Design and Evaluation of Dadu Canal Lining for Sustainable Water Saving

Abstract

<p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">Pakistan livelihood depends on agriculture and so for this on irrigation system. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The irrigation system in Sindh province depends on three barrages. The canals off taking from these three barrages irrigate 5.5 million hectares of agriculture land. Sukkur Barrage, which is the oldest one, irrigates more than 2.0 million hectares of land. The Dadu Canal off taking from Sukkur barrage is an earthen canal. A huge amount of irrigation water is lost from the canal in the form of seepage from banks and bed. It is estimated that 40 to 50 per cent of water is lost between the canal head works to the farm-gate. The seepage from the canal creates twin problems of salinity and water logging consequently a large agriculture land has gone out of use, and this process is continued particularly in Sindh. Lining of Canals is considered an effective solution to this problem. But lining of canals in Sindh is a great issue as canals will need to be closed long enough to deprive the farmers at least one crop season and the farmers are unable to pay this price for canal. Therefore, in this </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">study, the Dadu Canal is proposed to be redesigned as an adjacent lined canal which </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">involves design of cross section for various lining options at locations where changes in the hydraulic conditions occur at cross regulators and fall structures. The proposed lining is preferred to be plain cement concrete lining which is selected after investigating local conditions. Quantity and cost estimation at selected RDs (Reduced Distance) proved feasible and significant in long term functioning of Dadu Canal.</span><span></span> </p

Optimization of tank irrigation systems in the rainfed region of Andhra Pradesh

“…Meijer et al (2006) estimated about 50% of seepage loss is reduced annually through the concrete lining of irrigation canals. Further, Ashfaque et al (2013) evaluated Dadu canal lining in Pakistan, result showed a reduction in seepage losses (40-50%) and higher conveyance efficiency (70-90%), thereby increasing in cropping intensity. Further, cement channels also help in the equitable distribution of irrigation water to all stakeholders in the command area (Meijer et al 2006).…”

Review of factors affecting canal water losses based on a meta‐analysis of worldwide data

“…In addition, water users generally lack the skills and resources to maintain and repair lined canals; hence, they depend on the authorities who are also often financially limited (Abidi, 2013). In addition to a lack of skills and resources, water users also lack the collective ability and willingness to perform the tasks needed (Hassan et al, 1999) because, partly, maintenance requires closing the canals for long enough (Memon et al, 2013), which interrupts production and subsequently farmers' livelihoods. This is one reason why farmers are generally reluctant to support rehabilitation works in the absence of subsidies.…”

Perspective of Water Distribution Based on the Performance of Hydraulic Structures in the Varamin Irrigation Scheme (Iran)

“…Memon et al (2013) during research on the Dadu canal in Pakistan concluded that by lining the canals, seepage losses decreased from 50 to 40% and conveyance efficiency increased from 70 to 90%. Memon et al (2013) during research on the Dadu canal in Pakistan concluded that by lining the canals, seepage losses decreased from 50 to 40% and conveyance efficiency increased from 70 to 90%.…”

“…Problems due to the improper performance of conveyance, regulation and distribution structures end up causing inappropriate and unfair distribution of water. Memon et al (2013) during research on the Dadu canal in Pakistan concluded that by lining the canals, seepage losses decreased from 50 to 40% and conveyance efficiency increased from 70 to 90%. The results of the evaluation of the Gezira irrigation scheme in Sudan indicated that water availability is greater than demand.…”