Irrigation is crucial for farming in Uttar Pradesh, a state where agriculture plays a significant role in the economy. The state relies on various sources of irrigation to ensure crops receive enough water throughout the year. Here’s a simplified look at how irrigation works in Uttar Pradesh:
Major Sources of Irrigation
1. Well Irrigation
- Largest Area: Uttar Pradesh leads India in well irrigation, which covers a significant portion of its agricultural land.
- Traditional Methods: Wells are the oldest irrigation method used in the state. Different techniques, such as Rahat, Dhekli, Bull Pulling, Charsa, and Chain Pump, are used depending on water availability.
- Regions: Wells are found across the state, except in mountainous and plateau areas. Major districts with well irrigation include Gonda, Bahraich, Basti, Faizabad, and Varanasi.
2. Tubewell Irrigation
- Most Popular: Tubewells are the most common irrigation source in Uttar Pradesh, covering about 71.8% of the irrigated land.
- Historical Note: The first tubewell in Uttar Pradesh was installed in 1930 in Meerut.
- Key Districts: Tubewells are extensively used in districts like Meerut, Mainpuri, Etah, and Firozabad.
3. Canal Irrigation
- Third in Importance: Canal irrigation is the third most important source, mainly serving lands with large plains and fertile soil near perennial rivers.
- Influence of Rivers: The presence of the Ganga and other perennial rivers supports canal irrigation, particularly in the Western part of Uttar Pradesh.
- Eastern vs. Western: While Eastern Uttar Pradesh gets enough rainfall, Western Uttar Pradesh relies more on canal irrigation due to lower rainfall.
Key Facts About Irrigation in Uttar Pradesh
- Irrigation Coverage: Approximately 52% of Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural land is irrigated. The rest depends on rainfall, which can be unpredictable.
- Breakdown of Irrigation Sources:
- 71.8% from Tubewells
- 18.9% from Canals
- 9.3% from Wells, Tanks, Lakes, and Ponds
Summary Table
| Irrigation Source | Percentage of Irrigated Area | Key Districts |
|---|---|---|
| Wells | 9.3% | Gonda, Bahraich, Varanasi |
| Tubewells | 71.8% | Meerut, Firozabad, Saharanpur |
| Canals | 18.9% | Western Uttar Pradesh |
Additional Information
- Economic Survey 2017-18: Highlights that around 52% of the agricultural land in Uttar Pradesh is irrigated.
- Importance of Artificial Irrigation: Due to the state’s unpredictable rainfall, artificial sources like tubewells and canals are crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity.
read –AGRICULTURE OF UTTAR PRADESH
Major Canals of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has an extensive network of canals that play a vital role in irrigation across the state. These canals are essential for agriculture, particularly in areas where rainfall is insufficient. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to the major canals of Uttar Pradesh:
1. Eastern Yamuna Canal
- Construction: Built in 1830 from the left bank of the Yamuna River near Faizabad.
- Length: 1440 km, flowing parallel to the Yamuna River.
- Coverage: Irrigates around 2 lakh hectares in Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Hapur, Meerut, and Ghaziabad.
- Historical Note: Originally dug by Shahjahan and later constructed by the British.
2. Upper Ganga Canal
- Construction: Built between 1840 and 1854 near Haridwar.
- Length: Main canal is about 340 km, with branches extending to 5,640 km.
- Coverage: Irrigates approximately 7 lakh hectares in various districts including Saharanpur, Meerut, and Kanpur.
- Branches: Feeds water to the Agra Canal and Lower Ganga Canal.
3. Lower Ganga Canal
- Construction: Built from 1872 to 1878 at Narora.
- Length: Total length including branches is 8,800 km.
- Coverage: Irrigates around 4-5 lakh hectares in districts such as Farrukhabad, Kanpur, and Fatehpur.
- Branches: Includes Kanpur Canal and Etawah Canal.
4. Agra Canal
- Construction: Built in 1878 at Okhla from the Yamuna River.
- Length: 1600 km including branches.
- Coverage: Irrigates about 1.5 lakh hectares in Delhi, Mathura, Agra, and Bharatpur.
5. Betwa Canal
- Construction: Established in 1885 at Parichha on the Betwa River.
- Coverage: Irrigates around 83 thousand hectares in Jhansi, Jalaun, and Hamirpur.
- Branches: Includes Hamirpur branch and Khethona branch.
6. Dhasan Canal
- Construction: Built in 1910 on the Dhasan River, a tributary of the Betwa River.
- Coverage: Primarily irrigates land in Hamirpur district.
7. Sharda Canal
- Construction: Built between 1920 and 1928 at Banbasa on the Sharda River.
- Length: Total length is 12,368 km including branches.
- Coverage: Irrigates approximately 8 lakh hectares in districts like Pilibhit, Bareilly, and Lucknow.
