Irrigation Canal

An irrigation canal is a man-made channel constructed to convey water from a natural source, such
as a river, reservoir, or lake, to agricultural fields.
It is an essential component of irrigation systems designed to supply water for crop growth, ensuring
soil moisture is maintained at an optimal level. Canals play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural
productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where rainfall is insufficient.

Classification of Canals
Irrigation canals can be classified in different ways based on the following criteria;
1. Classification based on the nature of source of supply: In this method canals may be
classified as;
a) Permanent canals
A Permanent canal is a type of canal in which water is available throughout the year. This
type of canal is generally directed from a permanent source of supply water bodies.
Several permanent hydraulic structures are constructed in this type of canal for water
regulation and distribution. A Permanent canal is also known as a perennial canal.
Eg: Ganga canal (India), Seuz canal (Egypt)

b) Inundation canals
Inundation canal is a type of canal in which water is available only during the flood
periods. These types of canals are taken off from rivers to control the water level in rivers
during floods. However, a canal head regulator is provided for controlling the discharge in
the canal.
Eg: Indhira Gandhi canal

2. Classification Of Canals Based on Financial Output: by this method canals may be

classified as;
a) Productive canal
Productive canals are the types of canals which generates a certain revenue to the nation
when it is fully developed. The generated revenue will help to cover up the cost of
construction, cost of maintenance, and its running cost.
Eg: Indhira Gandhi canal
 b) Protective canal
These are constructed to provide relief in the form of the supply of water during the time
of drought. When there is a shortage of water, these canals provide sufficient water to the
affected area and also have a storage of water which can be utilized in future.
Eg: Agra canal

3. Classification based on the function of the canal: Here the canals may be classified as;

a) Irrigation canal
A canal which is aligned along the boundaries of cultivatable areas in order to supply
water for the purpose of agriculture is said to be an irrigation canal.

b) Feeder canals
As the name indicates, a feeder canal is constructed for the purpose of supplying water to
two or more canals, but not for directly irrigating the fields.
c) Carrier canals
A carrier canal is multi-function canal which serves the purposes of both irrigation canal
and feeder canal. It means the carrier canal feeds the other canals as well as provides
water for direct irrigation.

d) Navigation canals
A canal which is constructed especially for navigational purposes is known as navigation
canal. The water level required in a navigation canal is generally a lot higher for
accommodating large ships, etc.

e) Power canals
A canal constructed especially for the generation of hydraulic power is termed as power
canal.
4. Classification based on canal alignment:
a) Ridge/ Watershed canal
A canal aligned along the ridgeline or watershed line of an area is said to be ridge canal or
watershed canal. Since it is running at the peak altitude of the area, irrigation on both
sides of the canal up to a larger extent of the area is possible. There is no interception of
natural drains on ridge lines hence, no cross-drainage works are required for this type of
canal.

b) Contour canal
A canal aligned roughly parallel to the contours of the area is called a contour canal. This
type of canal can be seen in hilly regions. Since it is parallel to the contour line, the
ground on one side of the canal is higher and hence irrigation is possible only on the other
side of the canal. A contour canal has to pass the drainage and hence cross drainage works
are required to be provided.

[contours are points connecting equal elevations]

c) Side - slope canal

A canal aligned nearly perpendicular to the contour of the area is called a side-slope
canal. It is located neither on the ridgeline nor on the valley line but is approximately in
between them. It is parallel to the natural drainage line and hence no cross-drainage works
are required. The bed slope of side slope canal is very steep.
BANDHARA IRRIGATION
Bandhara Irrigation is a traditional method of water management used in India, primarily in
Maharashtra and Karnataka. A bandhara (or bandhara bund) is a small check dam or diversion weir
(A weir is a small barrier or dam built across a river or stream to control the flow of water and raise
the water level) to store and divert water for irrigation. This method is particularly suitable for regions
with undulating terrain and is designed to optimize water availability for agricultural purposes,
especially in dry and semi-arid areas.

Key Features of Bandhara Irrigation:

1. Water Storage and Diversion: Bandharas are built to temporarily store water during the
monsoon season and divert it to nearby fields. They can either retain water for direct use or
raise the water level to divert it into irrigation channels.
2. Types:
o Percolation Bandhara: Primarily aims to increase groundwater recharge by allowing
water to percolate into the soil.
o Storage Bandhara: Built with the intent to create small storage reservoirs for
irrigation during dry periods.
3. Structure: Typically constructed using locally available materials like stones, cement, and
earth. Modern bandharas may be built using concrete for better durability.
4. Check Dam Mechanism: Bandharas act as check dams, slowing down the water flow,
reducing soil erosion, and allowing water to seep into the surrounding land.
Benefits of Bandhara Irrigation:
1. Groundwater Recharge: By retaining water for a certain period, bandharas enhance the
groundwater table in the surrounding areas, making more water available for wells and
boreholes.
2. Soil Moisture Retention: The stored water helps maintain soil moisture during dry spells,
which is beneficial for crops.
 3. Low Cost and Local Material Usage: Bandharas are relatively inexpensive to build and can
be constructed using locally available materials, making them an accessible solution for small
farmers.
4. Flood Control: By slowing down the flow of water during heavy rains, bandharas help
reduce downstream flooding.
Challenges:
● Siltation: Bandharas often face the issue of silt accumulation, which reduces storage capacity
and requires regular desilting.
● Maintenance: Lack of maintenance can lead to breaches or inefficiency over time.
● Limited Water Availability: Bandharas depend on seasonal rainfall, making them less
effective during consecutive dry years.

PHAD SYSTEM OF IRRIGATION

The Phad system of irrigation is a traditional community-based water management system that
originated in the semi-arid regions of Western India, particularly in the Tapti River basin and the
Girna River basin of Maharashtra. This ancient system, believed to be over 300 years old, is
primarily practiced by local farming communities to efficiently distribute water from rivers or streams
to agricultural fields through a network of canals.
Key Features:
1. Water Source: The system relies on water being diverted from a nearby perennial river using
temporary structures like diversion weirs, or Bandharas.
2. Distribution Structure: The water is channelled into a main canal that supplies secondary
and tertiary canals, known as phads. Each phad serves a specific set of fields, ensuring
equitable distribution.
3. Community Management: The Phad system is managed collectively by the village
community, and water distribution is governed by a set of customary rules to ensure fair
usage.
Components of the Phad System:
1. Diversion Weir: Constructed across a river to divert water into the canals.
2. Main Canal: Carries water from the river to the secondary canals.
3. Phads (Field Channels): Sub-canals that carry water to individual fields.
 4. Field Bunds: Small earthen or stone embankments constructed in fields to store and distribute
water within the phad area.
Advantages:
1. Efficient Water Use: Reduces water wastage through controlled release and management.
2. Equitable Distribution: The community-led approach ensures all farmers have access to
water.
3. Sustainability: Promotes a sustainable way of irrigating fields without over-extracting water
resources.
Challenges:
● The Phad system, though effective, is declining due to modernization, lack of maintenance,
and the adoption of other irrigation methods.