OPTIMAL OPERATION SCHEDULING MODEL FOR A CANAL SYSTEM

An improved method of water allocation to different canals in a canal system has been devised, using a linear programming (LP) technique. Th e results of the model are compared with the existing, and three alter nate operation policies in which optimal allocation takes place at dif ferent stages of water distribution. All four operation policies are f ound superior, and have a 16.68, 16.18, 15.46 and 9.98% higher aggrega te net return, over the existing operation policy. The optimal operati on policy in which optimal allocation starts right at the branch canal level has the highest return amongst all including the return from th e present operation policy.