8. Gandak Canal
- Construction: Joint project with Bihar, built in 1972 on the Buri Gandak River.
- Coverage: Irrigates land in Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, and Deoria districts.
9. Ramganga Canal
- Construction: Built in 1975 at Kalagarh on the Ramganga River.
- Length: About 128 m wide.
- Coverage: Irrigates districts including Bijnor, Amroha, Rampur, and Moradabad.
10. Saryu-Ghaghara Canal
- Construction: Started in 1977-78, national status in August 2012.
- Coverage: Serves Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, and other districts by utilizing waters from Saryu, Rapti, and Ghaghara rivers.
11. Middle Ganga Canal
- Construction: A barrage constructed on the Ganga River near Bijnor.
- Length: Main canal is 115.54 km.
- Coverage: Benefits districts such as Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, and Mathura.
12. Ken Canal
- Construction: Joint project with Madhya Pradesh, constructed at Panna on the Ken River.
- Length: 640 km including branches.
- Coverage: Irrigates around 1.4 lakh acres in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.
13. Mata Teela Dam Canal (Rani Laxmi Bai Dam)
- Construction: Canals Gursaria and Mandar from Mata Teela Dam on the Betwa River.
- Coverage: Irrigates land in Jhansi, Lalitpur, and Hamirpur districts.
14. Meja Reservoir Canal
- Construction: Earthen dam on the Belan River.
- Length: 315 km.
- Coverage: Irrigates 70,900 acres in Allahabad and Mirzapur districts.
15. Saprar Canal
- Construction: Built on the Saprar River near Karonda village.
- Coverage: Irrigates around 40 thousand acres in Jhansi and Hamirpur districts.
16. Arjun Dam Canal
- Construction: Built on the Arjun River in Charkhari.
- Coverage: Irrigates 26,700 acres in Hamirpur district.
17. Rangeba Dam Canal
- Construction: On the Bern River, a tributary of the Ken River.
- Coverage: Irrigates 93 thousand acres in Hamirpur district.
18. Belan-Tons Canal Project
- Construction: Baroda Dam on the Belan River.
- Coverage: Irrigates 1 lakh acres in Allahabad district.
19. Nagwa Dam Canal
- Construction: On the Karmnasa River at Nagwa.
- Coverage: Irrigates 60 thousand acres in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts.
20. Naugarh Dam Canal
- Construction: On the Karmnasa River at Naugarh.
- Coverage: Irrigates 80 thousand acres in Chandauli and Ghazipur districts.
21. Chandra Prabha Dam Canal
- Construction: Near Chakia on the Chandraprabha River.
- Coverage: Irrigates 24 thousand acres in Chakia and Chandauli tehsils.
22. Ahrora Dam Canal
- Construction: On the Gadai River in Ahrora.
- Coverage: Irrigates land in Varanasi and Mirzapur districts.
23. Lalitpur Dam Canal
- Construction: From the Lalitpur Dam on the Sahjad River.
- Coverage: Irrigates Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur, and Jalaun districts.
24. Ghaglira Canal
- Construction: From the Ghaghara River with branches Mariham and Ghorayal.
- Coverage: Irrigates Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts.
Dams of Uttar Pradesh
Here’s a list of significant dams in Uttar Pradesh:
| Dam Name | River | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Parichha Dam | Betwa | Parichha town, Jhansi |
| Jargo Dam | Jargo | Mirzapur |
| Rani Laxmi Bai Dam | Betwa | Lalitpur |
| Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar Dam | Rihand | Pipari, Sonbhadra |
| Musa Kahand | Karmnasa | Chandauli |
| Ramganga Dam | Ramganga | Dhampur, Bijnor |
| Aunjhar Dam | Aunjhar | Chitrakoot |
| Baghelkhand Dam | Jamunahwa | Balrampur |
| Kanhar Dam | Kanhar | Sonbhadra |
| Meja Dam | Belan | Mirzapur |
| Saryu Dam | Saryu | Bahraich |
| Pathrai Dam | Pathrai | Jhansi |
| Rajghat Dam | Betwa | Lalitpur |
| Mauhada Dam | Birma | Hamirpur |
| Arjun Dam | Arjun | Hamirpur |
| Ban Sagar Dam | Son | Shahdol |
| Sharda Sagar Dam | Sharda | Pilibhit |
| Nagawan Dam | Karmnasa | Nagwan |
| Gunta Dam | Gunta Nala | Raipura, Chitrakoot |
| Kanchnauda Dam | Sajnam | Lalitpur |
| Rajghat Project | Betwa | Lalitpur |
Lakes, Ponds, and Tanks in Uttar Pradesh
Overview
Lakes, ponds, and tanks are traditional methods of irrigation used especially in the plateau regions of Uttar Pradesh. They play a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting agriculture in these areas.
