Managing a large irrigation system under emergency conditions: Hirakud project case study, India
Date
2000-06
Authors
Das, B. P., author
Reddy, J. M., author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
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Abstract
In Hirakud, a multi-purpose project, in India, rice is grown over an area of 160,000 ha during the monsoon season (June to October). Supplementary irrigation of 100 mm in September and 150 mm in October is needed. Often, due to erratic monsoon and lean rainfall in September/October, supplementary irrigation of 150 mm to 200 mm per month is needed. The crucial supplementation for crop maturity occurs during September 25 to October 25, after which the demand tapers off. On October 5, 1984, a normal monsoon year, an emergency situation occurred due to the collapse of the left upstream river wingwall (of 15-m height). The command area of 85,000 ha below the aqueduct was consequently deprived of irrigation when 50% of the command area was in dire need of 5 to 7 cm of supplemental irrigation during flowering stage of the rice crop. After the collapse of the wingwall, an appropriate canal operation strategy was developed and implemented to ensure supply of water during the rehabilitation period to selective and needy areas on a priority basis. By innovative rehabilitation technique, the structure was put into commission by October 25, 1984, when partial water supply was resumed through the structure. By farmers' participation, appropriate production practice demonstration, and ensuring rotational water supply matching with crop water need (FAO 24, 1977), almost 75,000 ha received satisfactory irrigation. In spite of the reduced water supply, the crop yield in the project area was 20% more than the normal yield.
Description
Presented at the 2000 USCID international conference, Challenges facing irrigation and drainage in the new millennium on June 20-24 in Fort Collins, Colorado.