Canal Simulation Model for Conjunctive Irrigation Management

In the recent time, it has been realized that water resources must be managed in an integrated manner. Also, irrigation for agriculture can not be considered in isolation of other uses. Due to competing demands from different sectors such as agriculture, domestic, power, industry, environment and others, assessment and allocation of available water resources has become increasingly challenging and requires an appropriate computation tool. As part of a broader World Bank-funded water sector restructuring project, SMEC International Australia was commissioned in 2004 by UPID to develop the model that can simulate the complex hydrological cycle in canal command involving conjunctive use of surface and groundwater coupled with agriculture intensification and diversification.

A review of existing models led to the conclusion that there were no existing models that would adequately describe the water balance in canal command area at appropriate levels of spatial and temporal (daily, weekly and seasonal) scales. Therefore, a comprehensive, purpose-specific GIS-based model has been developed to evaluate different water management scenarios in terms of water resources availability and requirement including their socio-economic implications. Finally, to illustrate the model application, a few management scenarios have been discussed in relation to water resources planning and real-time canal operation.