Major Irrigation Projects of Uttar Pradesh
1. Hathnikund Barrage
- Construction Year: 1872
- Location: Saharanpur, on the Yamuna River
- Details: Initially destroyed by a flood in 1978, the barrage was rebuilt and completed in 1999, now known as the New Tajewalan Barrage. It supports irrigation for fields in Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Meerut, and Ghaziabad.
2. Kanhar Irrigation Project
- Proposal Year: 1976
- Location: Sonbhadra district, on the Kanhar River
- Details: An earth-filled dam under construction, providing water for irrigation and drinking for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. A canal is also being constructed.
3. Bansagar Dam Project
- Construction Year: 1978
- Location: Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, on the Son River
- Details: A joint project with Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The dam is 1,020 m long and 67 m high. It irrigates land in Allahabad (Prayagraj) and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh. Included in the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana in 2014 and designated a national project in 2018.
4. Agra Barrage Project
- Started: 1993 (Ongoing)
- Location: Near Taj Mahal, Agra, on the Yamuna River
- Details: Aims to provide water for drinking and irrigation in Agra.
5. Rajghat Dam Project
- Location: Lalitpur district, on the Betwa River
- Details: A joint project with Madhya Pradesh, involving the construction of two canals. Renamed the Rani Laxmi Bai Project.
6. Budaun Irrigation Project
- Started: 2012 (Ongoing)
- Location: Bareilly and Badaun
- Details: Irrigates 37,453 hectares with a 617 m long barrage on the Ramganga River.
7. Rihand Valley Project
- Location: Pipari, Sonbhadra, on the Rihand River
- Details: Also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar. Irrigates 40 lakh acres in Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Allahabad, and Varanasi.
8. Gokul Barrage Project
- Location: Near Gokul town, Mathura, on the Yamuna River
- Details: Provides water for drinking and irrigation to Agra and Mathura districts.
9. Luv-Kush Barrage Project
- Location: Kanpur, on the Ganga River
- Details: Provides drinking water to Kanpur city.
10. Gangajal Project
- Location: Near Noida-Delhi bypass
- Details: Ensures water supply for drinking and irrigation in Noida and Ghaziabad. Overseen by the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
11. Banganga Project
- Location: Shohratgarh, Basti district
- Details: A barrage on the Banganga River with a 45 km canal, irrigating 23,000 acres in Basti district.
12. Kanhar Irrigation Project
- Location: Confluence of the Pagan and Kanhar Rivers, Sonbhadra
- Details: Features a 3.003 km long earthen dam with a maximum height of 39.90 m and a canal.
Minor Irrigation Projects in Uttar Pradesh
1. Free of Cost Boring Scheme
- Started: 1985
- Details: Provides grants for boring up to 30 m deep. Modifications in 2012-13 offer grants for HDPE pipe irrigation systems.
2. Scheme of Medium Deep Tube-wells
- Started: May 2004
- Details: Grants cover 50% of the cost for medium deep tubewells, boring 31 m to 60 m deep.
3. Scheme for Construction of Check Dams
- Started: 2008-09
- Details: Focuses on rainwater use and groundwater recharging in plateau areas, like Bundelkhand.
4. Community Blast Well Project
- Started: 2011-12
- Location: Plateau and semi-plateau blocks in 8 districts
- Details: Targets small and marginal farmers, providing 8 m diameter and 15 m deep wells.
5. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Community Tube Well Scheme
- Started: November 2012
- Details: Covers areas where free boring is impractical or depths exceed 30 meters.
6. Scheme for Surface Pump Sets
- Details: Provides grants for installing pump sets for irrigation from natural surface water sources in Bundelkhand and plateau districts.
7. Scheme of Boring in Plateau Areas
- Details: Grants 50% of the cost for inwell-ring machine boring in Jhansi, Lalitpur, and Chitrakoot areas, with a depth of 60 m.
8. Artesian Well Project/Scheme
- Details: Grants for artesian wells in Jalaun, with different grants for handset and mechanized wells.
Drinking Water Projects in Uttar Pradesh
1. Gokul Barrage Project
- Objective: Stores rainwater for Mathura and Agra.
2. Ganga Water Project
- Objective: Supplies water to Noida, trans-Hindon areas of Ghaziabad, and Delhi.
3. Luv-Kush Barrage
- Objective: Provides drinking water to Kanpur city.
4. Agra Barrage
- Objective: Supplies drinking water to Agra, located 8 km from the Taj Mahal.
Uttar Pradesh State Water Policy
Objectives
- Preservation and Utilization: Ensure optimal use of limited water resources.
- Improvement: Enhance water resource management with user participation and decentralization.
- Quality Maintenance: Maintain surface and groundwater quality to established standards.
- Project Formulation: Promote projects based on basin or sub-basin concepts, ensuring multipurpose use of water resources.
