Indira Gandhi Canal Project Faces Water Shortage: Farmers in Rajasthan Disheartened

The Indira Gandhi Canal Project, considered a lifeline for Rajasthan, the largest state in India by area and predominantly desert, is facing a disappointing water supply this year. Despite abundant monsoon rains and full reservoirs providing relief for drinking water needs during the summer, farmers in the state are now worried about irrigation due to reduced water inflow from the Pong Dam, which supplies water to the canal.

Reports indicate that seven districts in Rajasthan will receive less irrigation water from the Pong Dam this season. The state’s water resources department has allocated only four irrigation turns this year, compared to seven last year. As of September 21, the water level in the Pong Dam was 1364.84 feet, down from 1389.00 feet on the same date the previous year—indicating a decrease of 24.16 feet. However, officials have clarified that this reduction will only impact irrigation, with no cuts to drinking water supplies for residents in 13 districts, including Jodhpur.

The reduced water availability will particularly affect wheat cultivation, especially in the Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts. Farmers are advised to focus on crops like chickpeas and mustard instead. A reassessment of water levels will take place in November and January, and if the inflow from the Himalayas increases, the irrigation turns could be reviewed, potentially increasing water availability in December. As of now, the plan is for farmers to receive irrigation water in four turns until February 5.

The Indira Gandhi Canal Project, often referred to as Rajasthan's "Maru Ganga," is the world’s largest irrigation project. It was originally called the Rajasthan Canal and flows through the northwestern part of the state, with its main channel resembling a large river.

The issue of Rajasthan not receiving its full share of water from this project has been a longstanding dispute. According to interstate agreements, Rajasthan has not received its entitled 0.60 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from the Ravi and Beas rivers. The Punjab government has passed a resolution in its assembly to deny any further water to other states, leading the Rajasthan government to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court while repeatedly requesting the central government to ensure their rightful share.

Furthermore, Rajasthan continues to demand proper representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board and seeks a permanent secretary from the state in the Board. However, these requests remain unfulfilled. Consequently, the control over water releases from the Indira Gandhi Canal Project lies entirely with Punjab, exacerbating tensions between Punjab and Haryana at Rajasthan's expense. Additionally, the issue of contaminated water from Punjab entering the canal poses serious concerns for agricultural land, public health, and livestock well-being.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is making serious efforts to bring the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) and Yamuna water from Haryana to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. However, these efforts will only be meaningful if the river water disputes and hydroelectric agreements are effectively addressed. It remains to be seen how the current central and state governments will manage to quench the thirst of Rajasthan's parched land amidst these challenges.