Slope Protection of Subarnarekha Main Canal from RD 7950 m to RD 8720 m – An Alternative Approach

Subarnarekha multi-purpose river valley project is an Interstate Project which would benefit Jharkhand (erstwhile Bihar), Odisha and West Bengal. The head works i.e., Chandil Dam, Ichha Dam and Galudihi Barrage are located in Jharkhand to provide irrigation both to Odisha and Jharkhand, power to Jharkhand and flood control in West Bengal and Odisha. This interstate project was possible only after Tripartite agreement of 1978. For flood protection in Odisha, the State has already paid Rs. 665 crores (up to 2010–11) to Jharkhand towards the flood reserve space provided in the dam. Odisha would get irrigation from Jharkhand –Odisha border (i.e. Uchhagaon village) through Galudihi right bank canal. Though, excavation of the canal commenced during 1988–89 in Odisha portion, the lining of canal could not start in the head reach, i.e., from RD 7950 to RD 8720 m, due to slope failure since inception. Various alternatives have been tried times and again but not yet successful. Unless the problem of slope failure in the said portion of canal is tackled effectively, canal in Odisha side cannot provide any irrigation, though major portion of canal in the downstream portion is complete. An attempt has been made in this paper for an alternative design considering all previous attempts.