares besides linning of branches and distrlbuteries in Indira Gandhi Canal Project. The initial conpletion date of the project was 30th June, 1980, which was further extended to June, 1983 and then to December, 1983. It has been possible to cover 1,87,255 hectares with lined water courses along with linning of branches, distrlbuteries and minors xjp to 74 km. The IF AD assisted the project and the work to be resumed from 4th January, 1980, to include the construction of water courses linning for 2.46 lakh hectares. The work of Survey and planning and preparation of Chak plans and execution there of was started during 1980-81. The work or water courses linning has been coctp- leted for 1,32,523 hectares by March, 1986. It was further propo sed for linning \xp water courses for 24,200 hectares during the year 1986-87. The importance of this programme was because it required efficient utilization of irrigation water and over all 49 economic and ecologJxral development with the following consid erations. i. Conveyance loss of water was about 30 to 50 per cent below out let level in sandy soils. This resulted not only under utilization of scarce resources like water but also led to water logging and soil salinity and hence it adversely affected crc^ yields. ii. AS the area was newly settled therefore, it required civic amenities, infrastructural facilities and supply of modern agricultural inputs. ill. The wind erosion and desertification was causing siltation in Canal area and its distributeries and water courses. Besides these, extensive culturable areas were under the risk of soil erosion. The command area development programme was introduced in the Indira Gandhi Ganal Command area in 1974 and was entrusted the following tasksj 1. On-farm development which includes surveying, and planning water course 1 inning, land levelling, shaping and reclaimations of degraded lands. ii. Affoire Stat ion and posture development which includes canal side and road side plantations and block plantation near new 50 settlements, sand dune stabilisation and posture development on culturable waste land. iii. Providing communication and civic amenities which includes the construction of roads, connecting the settlements with market towns, construction of new market towns and supplying of drinking water. iv. Availability of modern agricultural inputs includes on assured supply of high-yielding rarities of seeds chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides and providing agricultural extention and training facilities to the farmers. Implementation of this programme has helped in bringing the more land under irrigation and that has increased the water-ase efficiency. D. IMPACT OF IRRIGATION ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT! Deficiency of soil-moisture has been a limiting factor in agricultural development in Western Rajasthan, particularly in the districts of Oaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer. Irrigation facility by IGCP has led in increasing the extent of net sown and double cropped area. 51 Table- 2.V Salient Features of Indira Gandhi Canal Project S.No. Particulars Units Stage-I State-II Total 6 1. Length of the Main canal (i) Indira Gandhi Feeder km 204 204 (ii) Indira Gandhi Maincal km 189 256 445 Total km 39 3 256 649 2. Length of Distribution (i) Flow areas km 2743 3152 5895 (ii) Lift areas km 332 1960 2292 Total km. 3075 5112 8187 3. Culturable command Area (i) Flow areas Lakh ha. 4.79 7.00 11.79 (ii) Lift areas Lakh ha. 0.46 3.12 3.58 Total 5.25 10.12 15.37 4. Irrigation potential on Lakh ha. 5.78 8.10 13.88 Full Development 5. Irrigation Intensity per ctnt 110 80 190 6. Water requirement Million 3.59 4.00 7.59 acre feet 7. Drinking and industrial use of water Cusecs 300 9x00 1200 8. Cost Crore RS. 246 1420 1666 9. Annual Food Production Lakh 14.50 22.50 37.00 tonnes 10. Districts benefited i« Sri-Ganganagar ii. Bikaner iii. Jaisalmer vi. Barmer sources 1. Special Hand Book Bulletin. IGCP Head Office, Jaipur 1992. 2. fecial Hand book bulletin.District Office, Bikaner, 1993. R- 3eas INDlRii GANDHI C/iNAL PROJECT >;ariJ^!? 3arr£ iCl-i u ••'.; r ^ P rial o r .n-jTir ;.rK' U an Fans g ar '"~> jn.lor Flo\/ ...u: at," a rl> (• ratrain .Vj JTi-i--: r r 10 •• Ar ^l":garn cyst Pi ;--=. 1 ^yste •jX^' -; -..tt or stem^ / f .":> rr- /yfL 3^ rs 'ir ^r ••- '-^ :hi; ''.;: ir. : ii /z/!^ 'St 1 .r-' -1 ^1 Q O ^ 1 —'•'•>• "^ 1 •, •. ' -^^ 1" ,'-> I FIG. I 53 Table-2.vi Development of Irrigation in IGCP- Yearwise Year s e a s o n Total Kharif Rabi ( Area in Lakh Hectares) 12 3 4 1964-65 0.04 0.17 0.21 1965-66 0.13 0.18 0.31 1966-67 0.30 0.18 0.48 1967-68 0.39 0.43 0.82 1968-69 0.40 0.59 0.99 1969-70 0.60 0.81 1.41 1970-71 0.68 1.06 1.74 1971-72 0.75 1.08 1.83 1972-73 0.88 1.11 1.99 1973-74 0.97 1.27 2.24 1974-75 0.93 1. 65 2. 58 1975-76 1.20 1.68 2.88 1976-77 1.12 1. 66 2. 78 1977-78 1.15 1.78 2.9 3 1978-79 1.29 1.68 2.88 1979-80 1.39 1.66 2^78 1980-81 1.59 1.78 2.93 1981-82 1.71 1.92 3.21 1982-83 1.84 2.08 3.47 1983-84 1.91 2.01 3.60 1984-85 1.89 2.43 4.32 1985-86 2.27 2.48 4.75 1986-87 2-09 2.23 4.32 1987-88 2.45 2.24 5.19 1988-89 2.34 2.95 5.39 1989-90 2.44 1.65 4.09 1990-1991 2.49 3.07 5.56 1991-1992 2.52 3.21 5.73 source ; Office ooif the Chief Engineer, IGCP, Jaipur. 54 o o o in m m o I in OV o 00 00 m 00 CM I CM CO vo • • CM• • o• o• 00 o o o in M-l o -o 00 in o CM in r^ CO CM CO O CO c CM I in • • • V r- o 00 (0 (V x: 01 +> (0 >t •P o 43 i V < o O (0 CM vo 00 o o r- M I rH 5 10 •H CM n CM in O 00 n vo O vo I •p I • • • • • • CO o V Q. in o o V Sr CO MH m O "D o (0 (U c 0) o X •H (0 •p (TJ (0 CO 8 •* rH (0 H H •p « r^ 1 c 1 Table 2.vill Creation of Additional Potentials (IGCPCA) S.No. Particulars CCA Ultimate potential Likely Likely poten- created create creation tial ifl? to end ion of of poten- of 6th potent- tial uptc plan ial the end during of the 7th 7th plan Plant (in Lakh hectares ) Stage-I 1. Km. 0-74 3.70 4.07 4.05 0.02 4.07 2. km. 74-189 1.09 1.20 1.15 0.05 1.20 3. BLL Canal 0.46 0.51 0.45 0.06 0.51 Total 5.25 5.78 5.65 0.13 5.78 Stage-II 1. Flow areas 7.00 5.60 0.47 1.38 1.85 2. Lift areas 3.12 2.50 - Total 10.12 8.10 0.47 1.38 1.85 Total of stage I&II 15.37 13.88 6.12 1.51 7.63 Source - District Head Office ^Bijcaner. 56 Table -2. ix Percentages of Netsown Area in Total Geographical Area and Double Cropped Area to Net Sown Area- IGCCA(Yearvvise). 1971-72 21.70 8.00 1972-73 23.32 9.89 1973-74 24,16 12.92 1974-75 26.67 14.47 1975-76 29.28 17.17 1976-77 28.48 16.18 1977-78 30.45 19.10 1978-79 31.52 22.10 1979-80 29.08 25.45 1980-81 32.85 32.30 1981-82 33.05 33.25 1982-83 34.85 35.60 1983-84 33.58 36.98 1984-85 35.57 38.70 1985-86 37.29 39.50 1986-87 36.30 41.80 Stage -II D.N.A. D.N.A. D.N.A. -Data Not Available source- IGCP, Head Office, Jaipur. 57 The cropping pattern ia the district of Ganganagar^ Bikaner, oaisalmer and Barmer has changed drastically with the introduction of irrigation. As shown in table ( 2.3c) the commercial crops like cotton, groundnut, and food crops like wheat mustard occv^jy about 60 per cent of the gross cropped area in stage-I of the canal command. Wheat only occupied On«-Third of the gross cropped area in 1989-90 in the CCA, which is followed by cotton, mustard and jowar. Groundnui has emerged as a major irrigated crop's which is grown in Kharif season in the lower parts of the canal command area. Table 2«x Percentage of Area Under Selected Crops in the Groas Cropped Area in IGCCA. Years 1974-75 1980-81 1984-85 Stage-I Paddy 2.95 1.96 2.05 Bajra 5.74 0.94 0.97 Jowar 15.29 17.80 16.21 Gram 26* 24 26.50 10.75 Mustard 12.95 8.14 16.37 Groundnut - 0.30 6.61 Sugarcane 0.95 0.37 0,57 Cotton 9.08 19.51 19.16 Stage-II D.N.A. D;N.A. D.N.A. D.N.A. - Data Not Available SOURCE I IGCP, Head Office, Jaipur. 58 Total production and productivity of crops per ha. has increased in the canal command area of the districts of Wfestern Rajasthan. Table-2.xi Yield Levels of Scxne Selected Crops in IGCCA. Crops Years 1980-82 1990-92 (in quintals /ha) (in quintals /ha) Gram 6.47 10.64 Wheat 20.38 30.33 Groundnut 14,65 15.93 Mustard 9.47 10.64 Cotton 10.15 15.93 Source J IGCp, Head Office, Jaipur. Table (2.xi) shows that per ha. yield of cotton, groundnut, wheat, mustard and gram has increased consistently, whereas the yields of jowar, bajra, paddy have remained fluctuating, because these crops do not receive adequate irrigation. The production of groundnut, wheat, cotton, mustard and gram crops has increased r^idly, because of a r^id increase in area under these crcps as more and more land has 59 been brought under plough and that is responsible for increa sing the levels of production. It is expected that with the full development of irrigation in the command area is the food- grains production with amount to 37 lakh tonnes with a break of 14.5 lakh tonnes in stage-I, and 22.5 lakh tonnes in stage-II. 17 60 E. AFFORESTATION IN INDIRA GANDHI CANAL COMMAND AREA With acute dry conditions, the process of affarestation in this tract seems to be a difficult task. Neverthless, plan tation of trees under this harsh climatic condition is inportantfor protecting the environment fran severity of temperature and excessive loss of water from the plants and the ground. As the amount of precipitation is scanty, unreli able, unevenly distributed and is extremly periodic in nature. The rates of evaporation and evapotranspiration are extremely high during the summer monsoon months between July and Septembe r. The Indira Gandhi canal command area has revealed that prior to the introduction of irrigations the underground water table ranged between 34 and 45 metres, (during 1970-79) but after the introduction of irrigation , it has risen on an average from 1.2 to 1.7 metre pre annum. Very recently in 15 1990-91 it has further reson 0.8 metre, ( Kavadia,'1994). This rise in the under under ground water table has helped in planting more and more trees under the programme of afforesta tion in IGCCA. The success of plantation exceeds more than 90 per cent, especially in irrigated parts of Stage-I and Stage-II. The process of afforestation is vital to mitigate the harsh environment within the command area and aS well as to reduce maintenance cost of canal and roads. It was in this 61 context the process of afforetation was initiated on an experienental