RAS question
The Indira Gandhi Canal (Rajasthan Canal) originates from which barrage?
Correct answer: (B) Harike Barrage.
The Indira Gandhi Canal, originally called the Rajasthan Canal, originates from Harike Barrage in Punjab.
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Canal is linked to Harike Barrage, not to a dam inside Rajasthan. The official RUIDP source states that the canal originates from Harike Barrage in Punjab, from where the 204 km Indira Gandhi Feeder off-takes. Of this feeder, 170 km lies in Punjab and Haryana and 34 km in Rajasthan before it enters Rajasthan at Hanumangarh. Harike is at the confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. From the tail of the feeder, the 445 km Indira Gandhi Main Canal runs through Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner and ends at Mohangarh in Jaisalmer. Together, this explains the commonly cited 649 km canal system that carries water towards western Rajasthan and the Thar Desert region.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Bhakra Dam is on the Sutlej, but the canal does not start directly from Bhakra; its stated origin is Harike Barrage.
- (C) Rana Pratap Sagar Dam is on the Chambal system, so it is not connected with the Indira Gandhi Canal's point of origin.
- (D) Jawai Dam is on the Jawai River in Pali district and serves local irrigation, not the origin of the Indira Gandhi Canal.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's irrigation geography, especially the source and route of major canal projects. RAS repeatedly asks such facts because canal systems are central to water supply, desert development and regional geography in Rajasthan.