Canal Operation Plan Draft Final Report

Government of Nepal Ministry of Irrigation Department of Irrigation Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project (IWRMP)

Mahakali Irrigation System – Stage II

Prepared by

Desh Bhakta Mallik WME-MIS

June, 2016

Table of Contents of Canal Operation Plan

Chapter-1 Introduction 1.1 General Background 1 1.2 Background of the Existing Problems 2 1.3 Objective of Canal Operation 3 1.4 Scope of Canal Operation Plan 3 1.5 Methodology and approach of preparing canal operation 4 1.6 Organization of the document 4

Chapter-2 Physical System 2.1 Background of the Irrigation System 5 2.2 Inventory of Canal Structures 7 2.3 Climatic Resources 9 2.3.1 Climate 2.3.2 Rainfall 2.3.3 Temperature 2.3.4 Relative Humidity 2.3.5 Evaporation 2.3.6 Sunshine Hours 2.3.7 Wind Speed 2.3.8 ETo (Reference Evapo-transpration) 2.4 Land Resources 12 2.4.1 Land and Soil Types 2.4.2 Percolation Losses 2.5 Cropping Pattern 12 2.6 Operational Status 13

Chapter-3 Irrigation Plan

3.1 Water Resources 14 3.2 Proposed Cropping Pattern 14 3.3 Soil Saturation Requirement 15 3.4 Land Soaking and Land Preparation Requirement 16 3.5 Conveyance Capacity and Irrigation Efficiency 16 3.6 Diversion Requirement 16 3.7 Water Balance 19 3.8 Water Allocation, Distribution and Scheduling 19 3.9 WUA Policy of Water Distribution 26

Chapter-4 Organization for Canal Operation Plan Management

4.1 Existing Organization 27 4.2 Procedures of Canal Operation and Communication 28 4.3 Proposed Personnel and Skill Required 30 4.4 Proposed Organization and Staff Scheduling 30

Chapter-5 Monitoring and Evaluation of Canal Operation 31

References

Chapter-1 Introduction

1.1 General Background

Mahakali Irrigation System is a large-scale Agency Managed Irrigation System of Terai. Command area of this system was developed in two stages. About 5 years ago, irrigation management of Mahakali Irrigation System, Stage -1 (MIS-I) was transferred to the WUA Regional Committee, under Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) component (Component- B) of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project (IWRMP) of Department of Irrigation (DoI). And, irrigation management of Mahakali Irrigation System, Stage -2 (MIS- II) was transferred to the respective WUA Regional Committee on Jestha 14, 2072.

The WUA (MIS-II) has responsibility of operation and maintenance of the transferred system below Shivnagar and Belauri (M3) main branch canals as per the legal transfer agreement guidelines. The responsibility of operation and maintenance of main branch canal remains with DoI, Mahakali, Pathraiya, Mohana Irrigation Management Division (MPMIMD).

The overall objective of IWRMP Component-B is to improve service performance and service delivery of MIS-II. This component is designed to address the problem in large public irrigation schemes (AMIS or agency –managed irrigation systems) of below –capacity performance, poor O&M, negligible cost recovery (below 5 percent on average) and inadequate maintenance funds.

The Component-B is to provide improved arrangements and instruments for operation and maintenance (O&M) to AMIS for empowering WUAs to operate, maintain and manage parts of the irrigation systems for their sustainability. Canal Operation Plan is such an instrument expected to help in improving the service performance and service delivery.

The Component-B aims to achieve :  improved physical performance of the MIS-II;  reliable bulk water service delivery from main branch canals to off-taking branch and minor canals by DoI, MPMIMD, and  efficient and equitable service delivery from branch and minor canals to tertiary canals, and from tertiary canals to field outlets by WUA.

Therefore, COP should focus on making bulk water service delivery from main branch canals to branch and minor canals reliable, and service delivery from branch and minor canals to tertiary canals, and from tertiary canals to field outlets efficient and equitable.

Basically canal operation is the process of releasing, conveying and dividing water in the canal system to ensure predetermined flows at prescribed times for specified durations at demarcated points of delivery. However, it should be reliable, safe, efficient and equitable. For making the water delivery reliable, safe, efficient and equitable, it should be well informed to WUA and farmers. It can be done through introducing water delivery schedule.

The water-delivery schedules are defined by the following characteristics:  Frequency (How often the water arrives?);  Rate (How much water flows per unit of time?);  Duration (How long is the flow rate delivered?);

 Timeliness (Does the water arrive when the crop needs it or the farm can use it?).

