CASE-STUDY OF CANAL AUTOMATION (KHADAKWASLA SYSTEM)

The Canal Controls and Communication project implemented at Khadakwasl a irrigation scheme is a recent experience of introduction of Informat ion Technology based Management System for improved operation of the i rrigation system. The system developed by CMC Ltd is comprehensive cov ering reservoir operation, irrigation planning, canal operation schedu ling, flow simulation in the canal system and required report generati on apart from a VHF based Telemetry System covering reservoir location s, identified canal locations and agrometeorological stations in the c ommand area. The potential for improvement through use of the Informat ion Technology based 'Canal Irrigation Management System' developed an d implemented in project phase is estimated as savings of water to the tune of 5-10 per cent of live storage capacity. The bespoke software application has been developed by CMC Ltd and all the equipment used f or the system have been procured/developed in country. The time taken for implementation of Project Phase I was about three years with maxim um delay in approval and allocation of frequency for the telemetry sys tem and construction of civil structures. One of the important learnin gs from this experience is that for effective and timely implementatio n of such systems involvement of user in all phases of design, develop ment and implementation is necessary, However, even with a very high l evel of users involvement, external factors like allocation of frequen cy for any VHF based telemetry/voice communication system may cause si gnificant delay in implementation. The training of official and staff has been an area of concern owing to government policy or transfer of officials and staff every three years.