basis during the period of 1962-66. Subsequ ently suitable species of plants with a package of techniques were introduced under the scheme of "economic plantation, from 1965. A regular phase of afforestation continued in the IGCCA. The programme was later on f innanced by the vi.orld Food Programme during the period 19 71-75. The works was taken u?) in different phases with the assistance given by world Bank. Moreover, the process of afforestation continued with other plan programmes, such as the Desert Development Programme (DDP) and the Tree Planting Programme. Tree plant ation helps to protect the canals and roads from hurrying with the shifting sand dunes, in addition to that these trees also provide shelter to cattle and human be ings and improve the landscape. On full maturity these trees will be the source of timber and fuel wood to the natives of the region. The main objectives of the afforestation programme are: i. to reduce wind velocity, check dust starms and drifting Sand. ii. to check the silting of canal from the ever drifting Sand. iii. to inprove the micro-climatic conditions and the eco system of the canal command area • 62 iv. to meet the demand of the fire wood, timber and for>der of the existing as well as of the projected population including districts, V. to creat enployment apportunities for the land less and poor villagers of the neighbouring districts, vi. to enhance the aesthetic beauty of the region. In stage-I, during phase-I (1979), the afforestation on 8000 ha. of land along the canal and road and in near by villages, and 35000 ha. of land was covered to stabilitation sand dunes for the development of pastures has been conpleted. Under Stage-I, phase-II (1982), an advance action was taken during the year 1979-80. at the cost of RS. 127.35 million^ which was sponsored by IFAD. The total cost on afforestation progranune in stage>I comes to Rs. 200 million. Under the project, a shelter belt of 4,000 hectares for plantation along the canal to top wind-blown sands from clogg ing was made. Another 1950 hectares of shelter belt plan tation was done along the road to save the land from wind erosion, 1850 hectares was devoted to made available fuel- wood to the villagers , 31,000 hectaes of sandune's stabi lization through Planting grasses, shrubs and fodder trees for controlled pasture lands, and 7,000,000 plants were distributed to cultivators for planting along lined water courses and aS shelter belt to the individual fields. 63 Table-2.xil Plantation Done in IGCCA in Two Different Phases Stage-I S, No. Particulars Units Project Actual Achieved Eicpen- target all- diture otment Rs. of (in target millioi 1 2 3 4 5 6 On -•Going Project - Under world Bank Assistance Stage-I, Phase-I (1974-79) 72.89 i. Canal side Plantation Ha. 5500 5500 5500 ii. Road Side Plantation Ha. 700 700 700 ^ iii. Fuel wood plantation Ha. 1800 1800 1800 . iv. Pasture devel cement Ha. 35000 35000 35000 - Stag fe-I, Phase-II, (1980-82) 127.3 i. Canal side plantation Ha. 30000 1500 1500 . ii. Road side plantation K.M. 500 225 225 .» iii. Fuelwood plantation Ha. 1850 700 700 ^ iv. Pasture development Ha. 31000 9780 9780 _ V. Farm trees Millions 7.0 7.0 7.0 - Source : Rajasthan Forest Department, Jaipur. 64 The work was carried out under various scheme with the assistance under world Food Progranune. Where shelter belt plantation along canal, road and village plantation for 2,000 hectare and sand dunes stabilization or posture development for 16,250 hectares were completed. The following main strips of land were remarked for plantation except 5 metres for cart-track along the canal. 1. Along Indira Gandhi Main Canal, 120 metres of either side from the toe of the canal bound (runp), ii.Along branches, 60 metres on either side from the toe of the canal bund. iii.Along distributeries 20 metres on either side from the toe of the canal bund. iv. Along roads 15 metres on either side from the shoulder 18 Of the roads. t). Afforestation in Staqe-II An advance action for creation of a canal side plant ation of Over 1,200 hectares was initiated during 1979-80 and the planting work has been conpleted. The aims of stage-II was alike Stage-I, shelterbeit plantations along the canal to Save than from wind erosion, irrigation block plantation 65 near village for fuel-wood, irrigated plantation for indus trial purposes, from forestry, sand dune stabilization and posture development and plantation protection. According to plans 18,040 hectares of shelter belt along canal , 2,500 hectares of shelter belt along roads, 6,000 hectares of village plantation, 10,000 hectares of industrial plantation 75,000 hectares of sand dune stabili zation and 3.5 million plants for farm forestry will be developed in near future (Table 2 xiii). All these plant ation of trees, particularly in three districts, i.e. Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer. Out of these, highest is in Bikaner followed by Jaisalmer and Barmer.The expenditure of plantation, closures, staff etc. is likely to be RS. 256.20 million for the whole stage-ll Afforestation Programme (Table 2. xiii) with the availability of the amount from various sources, the work scheduled to be conpleted by 1986-87 . The main difference of work between Stage-I and Stage-II, is the plantation's of trees, the experience of stage-I and proper guidance by the projects officials will definitely be benifited with the completion of Stage-II. A number of benefits to be realized with the process of afforestation will eventually affect the area tremendously,^^ 66 Table 2.xili Affarestation Prograitune Under Stage-H (IGCFA) S.No. Particulars Units Phase-I Phase-II Total i. Shelter belt along canal sides HaHa.. 11760 6850 18610 ii. Shelter belt along Road sides Ha.. 1000 1500 2500 iii.Village plantation Ha. 3000 3000 6000 iv.Industrial plantation Ha. 5000 5000 10000 V. Sand dune stabilization No. of 45000 30000 75000 plants vi.Farm Forestry in 1.5 2.0 3.5 mil1 ion vii.Total Expenditure Rs. 256.20 277.90 534.10 in million Source : Office of the Rajasthan Forest Department , Jaipur. 67 F. FUEL WX)D i The fuel needs of pec^le in IGCCA are met from Khejrl (Prosopis cineraria) trees found in for and wider areas, Eucaly- ptous trees along the canal and the Phog (Colligonum polygnoids) bushes were planted with the laying of irrigation. With the expension in settlement and enormous increase in population, the supply of fuel wood falls short of the supply. In the future terms it seems, that the requirements of fuel will be not with burning cow-dungs, camel dung and agricultural wastes. New plant species evolved are known by different names like, Dalbergia sissoo. Acacia tortillis. Acacia niloliec. and Eucalyptus canialdulenses. The lining of plants is done by spacing them at 5 by 3 metres, thus giving 665 plants per hectare . These trees will be effective to the areas which lies in wind ward direction and rulnerable to soil erosion and will ameliorate the micro-climatic environment of the region. The scarcity of alternative medium of fuel has led to a heavy pressure on scarce vegetation in the entire state of Rajasthan. For instance, the Phog shrubs (Alligonum polygonoids), which has deep roots and can hold the sand, is being uprooted a medium of fuel. Similarly the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) can with stand scorching heat and is idealy suited for the desert environment, has been wt on an extensive scale. Sewan gr«>ss, a nutritious fodder which 68 Can growing the desert with animal moisture is disappearing because of over grazing and the use of tractars which disturb 20 the thin layer of top soil. O, DRINKING WATER SOURCES IN IGCCA a. Drinking Water Supplies In Staqe-I : In most of the canal command area of stage-I, drinking water is freely available through the canal diggis and the free canal surfaces through out the year. This task has been confirmed with the absorbtions being gathered from diggis and canal surface water supplies which constitute 58 and 33 per cent is surveyed villages respectively. In the remaining villages, people have to depend on water supplies well water (6%) and tube-well water (3%) for drinking purpose . b. Drinking Water Supplies in Staqe-II : In Stage-II at command area, about 85 per cent of the settlement has water si^plies from canal for drinking purpose Out of these 62 per cent of settlement is served through Canal diggis, while 23 per cent water is obtained directly from canal. Only 15 per cent of the people in the settlement use tubewell for drinking purpose . In unirrigated tracts of stage-H command, only 30 per cent of the settlements are yet to be covered under this 69 Table 2.xiv sources of Drinking Water supply in IGCCA (1990) S.No. Particulars Sources of drinking water Well Tubevell Canal Direct Tank {%) diggis Canal (%) (%) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Stage-I 6 3 58 33 Nil < Stage-II Irrigated Areas Nil 15 62 23 Nil Unirrigated Area Nil 71 17 12 Nil Lift Area 12 59 12 12 5 Total Stage I&II (average) 4 51 28 15 2 Source : ORG,, Sample Survey Rergort-1990 . scheme • At present remaining 70 per cent of the people use under ground water lifted through tube-wells. In the Lift canal command area, ground water is the main 21 source of water for drinking and domestic uses. 70 H. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY : Animal husbandry plays an inportant role and is of great significance in the economy of the IGCCA. The Canal command area is inhabited, particularly by the nomadic tribes and landless peoples who depends primarily t5>on live stock for their sustenance. Animal husbandry provides a full or partial etrployment to the local population. For the pastoral families, animal husbandry is the major income gene rating activity. This sector accounts for about 14 per cent of the total income of state and canal command area contributes about 3.9 2 per cent (out of 14 per cent) and thus 18.78 per cent of the country's total production of wool comes from this region. 