The traditional canal operation is supply oriented in which the flow is determined by upstream supply source or inflow. However, it involves large water loss, because the water allocation and water delivery schedule are based on the water right and the supply does not reflect the actual crop water demands. The modernization irrigation calls for demand oriented canal operation, in which water delivery schedule is prepared based on crop water requirement. The demand oriented scheduling could save as much as 50% of water supply compared with supply oriented approach. However, this approach poses problems from the point of view of practical canal operation, because of flow variations and hence the operation requirements in the tertiary canals will be high. Also, frequent adjustment in check gate of main canal would be necessary to achieve the required performance. This approach provides flexibility to farmers in terms of time and volume of water, but the complexity of operation and burden of operator increase with the freedom of water use increases.

In IMT irrigation system, which is managed by WUA, water delivery schedule should be simple and user friendly. Supply oriented water delivery schedule is simple and user friendly, but water loss is very high. On other hand demand oriented approach is more efficient than supply driven approach, but the canal operation is complex. Therefore, water delivery schedules should be prepared first on the basis of supply oriented approach, and later they could be gradually modified based on the actual demand of crops, when farmers will be able to convey about their demand for irrigation water to WUA tertiary committee and the tertiary committee can communicate farmers’ demands to upper level WUA and eventually to MPMIMD, who is responsible for operation of main canal.

Water delivery schedule alone is not sufficient for improving the service performance of irrigation system. Water distribution procedures and regulations are equally important. In addition, organization and management of operation are also essential. Finally, implementation of canal operation plan, water measurement at strategic points (such as at border weir, Daiji and Kalikich cross regulators, and bulk water delivery points) and monitoring and evaluation of canal operation process and the service delivery are also vital.

1.2 Background of the Existing Problems

In MIS, water availability from Sarada Barrage is assured as per Indo-Nepal agreement 1996 AD. Here, the problem is mostly related to operation management and maintenance management of irrigation system. As far as the canal operation is concerned, supply oriented approach has been followed for years. MPMIMD requests Sarada Barrage Authority to release the requested discharge into the main canal. During monsoon season, about 12 cumecs of water is released. In case, for any reason such as excessive rainfall, the water demand in command area is reduced, MPMIMD requests Sarda Barrage Authority to decrease the discharge into main canal as requested. In this way, when the demand is decreased or increased, the supply from the barrage is adjusted as requested by MPMIMD. During dry season (winter and spring), the barrage authority releases more than assured discharge of 4.25 cumecs. In both monsoon and dry season when water is not demanded, barrage authority closes the flow into main canal as per request of MPMIMD. Decision on date of opening and closing of main canal is usually done by MPMIMD in consultation with WUA Central Committee.

In MIS-II, water available in main canal at Kalikich is supplied alternately to Shivnagar and M3 (Belauri) main branch canals for 3.5 days each. Shivanagar main branch gets supply from Saturday morning to Tuesday evening and M3 (Belauri) main branch gets supply from Tuesday evening to Saturday morning. Water guards distribute the water from main branch canals to branch and minor canals with their past experiences and in consultation with WUA. Although water availability in MIS is sufficient during monsoon season, 3.5 days rotation is followed for Shivnagar and M3 (Belauri) main branch canals.

In MIS-II, water measurement structures have not been constructed at head regulators of main branch, branch and minor canals, and tertiary canal outlets are ungated. Therefore, direct measurement of bulk water delivery from main branch canals to branch and minor canals is difficult. And, implementation of rotation among tertiary canals is difficult. Above all, out of 274 tertiary canals planned, construction of only 167 tertiary canals is reported and some of these are not completed.

1.3 Objective of Canal Operation

General objective of canal operation is to deliver an irrigation service to farmers, which is reliable, predictable, efficient, equitable and timely.

Specific objectives of canal operation are: (i) To release and convey water into main canal for supplying assured bulk water delivery to branch and minor canals. (ii) To distribute the flow received in branch and minor canals to the tertiary canals equitably. (iii) To control water flow in the canal network for meeting water requirements of crops in order to achieve optimum production; water savings; safety of operation; and recovery of operating costs, (iv) To control water level in the canal in order to keep command of the service area through gravity, canal protection against deterioration, canal safety and flow control at off-takes, and (v) To control canal under variable flow conditions.

1.4 Scope of Canal Operation Plan

The canal operation plan aims to assist in conducting effective day to day operation of canals of an irrigation system, towards providing reliable, predictable, efficient and equitable irrigation service to beneficiary farmers.

General objective of preparing the canal operation plan for MIS Stage-II is to deliver improved irrigation service to water user farmers to their satisfaction, towards increasing yield of agricultural crops grown in the command area. And, the specific objective is to provide improved arrangements and instruments for ensuring reliable bulk water delivery from the main canal to branch and minor canals, and efficient and equitable water distribution to the lowest level canals (tertiary canals for MIS) of the system.

There are several advantages of having a canal operation plan for the whole irrigation system:

 It will assist system operators in smooth operation of the irrigation system  It will ensure equitable distribution of irrigation water to entire land and landowners located in the command area of the system.

