**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer to Unstarred Question No. 860 in Lok Sabha regarding the dilapidated condition of the Indira Gandhi Feeder, answered on December 4, 2025. It addresses the feeder's length, reduced water-carrying capacity, and diversion of water to Pakistan. Relining work is ongoing, with completion targeted for October 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Indira Gandhi Feeder Details:**
* The feeder originates from Harikeheadworks.
* Total length: 204 km.
* Original designed capacity: 18,500 cusecs.
* **Relining Project:**
* Union Cabinet approved "Relining of Rajasthan Feeder (RD 1,79,000 to 4,96,000)" on September 26, 2018.
* Committee assessed the present carrying capacity of Rajasthan Feeder as 15180 cusecs.
* Target relining work: 96.62 km.
* Relining completion: 80.00 km completed till October 2025.
* Approximately 11km of relining work between RD 179 and RD 496 is still pending.
* **Water Diversion to Pakistan:**
* No water from the Sutlej and Beas rivers flows to Pakistan except during the monsoon season (floods) or in exceptional circumstances.
* Diversion occurs when substantial rainfall occurs in the catchment of these rivers or when dam water levels require release for safety.
**Impact Analysis**
**Farmers of Rajasthan**
* **Impact:** The dilapidated condition of the Indira Gandhi Feeder reduces the water-carrying capacity and affects the availability of water for irrigation, leading to concerns about agricultural productivity.
* **Action Required:** Monitor the progress of the relining work and advocate for its timely completion to restore the feeder's full capacity.
**Government of India (Ministry of Jal Shakti)**
* **Impact:** Responsible for addressing the issues related to the Indira Gandhi Feeder and ensuring its efficient operation and maintenance.
* **Action Required:** Oversee the completion of the relining project and ensure the reliable supply of water to the intended beneficiaries while adhering to international water agreements.
**Central Water Commission**
* **Impact:** Accountable for assessing the current water-carrying capacity of the Rajasthan Feeder.
* **Action Required:** Continuously monitor the water levels of the feeder and provide necessary updates on capacity.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Jal Shakti: The Indian government ministry responsible for water resources.
Indira Gandhi Feeder: A canal originating from Harike Barrage and supplying water to Rajasthan. Also referred to as Rajasthan Feeder.
Relining of Rajasthan Feeder: A project to improve the condition of the Indira Gandhi Feeder by relining it, approved by the Union Cabinet.
Punjab: State in India where a significant portion of the Indira Gandhi Feeder is located.
Pakistan: Country which may receive diverted water from the Sutlej and Beas rivers under specific conditions.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 860
ANSWERED ON 04.12.2025
DILAPIDATED CONDITION OF INDIRA GANDHI FEEDER
†860. SHRI KULDEEP INDORA:
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that the total length of the Indira Gandhi Feeder originating from the
Harike Barrage is 204 km, out of which 151 km is located in Punjab and approximately 11 km of relining
work between RD 179 and RD 496 is still pending and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the water-carrying capacity of the feeder has reduced to about 12,000 cusecs instead of its
designed capacity of 18,500 cusecs due to its dilapidated condition and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the surplus water has to be diverted towards Pakistan during the rainy season due to the
dilapidated condition of the feeder which could be used by the farmers of Rajasthan if fully relining of the
feeder is done and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) & (b) The Indira Gandhi Feeder (Rajasthan Feeder) originates from Harikeheadworks and has a total
length of 204 km. It is constructed with a capacity of 18,500 cusecs. Over the time its carrying capacity has
reduced. The Union Cabinet approved the “Relining of Rajasthan Feeder (RD 1,79,000 to 4,96,000)” on
26.09.2018. A committee under the chairmanship of Member (Design and Research), Central Water
Commission has assessed the present carrying capacity of Rajasthan Feeder as 15180 cusecs.
As far as the relining work of the canal from RD 1,79,000 to RD 4,96,000 is concerned, out of total target
of 96.62 km, relining work of 80.00 km of the canal has been completed till October 2025.
(c) No water from the Sutlej and Beas rivers flow to Pakistan except during the monsoon season i.e.
during the floods when substantial rainfall occurs in the catchment of these rivers. Such situation may arise
in exceptional circumstances or, during short duration monsoons when the water levels stored by the dams
become very high and there is necessity of release of water for Dam safety.
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