22 a. Livestock population Livestock population in the districts of western Rajasthan for the year 1983 is shown in Table 2.xv. Out of the State's total livestock population of about 49 5 lakh, more than 20 per cent of which is contributed by the districts of Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer. These districts sbow an increase in the number of Livestock by 100 per cent over a period of last 29 years (19 56 to 1983) as against state's growth of 53 per cent during the same period. The largest increase in livestock population has been recorded 71 in the district of Ganganagar (128 per cent ), which is followed by Bikaner (120 per cent), Jaisalmer (91 per cent), and Barmer (90 per cent). In these districts sheep and goats are the main constituents of livestock wealth (about 68%). The contri bution of cattle and buffaloes stands for about 25 per cent. b. Breeds of Livestock In the stage-I canal commands area Rathi is the dominent cattle breed, Kankarej^ Nagori and Hariyani are the other cattle breeds. Table - 2,XV Variation in Livestock Population - 19 56-83 Districts Livestock population (in lakh) 1956 1983 Percent increased over 1956-1983 1 2 3 4 Ganganagar 10,23 23,30 128 Bikaner 9,49 20.91 120 Jaisalmer 8,56 16.31 91 Barmer 17,31 32.84 90 Rajasthan State 324,27 495.09 53 source t Office of the Directorate of Animal Husbandry,Jaipur 72 Among the sheep Nali and Puqal are the dominant breeds, which are famous for the wool used in carpets making. The breeders generally carry out two or three shearing of wool per sheep ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 kg. per annum. In the stage-I command, Duffaloes of Mehsana and Murrah breeds are owned by the natives. In the Stage-Il canal cornnand area Rathi breeds is invariably be seen in parts of Bikaner district. In Jaisalmer and lift command of stage-ll, these two breeds are considered to be good dairy breed and bear a character of drought resistance. Table -2.xvi Livestock Population in IGCCA. Districts Livestock pcopulatio n in lakh (1983) Cattle Buffalow Goat Sheep Others Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ganganagar 6. 23 4.18 4.13 6.14 2.62 23. 30 Bikaner 4. 56 0.57 3.96 10.80 1.02 20. 91 Jaisalmer 2. 60 0.01 4.05 8.75 0.90 16. 31 Barmer 4. 91 0.41 13.35 11.57 2.24 32. 84 Total 18. 30 5.17 25.49 27.26 6.78 83. 02 Source I Office of the Directorate of Animal husbandry, Jaipur. 73 Similarly, among sheep breeds, Puqal and Nali are dominent in parts of the district of Bikaner and Jaislmer, while Jaisaimeriand Marwari breeds are cornmon in parts of the district of Jaisalmer and Barmer. Jaisalmeri and Marwari are low wool yielding breeds. Most of the breeders of canal connmand area undertake one or two shearings for sheep per annum , Table -2»xvii Distribution of Majar sheep Breeds in IGCCA. Particulars Breeds found in (CCA) districts Marwari Barmer Jaisalmeri Jaisalmer, Parts of Barmer Pugal Bikaner, Parts of Jaisalmer Magra or Bikaneri Bikaner Nali Ganganagar, Bikaner Chokla Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer Source t Office of the Directorate of Animal husbandry,Jaipur. 74 Bikaneri camel breeds are dominent throughout the IGCCA. 23 No specific breeds are observed among gOats. c. Size Of Live Stock Holding The average size of livestock holding per household is reasonably large throughout the IGCCA, which is a clear indication of livestock based economy is being sustained in the region. Among surveyed households of Stage-I command average livestock holding size worksout about 124 per household, consisting of 9 cattle, 88 sheep, 26 goats and one camel. Out of these 124 animals on an average there are 22 milch animals. Out of 117 households surveyed in Stage-I command, about 15 per cent of them hold large size herds of animals, exceeding 200 while 27 per cent households range from lOO to 200. About 25 per cent house-holds have reported live stock holding less than 50 animals. Those who hold few live stocks are mostly cultivators and cattle breeders, as it is considered that the keeping of sheep less than 50 is economi cally nonviable. In the stage-II canal command area, average size of livestock holding is comperatively larger than in stage-I canal command area. It is of the order of 164 per household. 75 consisting of 9 cattle, 115 sheep, 35 gOats and 3 camels. Highest livestock holding size confines to unirrigated flow command (177), followed by irrigated flow command (163) and lowest in the Lift areas (155). However, the average number of milch animals per household comes 26. Out of 156 surveyed households in Stage-I canal command, about 54 per cent households have reported are average livestock holding more than 100, only 15 per cent survey households have a herd size, less than 50 animals. Table 2.xviii Status of Livestock population in IGCCA. Particulars No. of Number of Livestocks household: Cattle Sheep Goat Camel. Other Toi Stage-I 117 1006 10281 3072 86 60 1450 Stage-II Irrigated area 29 202 3315 1120 48 30 4715 Unirrigated area 51 587 5829 2188 332 100 9036 Lift area 76 647 8836 2196 115 12 11806 Total Stage-II 156 1436 17980 5504 49 5 142 25557 SOURCE: ORG Sample Survey Report, 1990. 76 In the stage-II command most of the breeders hold large size flocks of sheeps and goats: H majority of sheep and goats constitutes the breeds which are kept by Rajputs, Sindhis and Muslims. Table-2«xix Distribution of Households by Live»Stock holding size in IGCCA. Particulars No.of house- Number of household by livestock hold (Sd) holding size 50 51-100 101-200 201- Stage-I 117 29 39 32 17 (25) (33) (27) (15) Stage-II Irrigated areas 29 5 5 10 9 areas 51 5 20 13 13 Lift areas 76 13 23 24 16 Total Stage-II 156 23 48 47 38 (15) (31) (30) (24) Notej Figure in brackets indicate percentage of total survey household. source J ORG Sanple Survey Report, 1990. 77 d. Major Livestock Diseases in IGCCA Normally, in IGCCA livestock breeds*^f«siila^fl^sed to be disease resistant mainly due to dry and hot climatic conditions. However, there are certain animal diseases which occurs frequ ently, mainly because of lack of grazing or migration of herds and flocks, particularly in the stage-II canal command area Livestock diseases very oftenly repotted are foot and Jtrouth diseases (F and M), Fox (mata), Rinderpest (KhaSara). These diseases are frequently observed in cattle and sheep. 25 Liver fluck (Galatiyo), warming diahorrea, pnemonia, etc* lead to high mortality among sheep. e. Veterinary Hospitals and Dairying Network Animal husbandry alongwith agriculture from the main economic base of pastoral families in the IGNPC. Livestock population is also quite high in the region. Hence better status of dairying network and veterinary hospitals is necessary. However, it can be observed from the data of various surveys, that most of the settlements do not have above facilities adequately. Out of 31 surveyed settlements in Stage-I command, about 55 per cent settlements have vaterinary facilities within the rangeof 10 km distance from the settlements while 29 per cent settlement have to depend on veterinary facilities located at a distance within the range of 11-20 km. 78 In the stage-II command^ out of the 47 surveyed Settlements^ about 47 per cent settlement have veterinary facilities within the range of 10 km distance from the sett lement, while 32 per cent of settlements utilise these facili ties located at a distance of more than 20 km. It is cAjserved during the survey, that all the Tehsil headquarters are having veterinary facilities, while the remote location are assisted by mobile units. Most of the settlers have to travel long distance with their animals to reach the Tehsil headquarters for taking treatments. Due to poor transportation network and distance between settlements being too large the observed dairy route network is very poor. In the stage-I canal command area, out of the 31 surveyed settlements, only 19 settlement have milk collection facilities within the village or in the range of 10 km. from the settlements. In the remaining 12 village nearest dairy route is located at a distance of not less than 20 km. In Stage^II canal command area particularly in lift area has a good dairy network. About 70 per cent of surveyed settlements have access to dairy route within the range of 10 km from the settlement sites, ^n the otherhand in flow command area>status of dairy network is relatively poor. 79 During the survey, it was observed that most of the villagers sale milk or milk products either within the settle- 26 meat*8 or in a nearby settlement. I. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Transportation is any form is a pre-requisite for the development of any area, since it helps the pe<^le in better interaction with each other at various level and is considered to be a life line for the mobility of goods . a* Staqe-I canal command In the stage-I canal command area particularly in the districts of Ganganagar and Bikaner Command, due to the canal irrigation development, road network has been Inproved under Command Area Development Programme (CADP). It is observed that most of the settlements in this region are having the good Pucca road network and bus stand facilities. In case of stage-I canal command area about 80 per cent settlements have bus faci- lities either within the villages or newly settled areas or within the range of 6 km. distance from the settlement. b. Stage-II Canal Command AS cornpare to stage-I, Stage-II has a poor transport network except for border area, because this region is Inqpor- tant from political and defence strategic point's of view, and thus has a good road transportation system. 80 In the stage-II^ two-third of the settlement have bus stand facilities either within the new settlements or at a distance within the range of 5-10 km. from the settlement. In the flow command , about 39 per cent settlement have bus faci lities within the range of 5-10 km. distance from settlement. In the case of lift canal area most of the village are connected by busstand facilities within the settlement or within the range of 5 km. Inproved conditions of transportation In lift areas of this stage are attributed to good road network and proximity of villages to town. If It Is critically examine, the over all state of transportation z&etwork It is very poor In Indira Gandhi Canal Project Command Area(IGCCPA). Many of the private vehicle owner operate their own services, 27 J. