Question

What is the approximate present irrigation potential, in lakh, of Madhya Pradesh?
1. 68.20
2. 44.94
3. 78.20
4. 34.94

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 44.94

The correct answer is 44.94.

• Irrigation Development in Madhya Pradesh:
  • Development of Irrigation in Madhya Bharat started long back with the construction of water storage tanks in the 1st century AD by Chandel kings in Khajuraho (Chhatarpur).
  • The present irrigation potential of Madhya Pradesh is 44.94 lakhs.
  • Later on, tanks had also been constructed by the Kalchuri dynasty in Bilaspur district during 1120-35 AD.
  • It is estimated that about 49,743 hm³ can be harnessed for irrigation purposes in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The estimated annual runoff from all the basins in the state (after the formation of the new Madhya Pradesh) is about 81,719 hm³.
  • At the same time, the Wainganga canal system in the Balaghat district was also started and completed in June’1923.

• The year 1927 was the milestone in the history of irrigation development in the State as the Mahanadi canal system in Raipur and Pagara dam in Gwalior was commissioned.
• During the years 1929-34, in the erstwhile Gwalior state, Sank-Asan Project, Kaketo dam, Aoda dam, Harris dam, and Tigara dam were also constructed.
• These projects created irrigation potential of 1.70 lakh acres in the State.
• Before the Independence, the irrigation works were executed keeping in view the security aspects only. C.P. Irrigation Committee (1927-29) imposed a complete ban on new irrigation activities until the scheme already completed proved remunerative.
• This has, however, not promoted the irrigation activities unless a new era of development started in the year 1951-52.
• The Plan wise irrigation potential created and utilized is given under.
• Recent development in irrigation in Twentieth-century started in district Durg, now in Chhatisgarh state, when the Tandula canal system was completed on 26th March 1921 first time in the British era.