surface water irrigation

India's Thar Desert is transforming from barren sand to thriving farmland, thanks to irrigation projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal and afforestation efforts. This green revolution boosts agriculture and food security, but experts warn of rising soil salinity and threats to the desert's unique ecosystem. Balancing growth with conservation is crucial for long-term prosperity.

After 17 years of struggle, India's longest irrigation tunnel, the Sleemanabad Tunnel, is almost complete. Engineers faced deadly accidents and broken machinery. This 11.95 km tunnel will finally bring Narmada waters to dry farmlands. The project is expected to irrigate vast areas and supply water to several districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate it soon.

10 Deaths In A Month At Chota Haridwar Stretch That Was Built For Irrigation, Not Swimming

Built Over 17 Years At Triple Its Original Cost, Sleemanabad Tunnel Battled Deadly Accidents & Hostile Geology To Carry Narmada Waters Into The Son Basin, A Reunion Mythology Deemed Impossible

Southwest's hidden water ecosystems, including Heron Lake, Elephant Butte Reservoir, Pecos River, Cochiti Lake, and Bitter Lake, are vital sanctuaries for diverse cold-blooded life. These areas teem with various snake species, from agile garter snakes to formidable rattlesnakes, showcasing a remarkable adaptation to both aquatic and arid environments, offering crucial habitats for survival and reproduction.

In Maharashtra's Akola district, Kavatha village faces a 50-year-old drinking water crisis, with 2,500 residents digging for muddy seepage. Despite a nearby irrigation barrage, a planning oversight prevented water storage, leaving villagers with contaminated options. Recent infrastructure fixes offer hope for the coming monsoon.

Banda, a district in Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region, has repeatedly recorded the world's highest temperatures, becoming a man-made heat island. Experts attribute this to barren terrain, vanishing green cover, relentless sand mining, and drying rivers, creating a vicious cycle of extreme heat. This situation is exacerbated by dry westerly winds and a lack of adequate winter rainfall.