Spatial analysis of irrigation in Karnataka: A geographical analysis

An attempt is made in this paper to analyse the spatial analysis of irrigation in the state of Karnataka. The State of Karnataka with its territorial content as it exists now was formed on 1^st Nov 1956 under the States' Reorganization Act. However, it was known as Mysore State until 1^st Nov, 1973. It is located in the western part of the Deccan Peninsular region of India and lies between 11' 35' North Latitudes to 18° 30' North latitudes and 74° 5' East longitudes to 78° 35' East longitudes. The state is bounded by Maharashtra State and the Goa State in the North and North-West respectively, by Kerala and Tamil Nadu States in the South and by the State of Andhra Pradesh in the East, while Arabian Sea in the West. The total geographical area of Karnataka is 1,91,773 squares kilometers, which shares 5.83% of the total area of India. The major finding of the study is the ultimate potential for irrigation in the Karnataka state is estimated to be 55 lakh hectares which includes 35 lakh hectares from major and medium river projects, 10 lakh hectares from minor surface projects and another 10 lakh hectares from underground water.