Short notes on Irrigation and Multipurpose Project of India

Short notes on Irrigation and Multipurpose Project of India

Irrigation is the process of supply of water through artificial methods to cultivate land in the regions of inadequate rainfall. Well irrigation is a method of irrigation that draws water from wells either using animal power or using mechanical methods. Tube well irrigation is an irrigation method in which water is supplied through the tubes erected in most suitable regions. Tube well irrigation is mostly practiced in Peninsular India. Canal irrigation is a method of irrigation in which waters of rivers are taken to the cultivable land areas through canals.

Inundation canals are the canals that allow the passage of unregulated water from rivers and lakes. Perennial canals are the canals that allow the passage of regulated water with a weir (barrier) system from rivers and or reservoirs. The perennial canals take water from barrages constructed across the perennial rivers. Wherever the level of flow of river water is weak, reservoirs are built. The canals use the waters of the reservoir and divert it to the cultivable field. Tank irrigation is mostly practiced in southern India. The waters of tanks undergo evaporation during summer and soon become dry. Most of the tanks become shallow, and spread water over a long uncultivable area.

A comprehensive river valley project that serves a number of purposes simultaneously is called multipurpose river valley projects. Multipurpose river valley projects are major irrigation systems that serve many purposes such as controlling floods, irrigating lands, generating electricity and attracting tourists. Multipurpose river valley projects provide help in the conservation of water, a prime Natural Resource. The projects not only help in soil conservation but also to reclaim land lost due to frequent floods. Multipurpose river valley projects contribute significantly towards the growth and development of the regions as well as the entire country. Hence they are called the 'Temples of Modern India', The Damodar River Valley project is the first of its kind in India and is considered a model river valley project. This project exhibits how a science and technology could help in utilizing our water resources. The Bhakra Nangal Project, the Hirakud Project, the Cauvery Delta Canal system, the Mettur Project, the Lower Bhavani Project, the Periyar Project, the Pykara Project and the Nagarjuna Sagar project have become the temples of Modern India.