The objective of this Project is rehabilitation of Indira Gandhi canal system to prevent seepage, conserve water, and enhance water usage efficiency. The Indira Gandhi canal system was designed as one of the largest irrigations systems in India, to carry about 8 million acre feet of surplus water from Ravi and Beas rivers to the arid state of Rajasthan. The Project will help in arresting seepage of water through rehabilitation of the deteriorating canal lining, which will improve water carrying efficiency of the canal system and enable reclamation of waterlogged areas. Micro irrigation component is also included under the Project, which will contribute to enhancement in water usage efficiency. The Project also includes capacity building measures for strengthening the capacity of local water users’ associations, agricultural institutions, water resources department and farmers. These measures will facilitate adoption of modern irrigation and sustainable farm techniques, and optimal utilization of irrigation systems. The Project activities will cause an increased availability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes and bring additional land under irrigation in the Project area.

More than 990 km of canal system will be rehabilitated and more than 33,000 km of waterlogged areas will be reclaimed under the Project. Outputs under the Project will cause enhanced water use efficiency, increased cropping intensity and increased area under irrigation.

The Project is planned to be implemented by February 2025. Suppliers for the Project will be selected through competitive and transparent bidding process. Government of Rajasthan will be the Project Entity and Rajasthan Water Resources Department will be the Implementing Agency.

The Project will help conserve water and enhance water usage efficiency. It brings timely attention to the pressing need for rehabilitation of the canal system to solve water seepage issue, and reclamation of waterlogged areas for cultivation. Ensuring water supply for both drinking and irrigation purposes is essential for quality of life of the people and the development of agriculture industry, on which majority of the population of Rajasthan depend for sustenance. Environmental and social impact of the activities under Phase I of the Project are related to rehabilitation of a portion of the canal system through desilting and relining of canals. Activities proposed under Phase II of the Project are related to desilting and relining of the remaining portion of the canal system, reclamation of waterlogged areas, micro irrigation and capacity building. Civil works activities for both the phases are similar in nature. There will be no rehabilitation issues. Risk classification of Phase I and Phase II is Category “B”. Environmental and Social Impact Management Plan (ESIMP) has been proposed to ensure implementation monitoring and reporting to NDB on E&S aspects. Implementation of E&S management and monitoring, ESIMP, and regular supervision will ensure compliance with the country system requirements.