March 26, 2025 – Jodhpur – A 60-day shutdown of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, considered the lifeline of western Rajasthan, commenced today, raising concerns of an impending water crisis across six major districts. The canal closure, scheduled to continue until May 27, will severely impact irrigation and may strain drinking water supplies in affected areas.
Two-Phase Closure: Drinking Water Only for First 30 Days
According to the Water Resources Department, the canal closure is being implemented in two phases:
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Phase 1 (March 26 – April 26): Partial closure with 2,000 cusecs of water released to maintain drinking water supply.
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Phase 2 (April 27 – May 27): Complete halt of water supply for maintenance and cleaning work.
The Indira Gandhi Canal serves as a critical source of irrigation and drinking water for Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar districts. Officials warn of a potential water scarcity during the peak summer season, especially for farmers and rural communities.
Maintenance, Repair, and Desilting Underway
The closure is part of a scheduled annual maintenance and desilting operation under the ₹3,291 crore Indira Gandhi Canal Resignaling Project, which began in 2018. This year’s work will continue along the main canal and its distributaries, focusing on structural improvements initiated at the Lohgarh Head (496 RD).
The canal is also undergoing essential repairs in Punjab, where the entire 60-day closure is being enforced. Routine maintenance helps ensure efficient water delivery, reduce leakages, and prolong canal life—but it comes at the cost of temporary supply cuts.
Water Storage and Supply Management Underway
To mitigate the crisis, both the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Water Resources Department have begun pre-storing water and organizing alternative supply measures. Officials assure that the drinking water supply will be maintained, particularly during the partial closure period.
“We are taking all necessary steps to ensure that people do not face a shortage of drinking water during the canal closure,” a PHED official said.
Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods
The full closure in Phase 2 is expected to hit farmers and livestock owners the hardest. With no irrigation water available, summer crops may be delayed or abandoned, potentially leading to economic losses in rural areas.
Despite the annual nature of this closure, the duration and timing during peak summer have triggered concerns among local communities. The government, however, maintains that preventive measures and proper communication will help reduce the disruption.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
