| Author | Saleem, Muhammad Yasir |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.WM-16-31 |
| Subject(s) | Crops--Water requirements--Pakistan--Lower Chenab Canal
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Water Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. WM-16-31 |
| Abstract | The Lower Chenab Canal is a perennial canal, which conveys water from Chenab River to the fields through the networks of main canals, branches, distributaries, minors and water courses. Conveyance of water from canals to the fields is done through outlets, which take off mainly from distributaries and minors. The Lower Chenab Canal is already more than century old and it has been facing a number of problems. There has been increase in water demand with the increase in cropping intensity over the years. There has been deterioration of canal banks and berms due to excessive discharges above the safe operational capacities. On the other hand, shortage of irrigation supplies was faced due to less water availability, particularly in tail reaches due to inefficient conveyance system. Almost all the irrigation canals in Punjab province are unlined and thus there isa large amount of water loss through the canals. Concrete Lining of distributaries and minors is being carried out to reduce conveyance losses in irrigation network to increase water availability at the farm gate for farmers. Equitable distribution of water in accordance to the assigned share of water is necessary to fulfill water demands at every scale. Collaboration of agency and farmer organizations is essential to minimize water theft and partial distribution of water. Small farmers must be engaged on merit in establishing farmer organizations so that water delivery is assured to farmer. Concrete lining of Dijkot distributary system has improved the capacity of channel and off taking minors. The ability of lined distributary has enhanced in terms of water delivery and sharing among the minors. Tail water supply has increased up to a significant limit but still tail end users are short of their required amount of water. In comparison to earthen channel, water delivery at the tail has increased more than twice. Partial distribution of water even after concrete lining of irrigation network is providing less water than the essential amount of water required for proper crop growth specifically to the tail reaches of distributary and minors. Crop production is suffering in this area due to short supply of water. Fair distribution of water should be made possible to the irrigators to fulfill their water demands and strict laws and their regulations are prerequisite to minimize water theft by irrigators and unfair distribution of water by farmer organizations. |
| Year | 2016 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. WM-16-31 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Water Engineering and Management (WM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Tawatchai Tingsanchali |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shrestha, Sangam;Andriyas, Sanyogita |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Punjab Irrigation Department;World Bank |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2016 |