International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160   •   Impact Factor: 9.24

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Impact of Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana on Land Use and Land Cover: A Nine-Fold Classification Analysis of Bikaner District, Rajasthan

Author(s) Dr. VIKAS KUMAR
Country India
Abstract Land use and land cover (LULC) change is a critical indicator of environmental transformation, particularly in hot arid regions where fragile ecosystems are highly sensitive to human interventions. This study examines long-term land use and land cover dynamics in Bikaner district of western Rajasthan, with a specific focus on category-wise changes over seven time periods ranging from 1978-81 to 2019-22. Using the nine-fold land use classification system employed in Indian land revenue records, the study examines spatial and temporal variations across the four tahsils - Bikaner, Lunkaransar, Kolayat, and Nokha - to evaluate the impact of canal irrigation, particularly the Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana (IGNP), on land-use patterns. The results reveal significant irrigation-led transformations in the land-use structure of the district. A substantial decline in culturable wasteland and barren land is observed across all tahsils, accompanied by a marked expansion of net sown area, particularly in Bikaner, Lunkaransar, and Kolayat tahsils that directly benefit from canal irrigation. Forest cover, although limited due to arid climatic constraints, shows a gradual increase, reflecting afforestation efforts and improved moisture availability. Land put to non-agricultural uses has expanded steadily, indicating growing infrastructural development and urbanization, especially in Lunkaransar tahsil. Conversely, permanent pastures and grazing lands have generally declined, highlighting increasing pressure on pastoral resources. Nokha tahsil, despite having the highest proportion of net sown area, exhibits relatively stagnant agricultural growth due to limited canal access. The time-period average analysis underscores pronounced intra-district contrasts in LULC patterns, emphasizing uneven irrigation reach and differential development trajectories. Overall, the study highlights the transformative role of canal irrigation in optimizing land use and enhancing agricultural expansion in an arid environment, while underscoring the need for balanced, tahsil-specific land management strategies to ensure ecological sustainability and inclusive regional development.
Keywords Land use and land cover, Canal irrigation, Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana, Arid region, Bikaner district
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-02-18
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E-ISSN 2582-2160
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