Assessment of environmental impacts of Sarda Sahayak Canal irrigation project of Uttar Pradesh, government, India

Abstract

This paper analyses the results of studies conducted on the Sarda Sahayak Canal Irrigation Project of the U.P. Government, which was commissioned in 1974. The operation of this canal has created serious problems of environmental degradation in the command area. The problem of seepage started right from the beginning and at present it has created a situation which may be one of its type in the history of canal irrigation. The seepage in 1984 has damaged 385 villages, 13,677 houses and 2200 catties. Mature natural forests containing Sal trees have been killed by canal seepage over a vast tract. The canal seepage and high water table rendered vast tract waterlogged. Due to continuous waterlogging in the command area, the problems of Malaria, Filaria skin diseases and pest are very common. The canal is operating, and this report should help in assessing the environmental changes such as management of land, water and forests for sustainable development.