Rajasthan - Irrigation and Hydropower | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Introduction

Irrigation and hydroelectric projects are the primary types of water resource projects. These projects serve various purposes, including irrigation, solar thermal energy production, water supply for drinking and industrial use, flood control, and navigation. When a project is used for multiple purposes, it is known as a “multipurpose project.” Most multipurpose projects combine irrigation and hydropower. The Harishchandra Sagar project in Rajasthan is a notable example, primarily aimed at assisting farmers with irrigation. This project is largely associated with the Chambal River and its tributary, also named Chambal.

Hatiadeh Irrigation Project

• The Hatiadeh Irrigation Project holds significant importance in the state of Rajasthan.
• The primary objective of this project is to facilitate irrigation in the region.
• Located on the Chambal river, the project draws water primarily from the Hatiadeh Nallah Chambal tributary.
• Water from this project plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural activities in the area.

Hingonia Irrigation Project

• The Hingonia Irrigation Project is of medium size and operates within Rajasthan.
• Similar to the Hatiadeh project, its main aim is to support irrigation activities.
• Situated on the Banas river, the project mainly relies on the Banas tributary for water supply.
• By providing water for irrigation, this project contributes significantly to the agricultural sector of the region.
• Irrigation plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of farming practices in Rajasthan.
• Rajasthan, being an arid or semi-arid state, faces water scarcity issues, making irrigation projects crucial for agricultural productivity.
• Currently, Rajasthan hosts around one hundred major and medium-sized irrigation projects along with numerous smaller ones, covering approximately 25 million acres of land.
• An example includes the Harishchandra Sagar canal, which recently supplied water from the Hechar Dam to Panwar, fulfilling the water requirements for crops like paddy.

Command Area Development Project 

• The Command Area Development Authority (CADA) was established in 1974 to oversee projects like Chambal and the Indira Gandhi Nagar Pariyojana (INGP). 
• This initiative involved various activities such as constructing waterways connecting canals to fields, creating reservoirs for drinking water, conducting research on farming and fishing techniques, establishing forests and pastures, providing agricultural inputs, and facilitating the sale of agricultural goods.

In Rajasthan, there are a lot of projects that use dams to water crops

The Bisalpur Project

• The Bisalpur Project aims to construct a dam on the Banas River to supply drinking water to the towns of Nasirabad and Jaipur and the surrounding villages. 
• Additionally, irrigation facilities are being developed in the Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts as part of this project.

Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project

• This collaborative effort between Rajasthan and Gujarat involves utilizing water from the Mahi River for irrigation and power generation. A key agreement dating back to 1966 between the two states enables this cooperation. 
• It stipulates that following the construction of the Narmada Dam in Gujarat, water will be released to both dams in Rajasthan's Jalore and Barmer districts, which face significant water scarcity issues.

Chambal Valley Project

There are several vital water projects in Rajasthan that serve various purposes such as irrigation, hydropower production, drinking water supply, flood control, navigation, and more.
Let's delve into the details of some key projects:

• Jawahar Sagar Dam Project: Jawahar Sagar Dam Project is a significant water project in Rajasthan.
• Rana Pratap Sagar Dam: Rana Pratap Sagar Dam contributes to water resource management in the region.
• Kota Barrage: Kota Barrage plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in the area.

The Chambal command area encompasses six panchayat samitis in Kota, Bundi, and Baran districts.

Jakham Irrigation Project

• The Jakham irrigation project in Udaipur district features a dam on the Jakham River near Anuppura village, designed to store water for irrigation. A weir is located about 11 km from Nagila village.
• The primary types of water resource projects are irrigation and hydroelectric projects. These projects serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydropower generation, drinking water supply, industrial use, flood control, and navigation.
• A project is termed a “multipurpose project” if it serves more than one function. Most multipurpose projects combine both irrigation and hydropower.
• Many irrigation, hydropower, and multipurpose projects were initially approved as separate entities. This approach was due to interstate agreements and the development of new projects upstream and downstream.
• Water planning was subsequently adjusted so that these separate projects now function together. They are now categorized as irrigation, hydropower, multipurpose, and complex projects due to their diverse functions.

Farmers Timeline 

• Harishchandra Sagar Dam Significance for Rajasthan Farmers: Harishchandra Sagar Dam plays a crucial role in supporting farmers in Rajasthan.
• Paddy Cultivation Along the Channel: Approximately 10,000 hectares of paddy are grown in 45 villages along a 40-kilometre channel originating from Harishchandra Sagar Dam.

Conclusion

In Rajasthan, there are over 100 major, medium, and minor irrigation projects and initiatives. Irrigation is crucial for sustained agricultural growth. The Harishchandra Sagar project, aimed primarily at irrigation, is vital for farmers. Another significant project in Rajasthan is the Hatiadeh Irrigation project. Additionally, the Chambal Valley Project, which spans the Chambal River, was established by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The Hingonia Irrigation project is a medium-sized initiative in Rajasthan. The Jakham irrigation project, located near the village of Anuppura in the Dhariyawad tehsil of Udaipur district, features a dam on the Jakham River.