JKPSC Prelims 2021
General Studies (Paper 1)
Answer & Explanation
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Correct Answer:
Option C —
Jammu & Kashmir
While Uttar Pradesh has the largest absolute area under canal irrigation due to its size and the vast network of perennial rivers, the question asks for the highest percentage of canal irrigation relative to the total irrigated area within the state/UT.Regional Breakdown of Canal Irrigation
Jammu & Kashmir: Canals are the primary source of irrigation here, accounting for over 90% of the total irrigated area in the region. This is due to the hilly terrain which makes the construction of wells or tanks difficult, while the abundance of snow-fed perennial rivers facilitates canal gravity-flow.
Punjab: While Punjab has a world-class canal network (the land of five rivers), it relies very heavily on tubewells to meet the intensive demands of the Green Revolution. Therefore, its percentage of canal irrigation is lower than J&K's.
Uttar Pradesh: Leads in net irrigated area by canals, but tubewells remain the dominant source of irrigation for the state overall.
Rajasthan: Famous for the Indira Gandhi Canal, but a vast portion of the state remains dependent on other sources or remains unirrigated.
Key Facts about Canal Irrigation in India
Inundation Canals: These are taken out from rivers without any regulating system (like weirs) and provide water only when the river is in flood.
Perennial Canals: These are linked to dams or barrages to provide water throughout the year.
The Indira Gandhi Canal: One of the largest canal projects in the world, it transformed the ecology and agriculture of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
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