Canal Optimization for the Longa Irrigation Project

Abstract

In an irrigation project, canals play a major role. As India depends upon agriculture for its livelihood and it involves usage of water to a large extent, focusses are made on irrigation. It is seen that there is water stress in many parts of country due to climate change, and hence efficient utilization of water becomes a matter of concern. In the present study, non-linear optimization models are developed for canal section as well as cost of construction since the main conveyance of water to the field are irrigation canals. In this study, the approach used is Microsoft GRG solver. Rectangular and trapezoidal cross-sections are optimized considering the constrains on the velocity, flow conditions, width, depth, most economical cross section and discharge. However, the depth of canal and width of canal are taken as the variables during study and thus cost of construction of optimized section is computed.