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMEKT Industries play an Inportant role In the growth of urban centres^ becaiise industrialisation and urbanization are closely corelated with each other. The process of Industr ialisation is responsible for bringing new changes in the society . It is mainly responsible for the vast social changes which occur in the society, economic and political institution. Social and economic planning and administrative infrastructure. The development in the society is also guaged Interms of Industrial growth. Which results in providing a scale of 81 standard of living of the pecple. The process of Industriali sation in the canal command area has not started due to li^rqper organisation of resources and also the society is absolutely agrarian. Only wool-based and agro-based small scale industries at primary level are in the existance. The industrial backwardness is due to the desert conditions and low level of economic development. Other responsible factors are : absence of power and communication^ raw materials, lack of knowledge of local resources and non-availability of trained, men power. Besides these, the surplus income of the settlers ia also very low, with agriculture being at primary stage of development • However, with the development of the region some small scale agrobased industries like oil processing, agricul tural equipment manufacturing units, cotton textiles etc. have came vp. For small scale industries development, district Indus, trial Development Centre (DIDC) located at district headquarters, provide credits to assist the local population. ^^ Evidently the IGCCA has got a very weak industrial footing, due to lack of minerals, power and other related res ources. There are no large scale industrial units except in highly localised areas, particularly in Ganganagar and north Bikaner district canal command, because the availability of water resoxirce from other sources like Ganga Canal and Bhakhra 62 canal, and also Inport mineral resources, this part o£ western Rajasthan has a previous base for industrial activity. And in other parts of canal command area, in the districts of Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barroer have only small scale, cottage and housetofiOid industries developed. This underline and over wholing dependence on the two basic sustenence industry-agriculture and Pastoralisra, but agricu lture, as a depressed industry. The only available coal reserves (Lignite) at Palana, near Bikaner are nearge to be taken into account of this region. Water over large tracts except (irrigational purchages particularly in stage-Xl command area is not easly available even for domestic uses, not to speak of Hydroelectric potential. Hopes have been tied with recent exploration for the search of oil in Jaisalmer area, but it would be over complacent to be optimistic on that account. The industrial units of the IGCCA can classified into following categories t 30 a. Aqro~based Industries This group includes the industries which are mostly dependent upon agriculture, such as grains, rice and dalmilling, oil extraction. Khandsari sugar making, hydrogenerated oil, pasturization of milk, malt, aerated drinks, wine preparation 83 etc. Besides this cotton ginning,balling, dyeing are also included in this category. b. Woollen Industry AS woolen Industry is livestock oriented, naturally it should be located near livestock oreeding and rearing centres* District Oaisalmer canal ccwunand area has highest concentration of live-stock population, followed by the district of Bikaner, Barmer and Ganganagar canal command area* But its actual conce ntration lies in Ganganagar and north-western part of Bikaner districts. More than 50 per cent of the woollen industry centres are located in Ganganagar, because this district promises to provide all the required infrastructural facilities. c. Cotton Industry It is fact the IGCp was taken up in Western Rajasthan districts particularly in the canal command area of Ganganagar and north-western parts of Bikaner districts, the production of cotton increased tremendously during the last 35 years. These two districts account for about 90 per cent of the cotton produ ction in western Rajasthan. The canal command area (CCA) of Ganganagar and north western Bikaner is alotted with ginning and processing plants located near the cotton producing areaS/ the establishment of cotton conplex, a cooperative venture about 15 km from here. 64 is proving to be a boon for the cotton growers. d. Forest Based Industry Those units which are totally based on forest products are included under this category, such as leather tanning and wood based industries. Leather tanning units do not exist in the region, wood-baSed industry are conprises, saw mills and furniture making. It is fact that this area being situated in the heart of arid tracts, the percentage of forest area ( for industrial uses ) are negligible. The industrial units engaged in furniture making^ particularly in urban centres of all the Canal command districts of western Rajasthan. The forest based industries of IGCCA are totally depends on imported timber from the neighbouring states of Rajasthan, such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, etc. are the major suppliers of industrial wood to this part of Rajasthan. e. Mineral Based -l^ndustry Due to the lack of mineral resources, the canal command area of Indira Gandhi has logged behind in mineral based indu stries. However, in recent decade a number of small scale mineral based units have came up in CCA, particularly in newly settled urban centres of district , Ganganagar, Bikaner and some parts of Jaisalmer. At present industrial development in 85 the CCA is almost absent, only raw oriental industries like wool industry, agrobased industry at primary level are in the existance. The industrial back wardness is due to the extreme climatic condition and a low level of economic devel opment, other responsible factors are the absence of power and communication facilities, lack of knowledge of local resources and non-availability of trained men power. Besides these, the surplus income settlers is also very low, with agriculture being at primary stage of development. 31 86 REFERENCES I, Chouhan, T.S,, Integrated Area Develoaroent of Indian Desert, Jodhpur, 1988, p. 148. 2* Comnand Area Development Programme in IGCP, Staqe-I &H, Final Report by CAD Authority, Bikaner, 1993, pp. 19-26. 3. Sharma, K., Indira Gandhi Canal, The Woves of a Canal > A mixed Bag for Rajasthan, Frontline, Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 1992, p.104. 4. Chouhan, T. S, op. cit., pp. 129-130. 5. Qureshi, M.H., India's t Resources and Regional Develop ment, New Delhi, 1992, pp. 103-110. 6. Sen, A.K., and Gqpta, K.H. Land Use Survey in Rajasthan Canal Command Area, CAZRI Annual Report, Jodhpur, 1977, pp. 38-49. 7. Singh, H., Indira Gandhi Nahar Project, Status Report by CAD Authority, Bikaner, 1991, pp. 45-48. 8. CAD Programme in IGCP, Op. cit., pp. 28-36. 9. ORG Sample Sarvev Report, on IGCP, Jaipur, 1990. 10. Qureshi, M.H., op. cit., pp. 108-117. II. Amit, K., Recent CropjSing Pattern in Indira Gandhi Canal Canmand Area of District Ganganagar, Rajasthan. The Hindustan Times, Oct. 13, 1984, New Delhi, p. 7. 12. Prohit, R., Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana, Published Prom IGCP Head Office (in Hindi), Jaipur, 199 3, pp. 11-16. 87 13. ORG Sanple Survey Report, On IGCPCA, Jaipur, 1990. 14. Sharma, B.L., Agriculture Typology of Rajasthan, Udaipur, 1983. 15. Qureshi, M.H., PP. clt., pp. 111-114. 16. Singh, H«, op. clt«, pp. 56-68. 17. Rajasthan Ki Kaya Plut, Special Hand Book Bulletin, (in Hindi), IGCP Head Off ice, Jaipur, 1993, pp.15-26. 18. SuJchwal, B.L., Preliminary Survey of the Development of Irrigation Facilities in the Thar Desert Area: A case study of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project Area, A Report of Inter-congress Meeting of the International Geographical Union working Group on Resources Management in Dry Lands (Eds. H.G. Mensching, Hamburg) held from March 22-31, in El Minia, Egypt, 1982, pp. 108-119. 19. Gv;5>ta, H.C, Projected Report on Afforestation Programme in Indira Gandhi Canal Project Area. Stage-H, Forest Department of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 1980, pp.1-77. 20. Sharma, K. cp.cit., pp. 103-105. 21. ORG Saiqple Survey Report On IGCP, Jaipur, 1990. 22. Chouhan, T. S., Op. cit. p. 151. 23. Office of the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Jaipur, 1993. 24. ORG Sanple Survey Report on loCP, Jaipur, 1990. 25. Malhotra, S.P., et al.. Population, Land Use and Livestock Coirposition in India and its Arid Zone, Annals of Arid zone. Vol. 11(3), 1977, pp. 116-139. 88 26. CAD Programme in IGCPCA, op. cit«» pp. 111-139. 27. Ibid., pp. 114-119. 28. ORG Sanple Survey Report, on IGCCA, Jaipur, 1990. 29. Chouhan, T. S, op. cit. pp. 179-181. 30. Prohit, R., op. cit., pp. 22-39. 83 PART-B_ ECOLOGlCAL_IMPACr_OF^TOIRA_GANDH:i_CMAL_PR^^ CRA.PTER-III 90 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF INDIRA GANDHI CANAL PROJECT One of the major events that has taken place with the introduction of Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGCP) in Western Rajasthan, it has a profound influence on the eco-system of the area. The area served by this system covers the district of Ganganagar« Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Banner of the western Rajasthan. The IGCP covered 3.97 million hactares until 1990-92 of, which the culturable command area accounted for 1.53 million hectares. The water through irrigation to be provided by the IGCP will of great influence on the farming of in this part. With the introduction of IGCP, the ecological contions, part icularly in the districts of Gaoganagar, Blkaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer Canal Command area have inproved. This zone can be classified into various major landforms (eco-system). The land- forms that have been formed under endogenic and climatically controlled exogenic process, are of different rock types. The fluvial process have formed vast alluvial plain under prolon ged wet phase. The sand dunes and sandy plains were formed by aeollon process during the prolonged dry phase. Fluvial and aeolion land form (ecosystem) due to significant variation in the morphopedolibgical characteristics have different pro duction potential . Prior to the introduction of irrigation, extensive areas were under rainfed condition . The introduction of IGCP has resulted good and ill effects on the biophysical potential of different ecosystems.