Gang Canal system is one among the three main canal systems of Ganganagar. Total length of Gang Canal is 129 km out of which the first 112 km falls within the boundaries of Punjab.
The canal was made by lime lining. The authorized capacity at its top place is 2,720 cusec and total irrigated area is 3.08 lakh hectares (7.60 lakh acre). The estimated irrigation intensity of this canal is 60 per cent (Kharif 24% and Rabi 36%).
Availability of Water:
According to division of water done before partition, share of this canal was 1.11 M.A.F. waters of Ravi-Beas Rivers. After partition, 0.33 M.A.F. additional water was allotted for this canal. Thus, the total water of Ravi-Beas available for this canal is 1.44 per cent at present.
Existing State of Gang Canal System:
The lining of Bikaner Canal, which was constructed with lime, has been damaged at many places and its lifetime has expired. Consequently, the quantity of water available on the Punjab-Rajasthan border has reduced and additional loss of about 440 cusec water per day is being incurred on this account. Bikaner Canal within the boundaries of Punjab is to cost Rs 98 crores for re-lining of the canal, as estimated by Punjab. The matter is under consideration of the Rajasthan government.
Modernization of Gang Canal System:
After starting re-lining work of Bikaner Canal, it is proposed to supply water to the area irrigated by Gang canal through Indira canal feeder. A link canal has already been constructed between Gang canal and Indira canal feeder and 1,100 cusec additional water was provided for crops from the link canal during the year 1994.
After the modernization plan, water allowance of the canals is proposed to be the same as 3.00 cusec water for 1,000 acres irrigated area. Irrigation intensity would thereby increase from 60 per cent to 70 per cent from the 1.44 M.A.F. water allocated for Gang Canal. But this would be possible only if the lining of all the canals of the system is made pakka. Additional irrigation capacity would be thereby available for about 50,000 acres.