Lower Ganga Canal System

What are the key features and significance of the Lower Ganga Canal System in Uttar Pradesh?

Approach: Introduce the answer with a brief description about the Lower Canal System. In the body, first list the key features of the system. Next, bring out its significance for the state. Conclude by highlighting some challenges in management of the Canal and its future prospects.

The Lower Ganga Canal System was started in 1878. It originates from the main Ganga canal in Narora, Bulandshahr and runs through the western and central UP.

Fig. Lower Ganga Canal System

The key features of the system are as follows:

1. a) Cultivable command area >11lakh ha; b) length of main lower Ganga canal ~100km; c) total length of the system > 8000km.
2. a) It consists of a vast network of sub-canals, distributaries, minors to ensure equitable distribution; b) The system has five main water branches– Farrukhabad, Beaver, Kanpur, Etawah, Bhognipur.
3. a) Advanced engineering systems have been integrated in it to regulate water flow (sluice gates) and control floods (embankments); b) Uninterrupted flow of water in the canal is ensured through aqueducts, bridges etc.

The Lower Ganga canal holds immense significance for the state in the following ways:

1. a) It has helped resolve the issues of water scarcity in lower portion of Upper Ganga canal; b) Construction of the canal has eased the management of Ganga water in many ways to ensure its benefits are accrued to UP (flood control).
2. a) The Canal has been used to provide irrigation facilities to key agricultural regions in the state (Aligarh, Kanpur Dehat, Prayagraj), reducing their reliance on monsoons. This has promoted food and nutrition security through increased yields and crop diversification (pulses, oilseeds).
3. a) Cascading effects of the construction of the canal are reflected in rural development in the region. This is due to agricultural growth, job creation and market development as a result of it; b) LGC has been a critical source of water for economic activities in the region (leather industry-Kanpur, energy production- NAPS).
4. a)Construction of the canal has been beneficial for the environment in the State (groundwater conservation, mitigation of soil erosion); b) Through its vast distribution network, the Canal has achieved seminal importance in achieving equity in water access.

With time, challenges related to management of the canal are expected to arise (siltation, leakages, pollution). Nevertheless, it will remain significant for UP due to growing concerns of water scarcity and the need for water management to overcome the same.