Q.3. What are the key features and significance of the Lower Ganga Canal System in Uttar Pradesh?

Lower Ganga Canal originates from the Narora Barrage on the Ganges River in Bulandshahar. It is also known as the Narora Canal. The main canal is approximately 99 km long, but when considering all its branches, the total length extends to about 8183 km. The Lower Ganga Canal System in Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in irrigation, water supply, and industrial development. It provides irrigation facilities in 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Like, Bulandshahar, Fatehpur, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Aligarh, Mainpuri, Ghaziabad etc. Let’s explore its significance for the state:

1. Irrigation Area:
   • The Lower Ganga Canal system irrigates approximately 10.42 lakh hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 square meters) of agricultural land across these districts.
   • It significantly contributes to crop cultivation and sustains livelihoods for farmers in the region.
2. Water Supply to Power Plants:
   • Besides irrigation, the canal serves as a water source for several power plants:
     • Narora Atomic Plant
     • Jawahar Thermal Power Plant (Etah)
     • Panki Power Plant (Kanpur)
     • NTPC Dibiyapur (Auraiya).
3. Drinking Water Source:
   • Urban centers benefit from the canal as a drinking water source. For instance:
     • The Navin Jasrana Canal, a branch of the Lower Ganga Canal, supplies drinking water to Firozabad.
4. Industrial Water Supply:
   • Industries also rely on the canal for water:
     • Kanpur’s fertilizer company and Kanpur’s Ordnance factory draw water from the Lower Ganga Canal.

In summary, the Lower Ganga Canal System is a lifeline for agriculture, industry, and urban centers in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the state’s development and prosperity.