^ 91 The introduction of IGCP has caused both, possitive and negative impacts on the biophysical potentials of the land. The Salient features and characters of these effects are* A. Possitive Ifinpacts of IGCP. B. Negative Itnpacts of lOCP. A- Possitive Impact of IGCP With the introduction of IGCP a lot of changes and improv ements are associated , particularly, with the microclioiate, aeolion activities and soil moisture regim, changes in land uses socio-economic conditions, development of animal husbandry, and the improvement in the standard of life of the people are some of the important possitive inpacts of canal irrigation in 2 western Rajasthan. a. Iinprovement in microclimate Irrigation in Western Rajasthan through IGCP has inproved the microclimate in the districts of Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer. This has resulted in minimizing the dessi. eating inpact of tenperature and strong winds on bi(Hnass pro duction and settlement. The harsh and inhospitable climate of these districts has become milder and favourable for the plants growth, and icreasing the habitatives both for human and animal population. b. Improvement in aeolian activities The aeolian activities which are responsible for sand drifting and degrading large acreages of agricultural land , 92 have reduced the acreage under degraded lands. In the IGCCA^ particularly, in Bikaner and in the Western parts of the district of Jaisaltner canal conunand area« the sandy hummocks and low dunes have been levelled and reclaimed for growing cereals, cash crops cotton. Groundnut and vegetables. The aeolian activities particularly well irrigation predominants in the parts of Barmer canal conunand area. Even the lands under aeolian effects have been reclaimed* c. Improvement in Soil moisture regime The 649 km. long IGCP is to flow in western Rajasthan to irrgate about 9*8 million hectares of parchedthirsty but fertile and virgin lands with the introduction of this canal more and more areas were brought with the canal command area, and itwas proposed to bring water resources directly and indirectly for irrigation. The moisture regime with in the soil has improved and their erodability has decreased. These tremendous changes have also influenced the fertility status of the soils, part icularly in Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts. The conpactness and moisture retention capacity of the the sandy soils has also iflproved. 4 d. Changes in the land use Conspicuous land use changes have resulted in the canal irrigated regions of western Rajasthan under different eco system. The lands which were brought in use under rainfed conditioni 93 before the introduction of IGCP are now being devoted for raising crops under irrigated conditions for gix>wing, wheat, gram, mustard fodder crops. The yield perhectare under irrig ated condition has also increased manifolds. Areas in which significant change in the cropping pattern and crops yield have taken place due to canal irrigation, are in the command 5 area of kanwarsen lift canal area, Ani^jgarh and Pugal . e. Changes in socio-economic conditions After the introduction of IGCP the climatic, physical and biological condition of the canal command area have lirproved, resulting in an increase in agricultural productivity and a change in cropping pattern. It was with the availability of irrigation water, the people of the western Rajasthan are now able to grow food and commercial crops like cotton, groundnut. Wheat mustard etc. Return from their outturns have added pro- sparity, particularly in the districts of Ganganagar, and Bikaner, where water is more easly available. More than 50 per cent of the farmers have purchased tractors and other agricul tural Implements to be used in farming, f. Some of the possitive Experiences of Indira Gandhi Canal Project The first water for irrigation through IGCP was made available in 1961. Some of the major possitive Impacts of 94 the IGCP are as follows t I. The canal water Is now available for drinking and other domestic needs. II. All major crops can be grown ivlth the help of canal water, ill.Rapid increase in population has led to an increase in the emergence of a number of villages, new colonies and mandies. iv. Inprovement in household income and expenditure structure. V. This has led to changes in the attitude and life style of the people resulting in a greater %irge for education and rise in mobility and ccmmunlcation. vi. Increasing in heterogenity of population, enhancing inter and intra-community interaction and quicker diffusion and adoption of technology of irrigated farming, vii.Remarkable changes in socio-economic conditions and spurt in all economic activities of the people. viii.Elimination of drought conditions, ix. Plantation of trees along canals and roads leading to a change in the flora of the area. X. Improvement in the micro-climate and decrease in the occurrence of sand storms, xi. Rise in ground water table at a rate of 0.8 metre per- year. 7 B. Negative Inpacts of IGCP If one critically examines, the Indira Gandhi canal project 95 is both glory and sarrow to western Rajasthan. The piroject is beset with a number o£ negative inpacts, when scaled on a long term basis it has resulted the creations of water logging cofiditions over thousand hectares of land, soil erosion, seepage problems, rise in water table per year at a faster rate, colonisation of blues and various unforeseen social maladies Q resulting from changing life style* "Certain planning gaps", between started flow of water in stage-I and stage-il have been as certained. The flow of water has caused the problem of, modifying the pattern of seepage, poor drainage, neglect of pasture lands and adverse socio economic changes which are mostly due to the laying of the canal system. Financial constraints often have prevented the development of command area. It has been realised, that the situation is not alairming. Some of the studies on water use conducted during the past 12 years have indicated that the conditions of water logging on 8600 hectares of land are mostly confined to the head reach of the stage-I. These areas, with the water table (two metre below the surface } like Badiopal and Tlbi, are close to the Ghaggar bed, where flooded water recieved from Haryana are released every year." As there is no ready flow out of the natural drainage, therefore, water remains in the Ghaggar bed for some times. 96 While the Ghaggar depressions (18 in number ) retain water throughout the year. At the Luckaransar area in Bikaner districts, irrigated by the Kanwarsen lift canal scheme, about 1,500 hectares of the total 50,000 hectares of the culturable command area suffers from lowest productivity, but the water in water logged area is only 76 hectares. Lunkaransar has a hard-pan layer which does not allow water to percolate and thus causes a "Parched water-table. Soil salinity is nothing abnormal in areas as it has been traditionally a centre of salt production. Farmers in the unkaransar areas mostly grow groundnut which is a lucrative crop. For climatic reasons, e^eclally because of Sand storms, the crop, through it give a high yield in these parts (1,6 tonnes /ha.) takes a long time to harvest ( the crcpping periods extends from March-October-November), per- h^s the longest in the century.This prompts farmers to irrigate the fields very oftenly leading to water logging. It has been estimated, that in adc^ition to the head reach area of stage-I, and the Lunkaransar, " a few patches of water logged areas* do exist elsewhere. However, the areas affected by water logging amounts to 5»-25 lakh hectares commond area in stage-I do not exceed 10,000 hectares "every 97 Irrigation project ultimately will have some drainage problems. It needs sometime to take corrective steps.*^ The corrective steps of IGCP are being initiated in Tibi Stage-I, and a Pilot drainage project is being launched in Lunkaranser, Again taking in to account the experience of stage-I, the head-pan area of Stage-II has been under deta iled study since 1987-88. About 18 planning studies on socio economic status, hydrology, agro-material aspect and other issue are in progress. The canal, which utilise 79.9 lakh acre feet of water, now supplies drinking water to even noncommand area in Ganga- nagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer and •^odhpur districts. When stage-Il is fully underway, one-fifth (22 per cent) of the population of Rajasthan will be si^plied water from the canal, which will be about 12 per cent of the total water in stage-I and stage-H. 12 The major negative Impact refered to Ife the Incidence of malaria and water-born diseases in the area. 13 However, the latest survey by NCAER Conducted in 1990 on the health impact of the IGCP has discounted this too, saying that the repoxrting of such cases was more because of a higher level of awareness, amon^ the people. 14 98 AS far as colonisation is concerned, the authorities are seemingly h^py about Stage-I but feel the rate of sett lement in Stage-II is low due to lack of proper water facilities the difficult terrain and remoteness. It is a vicious circle/ as long as the rate of settlement is low the terrain too is likely to remain in hospitable. The distribution system gets chocked with sand unless water flows continously and blown Sand is removed from time to time. While the allottes are not willing to settle till water reach their fields, water is not likely to reach the fields unless some body remain in the area to keep the water courses clear. has changed the life style of Nomads and pastoral families. Nomads have now 15 adopted agriculture and a sedentary life style. Major Negative Impacts of the IGCP. Some of the negative impacts of IGCP on the eccsystem are as follows J i) Problems of water logging, ii) Seepage through canal. iii)Problems of soil siltation. iv) Absence of natural drainage and out-falls in the area, v) Contineuous ponding of water in Ghaggar diversion depression, vi) Over-Irrigation by cultivators, particularly in stage-I conmand. vii)Opening of more and more areas in stage-ll. 99 vlil) Spread of water-born diseases. ix) ESxcessive losses of water in deep-percolation. x) Leaching of soil. xl) Soil sallnisatlon-alkanisatlon as a result of salt raovenent to the root zone from deeper soil strata having a salt sources . xll) Water logging due to irrlperable damages which occure In the canal zone, xlll) Transportation of salt, xiv) Siltration of sand due to high velocity winds. ^ In order to check the negative affects of canal irriga tion and to reclaim the already desert if led land, the follo wing measures If adopted will be of great help. 1. The lining with suitable material like Janta emulsion and lying of bricks in the zone of main canal and its distri buter ies should be done to check the seepage losses, rise of water table and the development of salinity. 