Question

Discuss the measures of sustainable development with special reference to Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area.

Hint:

Sustainable development in the IGCC area involves a holistic approach, including water management, soil health, renewable energy, and community participation. Ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability in this region requires integrating modern techniques with traditional knowledge.

Answer 1

Sustainable development refers to the concept of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area, located in Rajasthan, is one of the largest irrigation projects in India and plays a key role in supporting agriculture in the region.
Sustainable Development Measures for the IGCC Area:
1. Water Management: The Indira Gandhi Canal provides water to arid and semi-arid areas in Rajasthan. Sustainable management of water resources in this area is critical due to the limited availability of freshwater in the region.
- Measures: Implementation of rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and sprinklers to minimize water wastage, and the promotion of water-saving crops.
2. Soil Conservation: Soil erosion is a common problem in arid and semi-arid regions. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity, soil conservation methods need to be adopted.
- Measures: Use of contour plowing, plantation of vegetation along the canal banks to prevent soil erosion, and promoting organic farming practices to maintain soil health.
3. Promoting Agroforestry: Agroforestry systems involve growing trees along with crops. This helps in reducing soil erosion, increasing biodiversity, and improving water retention.
- Measures: Encouraging farmers to grow drought-resistant and economically viable tree species like eucalyptus, poplar, and acacia along the canal and in the surrounding areas.
4. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Agriculture in the IGCC area is largely dependent on irrigation. To make agriculture sustainable, crop rotation and diversification are encouraged to maintain soil fertility.
- Measures: Introducing less water-intensive crops like pulses and oilseeds, using organic fertilizers, and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
5. Renewable Energy: The use of renewable energy sources like solar power is promoted to reduce dependency on conventional energy sources and minimize environmental pollution.
- Measures: Installation of solar pumps for irrigation, promoting solar-powered cold storage units for agricultural produce.
6. Community Participation and Awareness: For sustainable development to be effective, the local community must be actively involved in decision-making processes.
- Measures: Setting up village-level water management committees, organizing workshops and training sessions on sustainable agricultural practices, and creating awareness about climate change and conservation.
7. Integration of Technology: The use of modern technology in farming is encouraged to make the agricultural practices in the region more efficient and sustainable.
- Measures: Implementation of precision farming techniques using GIS (Geographical Information System) and satellite-based monitoring for effective resource management.