Rajasthan Canal was conceived by Kanwar Sain in the year-

The correct answer is 1938.

Key Points

• The Rajasthan Canal, later known as the Indira Gandhi Canal, was conceived by Kanwar Sain in 1938.
• Kanwar Sain, an eminent engineer, played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the idea of utilizing the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers for irrigation in Rajasthan.
• The project aimed to transform the arid regions of western Rajasthan into cultivable land by channeling water from the Himalayan rivers.
• Although conceived in 1938, the actual construction of the canal began much later, in the early 1960s.
• The canal is considered one of the largest irrigation projects in India, stretching over 650 kilometers.

Additional Information

• Indira Gandhi Canal:
  • The Rajasthan Canal was later renamed the Indira Gandhi Canal in honor of the former Prime Minister of India.
  • The canal primarily serves the arid regions of Rajasthan, including Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur.
  • It provides water for irrigation and drinking purposes to millions of people in the region.
• Geographical Importance:
  • The canal harnesses water from the Sutlej and Beas rivers, which are part of the Indus River system.
  • It has transformed large areas of desert into productive agricultural land.
• Historical Context:
  • Kanwar Sain’s vision in 1938 laid the foundation for one of India’s largest irrigation projects, despite the delay in implementation due to political and logistical challenges.
  • The project was aligned with efforts to address water scarcity and promote agricultural development in India’s arid regions.
• Engineering Achievements:
  • The canal system is a remarkable feat of engineering, involving extensive networks of distributaries and branches.
  • Its construction required overcoming significant challenges, including extreme climatic conditions and rugged terrain.