11*In the canal command area the water table should be kept below the critical limit of 6 metre by providing vertical drainage. The shallow wells could be dug and the excess water should be pumped out which may be used to irrigate the higher land and to recharge the adjoining aquifers. 100 ill. The injudicious use of water for Irrigation particularly in light textured permeable sandy soils should be avoided to check the development of salinity and water-logging hazards. The irrigaation by drip and sprinkler system should be done to controle these hazards. iv. To check the negative inpact of irrigation, the unfavourable geomoiphological sites such as the confluence of the hurried courses of the prior drainage channels and rhyolite and granite farmation should be avoided to construct irrigation network. V. A cotqplete domming of the ephemeral drainage should be avoided so that the impeded drainage conditions and salinity hazards are not developed under different ecosystem , vi. The Saline/alkaline land can be reclaimed by s^plying proper quantities of gypsum. The gypsum may be applied at a rate of 2 to 6.5 and 6.5 -24.6 tonns/ hectare's for meeting 50 to 100 per cent requirement of the soil. Thus the alkalinity of the soil may be reclaimed, and the crops yield thus can be increased per hactare. 17 a) PROBLEMS OF WATER-LOGGING One of the major problem is the problem of water logging in canal command area. Surface irrigation inevitably 101 results in a certain amount of water-logging which is respon. sible for the development of salinity through seepage. If the ground water level is high or a hard-pan exists at a short distance below the surface, the problems will be greatly exac erbated. The Food and Agriculture Organization (F^C), which asistec the project to study the area more than two decades ago for monitoring the inpact of canal irrigation on the ecosystem, there after on an evaluation it strongly recommended for the development of pasture land , in this sparsely populated region and more especially in the Jaisalmer district. la According.to an official estimate, 34 per cent of the irrigated area in stage-I mainly in Ganganagar and Bikaner district is affected by either water logging or salinity. The water-table is rising at an alarming rate-one metre a year. The problem could have been over-come with measures for draining the area. Prudent use of canal waters and suitable cropping patterns would also have helped. Instead anxious to get quick returns, the farmers he advised to plant cash crop such as groundnut, succumbed to the tenpatlon of using all the water allocated regardless of the crops need and consequ- ently invited dissaster. 19 102 Studies conducted to assess water table during last decades indicate the extent of water logging condition which have already developed on 8,600 hectares of land which are mostly located at the head reach of Stage-I. These areas, with the ground crater table at 2 metres below the surface are in Badiopal and Tlbi, existing close to the Ghaggar bed released every year. Stage-1 Irrigation frcm Stage-I canal commenced in 1962 which gradually increased to 578 thousand hectares in 1991-9 2. The areas affected by the rise In water table were located in the Nalibed or along the Ghaggar^depressions at the head reach of stage-I. Area( in ha.) 1. Area inundated 8,600 (1,63%) 11.Are a having water table at 0-1.5 m bgl (Below ground level) 17,000 (3.23%) ill.Area having water table between 1.5-6.0 m bgl. 198,000 (37.7%) On verification in the field in April-May 1992, the actual area submerged was reported as under . 103 No. of locations Area submerged (in ha.) i. Flow 12 4000 ii. Lift 7 400 The level of ground water in the command and adjoining area is being monitered since 1981* Table 3.1 Rise of Water-table in IGCC (1981-90) (in metre) Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 19SI8 1989 to to to to to to to to to Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. 1982 1983 1984 1985 198,6 1987 1988 1989 1990 IGCCA 0.92 1.02 1.14 1.17 1.16 0.70 0.90 1.05 1.07 Source : IGCP, Head Office, Jaipur. The average rate of water used for irrigation in 1981-89, measured in terms of water released at the head of feeder canal, was around 1500 mm against the designed value of 723 mm similarly, the average annual inflow in the head reach of stage-I due to Ghagger Floods during the period 1976 to 1988 was 715 roillon cubic metres (0.58 MAF) , almost all of which was contributed to the Ground water Recharge (GWR). The main factors INDIRA GANDHI CANAL COMMAND AREA Beas R. Under flo>( iL -Jriaer lift Stagfc-II Under flow Under lilt Water logged areas Source; Chief Engineer, Indira Gandhi Canal Projexi^t Office, Jaipur. Note; The International and the State boundaries of Indian desert appearing on the map are neither verified nor authenticated by the Survey of India. FI^.JZ 105 responsible for rapid rise of water table has been a liberal use of canal waters for irrigation and ground water recharge due to Ghaggar flood in flows. The other factors responsible for the water logging may be : i. Seepage from canal. ii.Over irrigation by cultivators, iii. Absence of natural drainage and out-falls in the aire a* iv.Continuous ponding of water in Ghaggar diversion depressions. In most of the areas the problem is likely to be raised with the reduction of availability of water due to opening of more and more areas in Stage-II, since the share of water of Stage-ll is also hitherto used in,this area. This hypothesis finds svppbrt from the ctoserved behaviour of ground water system during the drought year of 1987-88, in that yearthere 20 was significant reduction in the affected area- of stage-It. The irrigation commenced in the area on only a few years back. The areas affected in stage-II are located along the main canal or branches of canal at the location of excessive seepage from canal irrigation embankment. Monitoring to ground water system in the areas has been commenced from this year. According to the priliminary assessment the area affected amounts to about 1000 ha. 106 b) SOIL EROSION soil erosion is an another serious problem in the Indian desert. Particularly in western Rajasthan, and most prominently in Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer districts canal conunand area, because these districts form the heart of the Thar Desert. The chief agent of soil erosion is the south-westerly wind which flows. With a velocity more than 140 km, per>hour. The wind removes moisture content of the soil thxrough intense evaporation from one place to another and thus remove huge amount of sand • The wind-born Sand often encroaches aretble lands, and spread over the canal surfaces 21 equally to the land surface . Over grazing and train>ling by animals is another potent cause of the depletion of the tcp soil, although no quant1^ tative assessment is available to show the extent of the loss of fertility through wind erosion. Livestock pressure in IGCCA is also acute, because their is no alternative except agrdculture for the farmers. Uncontrolled grazing by livestock depth less soil cover, increasing the wind erosion hazards, rehabilitation of sand dunes and sand plains by afforestation, planting of shelter- belts. Gross-strip-planting, controlled grazing, wind strips creeping and stubble mulching will protect the land from further 107 deterioration, fertility of the desert soil is high in some parts. Introduction of crops rotation with symbiotic fixation of leguminous plants and use of mannuar and Fertiliser on these soils will increase production and protect the land. 108 REFERENCES 1. J Ivan Davini Indira Gandhi Nahar, (Hindi) Special Bulletin (in Hindi) Published by Information and Public Relation Office, Jaipur, 1993, pp. 13-14. 2. Sebastian, S,, Indira Gandhi Ganal Project > Problems Galore, Frontline, Vol. 35 (19), Oct. 26-Nov.2, 1992, pp. 100-103. 3- Prakash, I., Desert Ecology, Proceedings of National Synposium On Desert Ecology, Jaipur , 1988, pp. 19-23. 4. Prohit, R., Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana (Hindi) Published by IGCP Head Off ice , Jaipur, 1993, pp.26-31. 5. Ibid, p. 35. 6. Command Area Development Progranine in IGCP, Status Report by CAD Authority, Bikaner, 1992, pp.15-25. 6. Kavadia, P.S,, Problems of Water Logging in Indira Gandhi Canal Project and Outline of Action Plan to Tackle it, in The changing Contours of Arid Ecology (Ed. I. P«l.), Vol, I, Jaipur, 1993. p. 273. 8. Sebastian, S, op.cit. p, 105. 9. ORG Satqple Survey Report. Jaipur, 1990. 10. Sharma, K., Indira Gandhi Canal, The Woves of a Canalt A Mixed Bag for Rajasthan , Frontline, Oct.26-Nov.2, 1992, p. 103. 11. Ibid, p. 106. 12. ORG Sample Survey Report, op. cit. p. 109 13. Prohlt, R., op.cit. p. 37. 14. Command Area Development Programne in IGCP, Stage-II, Final Report by CAD Authority On Crops Yields Studies, Blkaner, 1993, pp.1-15. 15. Sharma, K., Op. clt., p. 105. 16. Blthu, fl.D. , Environment Xn^jact Assessment of Water Resources Project J in Arid Region, Proceedings of the International Synposium on Environmental Inpact Assess ment of Water Resources Project, Roorkee, 1985 , pp.580-592. 17. Chatterji, P.C, et al.. Arid Zone of Rajasthan a Problematic Region with Regards to the Availability of Sa£e Drinking Source, Proceeding Third Ground Water Congress, New Delhi, 1984, pp.105-109. 18. Kavadia, P.S., op. cit., pp. 271-274. 19. Ibid, pp. 275-277. 20. Chouhan, T,S. Integrated Area Development of Indian Desert, Jodhpur, 1988, pp. 128-132. 21. Sebastian, S., op.cit., p. 105. 