The correct answer is: a) Increasing agricultural productivity.
The canal network in Punjab was developed to provide irrigation water to the region’s agricultural land. This increased the productivity of the land and allowed for the cultivation of a wider variety of crops. The canal network also helped to control floods by diverting excess water away from populated areas.
Option b) is incorrect because the canal network was not primarily developed to control floods. However, it did help to control floods by diverting excess water away from populated areas.
Option c) is incorrect because the canal network was not primarily developed to improve transportation. However, it did improve transportation by providing a means of moving goods and people along the canals.
Option d) is incorrect because the canal network was not primarily developed to provide drinking water. However, it did provide drinking water to some people who lived along the canals.