Water Resources Of Karnataka — Important Questions

41%

Nearly 41% of the cultivable land is under irrigation facility in Karnataka according to the chapter. This means that out of all land that can be used for farming, 41% has access to irrigation systems like canals, wells, and tanks. Karnataka occupies the 9th position in India regarding irrigation. The remaining 59% of cultivable land depends on rainfall for agriculture, which shows there's still scope for expanding irrigation facilities.

Tube wells

Tube wells account for 56.55% of irrigation in Karnataka, making them the largest source. This is followed by canal irrigation at 21.02%, other sources at 12.50%, wells at 7.86%, and tank irrigation at only 2.07%. The high percentage of tube wells shows the modern trend of using underground water for irrigation. Traditional tank irrigation, which was once important, now contributes very little to the total irrigation.

Shivanasamudra

The first hydroelectric power station in Karnataka was established at Shivanasamudra in 1902. It was built to supply power to the Kolar gold mines and was constructed across the Cauvery river. This was also the first successful hydel project in all of India, giving Karnataka the credit for pioneering hydroelectric power generation. Shimsha came later in 1940, Jog Falls project was in 1947, and Marikanive was earlier but for irrigation, not power generation.

Raichur

Raichur district has the largest area under canal irrigation in Karnataka. This is because Raichur is located in the Krishna river basin and benefits from major canal irrigation projects like Tungabhadra and Krishna projects. Belagavi has maximum well irrigation, Shivamogga has maximum tank irrigation, and Kodagu has the least irrigation overall. The geography and river systems of each district determine their main irrigation methods.