22. Gupta, H.C., Project Report on Afforestation Pro A REVIEW OF AVAILABLE LITERATURE A number of scholars working in different disciplines have paid their to evaluate the in^jact of Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGCP) on the environment and human life of the Western Rajasthan. The economist, sociologist, geographers, environment alists, demographers, biologist have made attenpts to study the impact of IGCP within the frame of their own discipline, studies have been made to examined the litipact of various biological, demographic. Socio-economic, cultural and others determinants on newly settled population and changes in the econcsny of the canal command area of IGCP, However, the introduction of canal which datas back to 33 years, a valuable contribution has been made by geographers, environmentalist, economist and demographers have widen the horizons of the studied, which types of Impacts with the laying down of IGCP in Western Rajasthan. The entire extent of studies made on different aspects is so vast that they can not be recorded for want to space. It is therefore, very difficult to review the entire existing literature. An attemp has been made to review some of the important works from different disciplines to evaluate the socio-economic and ecological effects of the IGCP in Western Rajasthan. Ill Iyer (1975) in his study the Soil Resources ^praised for Irrigation Project of Rajasthan Lift Canal Command Area, discussed some of the potential characteristics of the soil of the area. The National Agricultural Commission in its interim report on Desert Development, has suggested the poss ibility of irrigation in certain areas on the Left bank of the canal in the districts of Bikaner, Jodlpor, Jaisalmer, Ganganagar and Churu, by Lift irrigation from the Main Canal (MC), Therefore, pre-irrigation soils investigation were carried out* Sain (1976) in his work evaluated, the Role of Indira Gandhi canal on the Development Utilisation and Stabilisation of Rajasthan Desert. He concluded, that with the introduction of IGCP, the barren, thirsty and hot climatic land has changed the economy by bringing 155 the down trodden people of western Rajasthan. He has further highlighted the ecological impact of canal. Mathur, et al. (1977) have analysed certain exchange capacity of soil in the Indira Gandhi Canal area. According to them Certain Exchange edacity (CEC) of the Indira Gandhi Canal Soils have been recognised in close relation with clay, silt and organic matter contents respectively. 112 Bharara (1977) has examined some socio-economic cons- iguences of canal irrigation in arid districts of Rajasthan. The study has revealed, some of the changes by considering a number of socio-economic parametres, based on socio-economic and historical evidences the finding prior to (1890-11 to 1920-21) and after irrigation (1927-28 to 1974-75) supported the hypothesis with a view of population changes, land use attributes and agriculture. Kapoor and Rajasvanshi (1977) have focussed attention on the impact of Indira Gandhi Canal Project, by evaluating the main impacts of IGCP on the socio-economic condition of the down troddon peoples, Roy and Shetty (1977) have examined the intact of canal irrigation on the Flora of Western Rajasthan desert. In which they have made a study on the ecosystem of north western part of Rajasthan desert after providing the irrigation water. Moreover, they are in openion that, if the irrigation facilities have to be provided by the IGC, that will lead to a conversion of arid land into culturable fields, but a tremendous increase in population will have a negative impact on vegetation in this part of the Rajasthan, 113 •7 Mehta and Indu (1978) have explored the 'Aquatic weed Problem' in IGCP. The problems associated with equatic weeds in the course of main canal area started, where the canal runs at a reduced discharge of 16-18 cusecs against the designed discharge of 361 cusecs. Together with it strong wind and saiad storm have helped in accumulation of large amount of sandy silt a good habitate for the germination of seeds and establishment of seedlings. These weeds transpir 1, 5*2 times more water as ccaipare to free water surfaces, and reduce the flow capacity v:?>to 90 per cent or more. The middle part of the canal is chocked flue to the excessive growth of weeds. p Gupta (1980) ^^ ^is study has discussed the project report on afforestation programme in Indira Gandhi Canal Project Command area of Stage-II» He concludes, that the bulk of vege tation appear after the first showers and dies out as soon as the soil gets dry, due to extremly high tecperature and ev^or- ation. The programmes are not successful with the requirement- . Q Sharma (1982) in his study has pointed out some of the problems of management of irrigated land in areas of traditional and modern cultivation. Bhattacharjee (1982) has attempted to study the "Prop- sed settlement types in Indira Gandhi Canal coirimand area* As the 114 IGCP, envisages to irrigate about 20 lakh hectares of desert land, converting the hitherto wasteland in to a country's grainary, the project promises to settle about 20-25 lakh families. This incomming population is planned to be settled in about 1200 new villages, 160 aminity villages and 28 market towns. Sukhwal (1982) 11 in his study analysed, the prospects of "Afforestation in Indira Gandhi Canal Project Comm^id •*• He pointed out, that the canal is very promissing from the irrigation stands point. It was in this context, that affores tation was started on experience of basis from 1962-1966 to evolve suitable techniques and to find suitable species for afforestation. From 1965, a phase of regular afforestation was launched under the Desert Development Programme and Tree Planting Programme. Mathur, et al. (1982) 12 have atterrpted to evaluate the underground water potentials in Indira Gandhi Canal Command area, as the water table varies from 34-35 metres, but as their study pointsout that with the bringing of irrigation water, there is a rise from 1.2 to 1.7 metre per annum. This rise in the under ground water table has definetly helped in afforestion programme. 115 Chouhan (1988) in his book Integrated Area Development of Indian Desert, highlights the irrigation potential of Indira Gandhi Canal Project by these words, "It is thus estimated that even after the conpletion of the IGCP no more than one-fifth of the total area (Gross) of he canal region can be brought under irrigation", Indra Pal (1988) has examined the Hazards of Agricu lture in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area by considering the discriminations done by land allottee and main benif its realised by the big fanners, who are politically more strong, particularly in Stage-II canal command. Singh and Gopal (1989) have focussed their attention on the Indian desert ecosystem. They have concluded their study, with the end utilization of resources and their impact on desert ec ol og ic al b al ance r. Sharma, (1992) in his study on the "Woves of a Canal (IGCP)- A mixed bag for Rajasthan, analysed the results of recent Nahar Yatra along the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, He has different types of prc*>lems, like water logging, seepage, soil erosion and alkanity and salinity in IGCCA after the introduction of irrigation water. 116 Sebastian (1992) ^ considered the issue of Indira Gandhi Canal and its problems galore with a view that, "The Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGCP) is both the glory and sarrow of Rajasthan," He points out, that the project has led to create water logging condition over thousand of hectares, coloniza tion of blues and various unforeseen social maladies restling from the changing life style, spurred into retrospection by a series of mass contact programme in the Canal area. Gi5)ta (1992) 18 has suggested possible measures for the protection of canal Bank as the canal brings new life to stretch of the Thar. Overtime, the entire thrust of the Indira Gandhi Canal has been changing once seen as a mere catalyst intended to accelerate irrigation. An alternative is to shift from crcp- cultivation to development of pasture, orchards and shelter belt. Plantation along the left bank and encouragement of cattle bree ding, starting from the Harrike barrage. Kavadia (199 2) 19 in his study has analysed the water logged areas and their problems in IGCCA. According to him at present more than 25 per cent of CCA of Indira Gandhi Canal is under water logging condition . This is because of the rise of ground water level, which still continue to rise at a rate of 0.8 metre per annum. On the basis of verifications made in the fields during Af;ril-May 199 2, the actual area submerged particularly in Stage-I 117 conunands was to the tune of 578 thousand hectares, Kapocr (1993) has highlighted the impact of Indira Gandhi Canal Project on the development of settlements, popula tion density. Salient features of canal, development of agricu^ Iture, animal husbandry and industries in western Rajasthan districts. U8 REFERENCES 1. Iyer, H.s,. Soil Resource Appraisal for Irrigation Project of Indira Gandhi Lift Canal Command Area, in The Natural Resources of Rajasthan (Eds. M.L. Roonwal), Vol.11, Jodhpur, 1977, pp.121-135. 2. Sain, K., Role of Indira Gandhi Canal in the Development, Utilisation and Stabilization of Rajasthan Desert, Trans. Indian Soc. Desert Tech. and Univ. Cent. Desert Stud, vol. I, 1976, pp. 151-157. 3. Mathur et al.. Contribution of Organic Matter and Clay to the Cation Exchange Capacity of Tndira Gandhi Canal Soils, Annals of Arid Zone, Vol. 16(4), 1977, pp. 433-438. 4. Bharara, L.P., et al.. Some Socio-Agricultural changes as a Result of Introduction of Irrigation in a Desert, Region, Annats of Arid Zone, Vol. 13(1), 1974, pp. 1-10. 5. Kapoor, A. S. and Rajvanshi, B.S., (Ed.), The Indira Gandhi Canal Project, Desertification and its Control, ICAR, New Delhi, 1977, pp. 121-129. 6. Roy, G.P. and Shetty, B.v., The Impact of Canal Irrigation on the Flora of the Rajasthan Desert, in The Natural Resources of Rajasthan (Ed. M.L. Roonwal), Vol, II, Jodhpur, 1977, 183-190. 7- Mehta, R.P. and Indu K.P., A Note on the Aquatic Weed Problem in Indira Gandhi Canal Project, Annals of Arid Zone, Vol. 17(2), 1978, pp. 246-250. 