Irrigation History of India

Pre-Independence Era

Harvesting Pond

Inundation canal

Dug Well in Shallow Aquifers

During Mid Nineteenth Century, British Government decided to develop irrigation in systematic manner to combat effects of successive famines.

Famine, 19^th Century

Ganges Canal, Solani Aqueduct, 1846

Kallanai Grand Anicut, 2nd Century AD

Hirakud Dam, 1957

Bhavani Sagar Dam, 1955

Indira Gandhi Canal, 1983

Irrigation development was given priority in Five Year Plans

"This dam has been built with the unrelenting toil of man for the benefit of mankind and therefore is worthy of worship. May you call it a Temple or a Gurudwara or a Mosque, it inspires our administration and relevence" - Nehru
(22 October 1963)

Post-Independence Irrigation Development

India is 7^th largest Country in the world
but
No. 1 in irrigation development

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Irrigation Terminology