Abstract:
After independence, India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grain
production, developing irrigation systems with huge investment.
Although we could achieve primary objective, the expectations have
not been fully accomplished. Water distribution systems which have
been implemented with conventional open channel system could
achieve efficiency around 40%. Seepage through the canal beds and
banks contribute losses to about 20–25%. The situation may still be
worse as we have tapped majority of our surface water resources and
left with diminishing sources for development; in other words, it is
now inevitable to maximize efficient use of available water.
One of the promising options is conceptualized with evolving “Moulded
Plastic Trough” for canal lining, based on the fact that “Overhead water
tanks” made of plastic material have been successfully adopted. This
type of lining will be 100% leak proof, easy to construct being light
weight, efficient in jointing, and saves time of construction and repairs,
yet economically viable. Adopting for small discharge canals (about
30–300 l/s) where we lose major chunk of water through lining will
save about 20% of water. Latest R&D in the field of plastic/polymer
may still add to this concept to be more pragmatic.
Authors discuss the pros and cons of conventional canal lining
replacing with the concept of plastic trough including economic
viability, establishing it as a promising solution.
