GREENING THE DESERT: Motivating Settlers in the IGNP

The book reviews in an interdisciplinary manner internationally available literature on settlement theory and management of irrigation and Command Area Development projects. It then undertakes an in-depth analysis of the Indira Gandhi Canal (formerly Rajasthan Canal) Project which involves not only massive agro-irrigational works and efforts, but also infrastructural area development and the transformation of demographic conditions in its command area. Problems in implementing the project and especially in motivating people to settle and initiate irrigated agriculture have been identified. Lessons from settlement and irrigation management/rural development theory and also from field experiences in the project over the last 40 odd years are considered so as to identify course of action which would result in better settler motivation, optimal implementation of the Command Area Development Programme, and the eventual greening of large tracts of the Thar desert. The book is likely to interest engineers, social scientists, and experts in agriculture, afforestation, town planning, rural development, infrastructure development, social transformation, public and project administration, land and water management, etc.