Eduqo
Indian Geography›Ch 4: Resources & Economy›Irrigation in India
Master canals, wells, tube wells, tanks, and the Indira Gandhi canal for competitive exams
India depends heavily on canals in northern plains, tube wells in northern-western agricultural states, and tanks in peninsular plateau regions. The Indira Gandhi canal is the lifeline of the Thar desert.
Memory Hooks
| Source | Top Region | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Canals | Northern Plains | Perennial Rivers |
| Tube Wells | Punjab & UP | Groundwater based |
| Tanks | Peninsular India | Natural Depressions |
| Indira Gandhi | Rajasthan | World's Longest |
Canals
(Flow from rivers)
Flow from rivers
Canals divert perennial river water to agricultural fields.
Tube Wells
(Pumping groundwater)
Pumping groundwater
Tube wells extract deep groundwater using electricity or diesel.
Tanks
(Rainwater storage)
Rainwater storage
Tanks store surface runoff in natural or artificial hollows.
Indira Gandhi
(Desert Lifeline)
Desert Lifeline
The Indira Gandhi canal transforms western Rajasthan into farms.
Tanks are most common in PunjabTanks are most common in South India
Hard rocks in the south make tank construction easier than digging tube wells.
Indira Gandhi canal originates from Bhakra DamIndira Gandhi canal originates from Harike Barrage
It takes off from the Harike barrage in Punjab near the confluence of Sutlej and Beas.
Tube wells dominate peninsular plateauCanals & Tube wells dominate northern plains
Peninsular terrain lacks soft alluvial soil required for extensive tube well boring.
Q1.Tank irrigation is most widely practiced in which part of India?
Q2.The Indira Gandhi Canal receives its water from which barrage?