• Lest we forget. Why was the Indira Gandhi Canal made? What are its benefits? What are current concerns and solutions? Can it utilise surplus waters of rivers Sutlej-Beas that flow into Pakistan is something the government of India must explore! Water is getting scare, its management shall influence the future.

We earlier shared Why was Bhakra Nangal Dam Made and Decoding suspension of Indus Water Treaty . The Bhakra project was a joint venture between Punjab (undivided) and Rajasthan. Cost was shared proportionately based on benefits expected - Editor. Read on.

To read article in HINDI

After Independence, the central government acknowledged that the development of desert regions would not be possible without major water resource interventions. With this vision, the Canal Project was conceptualized in 1958.

It was initially known as the Rajasthan Canal Project. The canal originates from the Harike Barrage in Punjab and extends into the arid regions of Rajasthan—particularly Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer. It is one of the longest canals in India, with a total length of approximately 650 kilometers. 

Water sharing, technical cooperation and financial participation were ensured among the Government of India and state governments of Punjab and Rajasthan.

The Thar Desert of Rajasthan, located in north-western India, has long been known for acute water scarcity, recurring droughts, and severe agricultural limitations. In this challenging geographical setting, the Indira Gandhi Canal Project was developed as a historic achievement to ensure water availability. This canal is not merely a means of irrigation; it is also a pivotal driver of socio-economic transformation.

R5 Enroute from Jaisalmer to Tanot Mandir i.e. near border. 2013.

This Canal Project was highly capital-intensive. The Central government provided major financial assistance. The state government undertook land acquisition, rehabilitation, and implementation. Long-term budgetary provisions were made through the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog).

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The canal enters Rajasthan from Punjab through two points. The main canal water enters Rajasthan at Hanumangarh district after flowing about 204 km from the Harike Barrage. This feeder brings the waters from Sutlej & Beas into Rajasthan. 

After the feeder’s tail at Hanumangarh, the Indira Gandhi Main Canal begins and carries waters deeper into desert districts of Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer. It ends near the desert fringe at Gadra Road. These two linking points are operationally distinct and critical for managing water delivery within the region. 

R4 Canal near Jaisalmer enroute to the border.

The canal was developed in major phases: 1. Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh regions. 2. Extremely arid regions like Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer.

Under this project, an extensive network of branch canals, distributaries, and water distribution systems were developed.

R2 Near Jodhpur. 2013.

2 Near Bikaner. 2013.

Modern engineering techniques were employed in the construction of the canal: regulated water supply from the Harike Barrage, lined canals to reduce seepage losses, an extensive network of branch canals and distributaries, and designs suited to desert geomorphological conditions. These efforts made it possible to effectively deliver water into the desert.

Alongside the canal, the government prioritized agricultural development through Command Area Development programmes, dissemination of modern agricultural techniques, improved seeds and fertilizers, agricultural extension services, development of cooperatives, and agricultural marketing facilities. These initiatives led to a substantial increase in agricultural production and farmers’ incomes.

R1 Canal near Bikaner. 2013.

Positive Impact of Canal

R3 Green area near Indira Gandhi Canal, Bikaner.

This canal has brought about a revolutionary transformation in Rajasthan’s agricultural structure. Areas that once supported only low-yield crops such as pearl millet (bajra) and sorghum (jowar) are now successfully cultivating wheat, cotton, mustard, and even rice. This has significantly increased farmers’ incomes and strengthened the rural economy.

As a result of the canal, new settlements emerged in desert regions, population increased, education and health facilities expanded. Barren lands became fertile, and new employment opportunities created.

Since the canal passes through border areas, the project is also extremely important from the perspective of national security and border area development.

The Indira Gandhi Canal Project is one of those initiatives in India that has demonstrated a new direction of development by overcoming natural constraints. It is not merely a water supply system but a life-giving stream for the desert.

“The Indira Gandhi Canal is one of India’s most complex and well-organized irrigation systems, which has made controlled water flow possible in desert regions.” The network of the main canal, branch canals, and distributaries is technically robust, but in the present scenario water availability has become limited. Therefore, canal operations must now focus not on expansion but on efficiency.

According to geographers, “The Indira Gandhi Canal has completely transformed the human-geographical landscape of the Thar Desert.” Its functional impact is clearly visible in settlement patterns, agricultural land use, and population distribution. However, experts warn that canal-based development has increased pressure on environmental carrying capacity in certain areas.

Agricultural experts state, “The canal has ensured food security and agricultural stability in the region, but the growing trend of water-intensive crops is a matter of concern.” They suggest linking canal operations with crop planning, micro-irrigation, and water-efficient agriculture to maintain long-term productivity. 

Environmentalists view the Indira Gandhi Canal as “an example of human-induced ecological transformation.” While they acknowledge increased greenery, they emphasize that issues such as waterlogging, soil salinity, and groundwater imbalance demand corrective interventions in canal operations.
 

Concerns and Solutions

However, to ensure its long-term benefits, sustainable water management, environmental balance, and policies aligned with local needs are essential.
While the canal has brought greenery, it has also led to certain environmental problems, such as waterlogging, soil salinity, and changes in the traditional desert ecosystem. This clearly highlights that balanced and scientific water management is crucial in large water resource projects.

To address problems arising from canal expansion—such as waterlogging and soil salinity—the government adopted corrective measures including drainage schemes, promotion of micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems), regulation of cropping patterns and water-intensive crops, and desert afforestation programmes. The government also planned new settlements in the canal command area, expanded road connectivity, electricity, education, and health facilities, and implemented special development schemes in border regions, thereby strengthening both regional balance and national security.
At present, the government is focusing on modernization of the canal system, improving water-use efficiency, digital water management and monitoring, and policy formulation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, so that the project remains effective in the long run.
Behind the Indira Gandhi Canal Project lie continuous, multi-level, and coordinated government efforts. This project is not merely an irrigation scheme but a symbol of the government’s commitment to desert rejuvenation, agricultural reform, and regional inclusion. For sustained future benefits, scientific water management and environmental balance must be strengthened.