119 8. Gupta, H«C«, Project Report on Afforestation Proqranune In Indira Gandhi Canal Project Area* Stage-II, State Forest Department, Jaipur, 1980, pp. 1-77. 9. Sharma, R.C., Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area-Problems and Prospects, Problems of the Management of Irrigated land in Areas of Traditional and Modern Cultivation, A Report of an Inter-Congress Meeting of the International Geographical Union Working Group on Resource Management in Drylands, (Eds. H.G. Mensching and Hamburg), Egypt, 1982, pp. 115-122. 10. Bhattacharjee, B.D., Proposed Settlement Types in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area, Annals of Arid Zone, Vol.2t(l), 1982, pp. 49-54. 11. Sukhwal, B.L., Preliminary Survey of the Development of Irrigation Facilities in the Thar Desert Area: A case Study of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, A Report on an Inter-Conqress Meeting of the International Geographical Union Working Group on Resource Management in Dry Lands (Eds, H.G, Mensching and Hanburg), Egypt, 1982, pp. 107-114. 12. Mdthur, O.P., et al. Irrigation supplies in Western Rajasthan Canals, Proceedincp of a symposium . Water Management, New Delhi, 1982, pp. 222-226, 13. Chouhan, T, S,, Integrated Area Development of India Desert, Jodhpur, 1988, pp. 59-69. 120 14. Pal, !•, Hazards of Agriculture in Canal Command Area in the Dryland Agriculture in India (Eds. M. Shafi & M. Raza) Jaipur, 1988, pp. 63-70, 15. Singh, T.S,, and Gopal, B,, Indian Desert Ecosystem, Perspective in Ecology, New Delhi, 1989, pp. 487-489. 16. Sharma, K., IGC, The Wores of a Canal: A mixed Bag for Rajasthan, Front Line, Vol. 35(19), 1991, pp.102-105. 17. Sebastian, S., Indira Gandhi Canal Project, Prc4)lems Galore, Front Line, Vol. 35(19), New Delhi, 1991, p. 106. 18. Gupta, I.e., Advances in Arid Zone, Protection of Canal Bank, Vol.1, 1992, pp. 28-31. 19. Kavadia, D.S,, Problems of Water Logging in Indira Gandhi Canal Project and outline of Action Plan to Tackle it. In Changing Contours of Arid Ecology (Ed. I, Pal., ) , vol. I, Jaipur, 1993, pp. 271-275. 20. Kapoor, A. S., Indira Gandhi Nahar Project, in the Changing Contours of Arid Ecology (Ed. I. Pol,), Vol. II, unpublished; Jaipur. -2i^IEB=y_ 121 METHODOLOGY, DATA BASE AND CORRELATIVE VARIABLES Possibility of irrigation water in Western Rajas - than has brought perceptible changes in agricultural land use for increasing agricultural production. But this possibility has led to environmental degradation i«e. the creation of water logging condition and sodl salinity problems. These conditions have adversely affected the soil fertility and consequently the crops productivity. It is worthy to note that the project has changed the Socio-economic condition of the region. In order to examine the over all impact of the Indira Gandhi Canal on the economy of the region , tthil s assessment can be done by selecting the following variables : A. The selection of Variables, a. Social variables I. population characteristics (i) Distribution of population (ii)Density of population (iii)Rate of population growth II. Literacy rate III.Settlement pattern 122 b. Economic variables I. Occcpatlonal structure (I) Proportion of workers In primary occipatlon (II) Proportion of workers In secondary occiqpatlon (111)Proportion of workers In textlary occv;5)atlon. II. Characteristics of Agriculture. III. Intact of Irrigation on land use pattern. IV. Characteristics of forestry. V. Fuel wood supply VI. Animal husbandry VII.Drinking water facilities VIII.Tran^ort system IX. Industry C. Variables relating to ecological characteristics I. Positive Impact of canal Irrigation on the ecology of the region. (I) Improvements in micro climate of the region (II) Aeolian activities (ill) Soil moisture regime II. Negative impact of canal irrigation on the ecology of the region. 123 (1) Water logging conditions (li) Soil salinity and Alkanity problems (iii)Soil erosion (iv) Soil siltation B. AljBost all the basic data come from a number of government and semi-government agencies like ORG Sample survey Report, IGCP head office bulletin. Districts head office, CAD office, office of the census of Rajasthan, assemble valumenous data on a wider range of aspects and that is properly recorded and made available for official uses. i} One of the most Important at the Head Office of IGCP, Jaipur and other regional sub-offices at the districts of Ganganagar, 2 Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer« ii) ORG very oftenly conducts sample survey with a view to collect information on the aspects of Socio-economic and environmental changes that have occurred with the laying of Indira Gandhi Canal Project in Western Rajasthan. "^ ill) Informations relating to the possitive and negative effects onward with the introduction of irrigation are collected in view of compulsory registration , iv) The basle informations for the proposed research work will be collected on an spot enquiry within the region and from 124 Secondary sources either published or unpublished sources. For an spot enquiry sample surveys will be conducted for the aspects for which the secondary data is not available. For this purpose a well designed questionnaire will be prepared keep ing in view the necessity of the requirement. Cartographic techniques is the second principal coo^onent of Geo-nuroerical taxanomy is studying the geographical prc^jlems more precisely. According to Hart, "maps are essential tools may even the Hallmarks of Geography. In terms of scientific techniques, geography is represented in the world of knowledge primarily by its techniques of map use. Further more, geographers Can claim cartographic analysis, as a techniques that is dist« inctively our own, unlike many of the techniques that have been introduced into geography from other desciplines in recent years and use it to again in sights that mightnot be gained by. using other techniques. However, cartographic methods adopted in a particular study ought to be capable of representing the relevant data quantitatively^ for it is retrograde to map stati stical data which are already in numerical form by purely 4 qualitatives . C. All the variables are not independent. This requires a careful formulation of hypothesis for the establishment of a 125 relation between the dependent variables on the basis of logical and empirical evidences. It will therefore, be rational to employ such statistical techniques which could deals with multivarla- ble nature of data. Generally to tackle the problems, the corre lation analysis. Sampling survey, percentage etc. may be applied. REFERENCES 1. Kavadia, P.S., Problem of Water Logging in Indira Gandhi Canal Project and Outline of Action than to Tackle it, in the Changing Contours of Arid Ecology (Ed.Pol.I), Vol.1, Jaipur, 199 3j pp. 270-275. 2. Jeewan Davinee of Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana (in Hindi), Special Bulletin, IGCP Head Office, Jaipur, 1993, pp. 7-10. 3. ORG, Sample Survey Report, Jaipur, 1990. 4. Kothari, C.R., Research Methodology , Methods and Techniques, Wiley Eastern Limited, New Delhi, 1986, pp. 41-46, 126 CONCLUSION . The Indira Gandhi Canal Project is one of the most gigantic project in the world, aiming to transform desert wastelands into an agriculturally productive zone. The project aioas at to include drought proofing, providing drinking water. Improvement of envir onment condition, afforestation, providing employment, rehabili tation development and protection of animal wealth and increasing agricultural production . The project stretches to over an approximate area of 23,625 sq.km. in Western Rajasthan . The Indira Gandhi main Canal runs parallel to the Pakistan border for an approximate of 40 km from north-east to south-west. It conprises 649 km. long main canal and 8190 tan of distrlbutry systems. On the cooop- let ion of entire work the Indira Gandhi canal will made available the waters for a million hectares of agricultural land from the surface sources of water in the districts of Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer of western Rajasthan. The desertic conditions In the parts of western Rajasthan are being aggravating due to over-grazing and removal of vegetal cover and hence the incidence of occurrence of droughts and famines have increased. It is of utmost neec' to restore eco-system in this area for the survival of life. The lands of desert hove good potential to sustain an acute pressure of population on 127 land. Regulated and assumed availability of water will r«Juvlaatc the eco-system of the area, by improving living conditions and enable overfall development of the region. The study has revealed that the introduction of the irriga tion in barren and hot climatic land has both possitive and negative inpacts on the socio-economic and ecological conditions of the land, of western Rajasthan. The possitive iitqpact which are could be visualise after the commenced of irrigation in 1961« in the form of the canal water is available for drinking and other domestic needs, crops can be grown every year and in every season with the help of canal water. Rapid rise population density, increase in the number of new villages, colonies and mandies, tremendous changes in socio-economic condition of the down troddon peoples, spart in all economic activities. Improvement in house hold income and expenditure, grater tirge for education developed transportation, eliminating drought condition, change in the natural vegetation of the area, improved in the micro-climate and decrease in the incidence of sand storms, rise, the ground water table (0.8 metre/year), etc. of the canal command area of western RaJaSthan. The negative impact of canal irrigation in desertic land which may be of long duration could be seen in the form of the depletion of crop productivity of the land due to waterlogging, ixnpeded drainage conditions and salinity and alkalinity hazards. Seepage of the canal water, filling \}p of the canal by sand due 128 to wind erosion, spreading of various dangerous diseases etc. in canal comnand area of western Rajasthan. The saline and alkaline, degraded and desert if ied land farms can be reclaimed by leaching and with the application of required quantity of gypsum. 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