Public administration and policy experts argue that “the administrative framework of the Indira Gandhi Canal is effective, but it now needs to be made more participatory and technology-driven.” Participatory irrigation management, digital water monitoring, and transparent water allocation should be strengthened. 

Social experts note that while the canal has brought socio-economic stability, the distribution of benefits has not been uniform. Head-reach areas have benefited more, while dissatisfaction persists in tail-end regions. This must be addressed at the policy level.

Climate Change

“The Indira Gandhi Canal is a successful regional development model, but it must now be redefined in the context of climate change.” Experts emphasize making canal operations climate-resilient, environmentally friendly, and guided by a long-term vision. The collective expert opinion is that while the canal’s structural framework is strong, improvements in operation and modernization are essential. 

The future focus must be on water efficiency, environmental balance, and social justice. According to experts, the Indira Gandhi Canal has now moved from a phase of developmental expansion to a phase of management and sustainability.

If operated scientifically and with environmental sensitivity and public participation, it can remain a lifeline of development for desert regions for decades to come.

What is the quantum of Water entering Rajasthan?

Scheduled water releases to the canal from Harike Barrage may be quantified in cusecs (cubic feet per second) The discharge capacity is 18,500 cusecs, though current effective capacity is lower due to ageing and silting (around 15,180 cusecs).  The exact annual or monthly volumes (in MAF or TMC) vary yearly depending on releases decided by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), monsoon performance and operational  considerations.

Connect with Indus Water Treaty in brief

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 divided the use of the Indus river system between the two countries. The Indira Gandhi Canal Project was influenced by the treaty, directly and indirectly. Therefore, understanding the now suspended treaty is crucial to comprehending the canal’s water availability, operation, expansion, and strategic importance.

Under the treaty, the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—were allocated to India, while Pakistan received primary rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. India was granted full rights to use, store, and divert the waters of the eastern rivers.

Now, the primary water source of the Indira Gandhi Canal is the Sutlej River at the Harike Barrage, where the Sutlej and Beas converge.

Since the Sutlej is fully allocated to India under the treaty, the Indira Gandhi Canal enjoys international legal protection. The treaty has provided the canal with long-term water security, protection from international intervention, and confidence for project expansion.

After the treaty, India fully utilized Sutlej waters and diverted them towards water-scarce regions like Rajasthan, enabling ambitious projects such as the Indira Gandhi Canal, which made agriculture and settlement possible in the Thar Desert. As the canal passes through areas along the India–Pakistan border, increased water availability boosted human settlement and economic activity, bringing strategic stability to border regions—an indirect benefit of the treaty.

However, although India has rights over the eastern rivers, the total flow of the Sutlej is limited. With rising demand, the canal now faces water stress, restricting further expansion. Since India can only make limited use of western river waters, dependence on the Indira Gandhi Canal has increased, intensifying pressure on water efficiency and distribution.

How Much More Water Does Rajasthan Need?

In order to meet Rajasthan’s irrigation and supply needs, the canal, according to government assessments, should ideally carry its full design discharge 18,500 cusecs during peak periods, but currently carries less 15,180 cusecs. 

This implies there is a shortfall in conveyance capacity, which limits total water Rajasthan can utilize especially in high-demand months. Beyond carrying capacity issues, climate variability and competing upstream uses (Punjab/Haryana) also constrain additional water availability.

Which River Waters can Be Diverted?

Currently, the canal’s main legal source is the water from the Sutlej River, via the Harike Barrage (where Sutlej meets Beas). Beas waters also contribute at Harike, but operationally both rivers merge into the Barrage before canal diversion. Other rivers like Ravi are also allocated to India under the Treaty, but in practice the canal does not directly divert from Ravi, Chenab or Indus. Those rivers either flow into Pakistan (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) or are not structurally connected to the existing canal intake. Ravi flows largely towards eastern Punjab downstream of the Harike confluence.

Thus, either the surplus waters from Sutlej-Beas be diverted to Rajasthan or water of Chenab be connected to Sutlej-Beas so that more water flows to Harike. CHK

But what is the Carrying Capacity of Indira Gandhi Canal?

According to government data Design carrying capacity of the canal in 18,500 cusecs at canal head. Current effective capacity is only 15,180 cusecs due to deterioration and silting. If water beyond 18,500 cusecs was released it would risk overflow or structural issues. It would require upgrades and expansion.

Essentially, the canal cannot automatically carry unlimited additional water; its conveyance is limited by structural capacity and lining conditions. Planned modernization projects aim to conserve, reduce losses, and improve actual carrying capability. Regular desilting and lining of canals and distributary channels would help fully utilize carrying capacity.

In the present context of climate change, uncertainties related to glacier melt, and international water politics have made the future of the Indira Gandhi Canal more sensitive. Experts believe that enhancing water-use efficiency has now become imperative.

The existence, expansion and operation of the Indira Gandhi Canal are linked to utilization of the river waters covered by the now suspended Indus Waters Treaty.

While the treaty has proved to be a boon for the canal, changing climatic conditions and increasing demand now require prioritizing sustainable water management, efficient irrigation technologies, and policy-level reforms in the canal region.

Author Dr. Reepunjaya Singh was Senior Professor (Retd.) Urban Development and In-charge of Disaster Management at Harish Chandra Mathur
Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration, Jaipur, and former Honorary Member of the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board.

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