 Farmers will know about allocation and distribution of irrigation water. So, they will be confident of getting water required for growing crops.  Reliability of irrigation system will increase.  For the farmers located at the tail-end of the irrigation system, it guarantees them the same level of service as the other groups.  Overall efficiency and performance of service delivery of the irrigation system will increase.

The canal operation plan mainly includes the following:

 Description of irrigation system  Calculation of irrigation water requirement for farmers’ cropping pattern  Irrigation plan of operation  Procedure/process of implementation of the irrigation plan (actual distribution of water)  Monitoring and evaluation of the canal operation

1.5 Methodology and approach of preparing canal operation plan

Methodology and approach adopted include the following:

 Cropping pattern study  Calculation of irrigation water requirement and water balance study  Preparation of water delivery schedule based on supply-oriented approach in consultation with WUA  Description of water distribution procedures and regulations  Monitoring and evaluation approach

1.6 Organization of the document

This document consists of five chapters. Chapter 1 gives introduction of canal operation in MIS-II and about the canal operation plan. Chapter 2 provides description of the physical system of MIS-II. Chapter 3 contains inventory of canal structures, climatic resources, land resources and the cropping pattern of MIS-I. Chapter 3 gives irrigation plan of MIS-II, which includes proposed cropping pattern, water balance and water delivery schedules. Chapter 4 explains about procedures of water distribution and communication, and water distribution regulations. And, Chapter 5 gives monitoring and evaluation of canal operation process and irrigation service delivery.

Chapter-2 Physical System

2.1 Background of the Irrigation System

Mahakali Irrigation System (MIS) is located in Kanchanpur District, in Far-Western Development Region of Nepal. It gets its water supply from the River Mahakali through the Sarada Barrage, which was constructed in 1928 by the British Indian Government. This irrigation system was initially constructed in seventies by the Government of Nepal. By 1975, main canal and some major secondary canals were completed but not more than 3400 ha could be irrigated. In 1976, the Mahakali Irrigation Project (MIP) was identified by International Development Association. The Development Credit Agreement for the Mahakali Irrigation Project (Stage I) was signed on September 29, 1980, with an effective date of December 30, 1980. The project had a five-year implementation period, with a completion date of June 30, 1985. The project (Stage I) was completed in 1988. Financing agreement for Stage II of Mahakali Irrigation Project between Government of Nepal and International Development Association was signed on and made effective on 18 November 1988. The project (Stage II) was completed in June1997.

Total command area of the MIS is 11600 ha. The command area is separated into two parts by the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve Forest (Figure 1). The upper part of command area is named as MIS Stage-I and the lower part of the command area (downstream of the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve Forest) is named as MIS Stage-II.

Figure 1 : Location Map of Mahakali Irrigation System

The main canal off-takes from eastern bank of the barrage. It runs eastward through Mahendranagar upto Ghorsuwa Escape and from there it goes southward through Daiji and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve Forest upto Kalikich (Beldandi). The main canal bifurcates into two main branch canals at Kalikich, namely - the Shivnagar main branch canal and Belauri main branch canal (M3 Canal). Total length of main canal upto Kalikich is about 36 Km and its design discharge is 28.35 m3/s (1000 cusecs).

The command area of MIS-I is divided into 5 blocks A –E, and that of MIS-II is divided into 4 blocks 5 – 8. Block-wise list of branch and minor canals MIS-I and MIS-II is given in Table 1.

Table 1 – Block wise group of branch and minor canals

MIS Stage Block Branch and minor canals

I A Gadda minor and Bhujela distributary B Basantpur minor, Majhgaon minor and Mahendranagar distributary C Bhagatpur minor and Ultakham distributary D Chunariya minor, Suda minor and Sisaiya minor E Daiji minor II 5 Jhilmila minor, Bhuda minor, Bhuda-Gauri minor and Gaurigaun minor 6 Kamari branch, Khairighat branch, Imiliya minor, Baibaha branch 7 Beldandi branch, Beldandi minor, Dhakka minor, Salghari branch, Salghari minor, Pachoi branch and Khajuwa minor 8 Kunda minor, Singhpur minor, Syali-A minor, Syali-Y minor and Belauri branch

The Department of Irrigation supplies bulk water delivery from main canal to branch and minor canals. There are 11 branch and minor canals in MIS Stage-I to convey irrigation water to tertiary canals for distribution among farmers’ fields. These are Gadda minor, Bhujela distributary, Basantpur minor, Majhgaon minor, Mahendranagar distributary, Bhagatpur minor, Ultakham distributary, Chunariya minor, Suda minor, Sisaiya minor and Daiji minor. In addition, there are 25 sub-minor and tertiary canals, which off-take direct from the main canal.

In MIS Stage-II area, bulk water supply is delivered to branch and minors through Shivnagar and Belauri main branch canals. The Shivnagar main branch canal is about 21 Km long. It runs westward upto Jhilmila, then to south-eastward upto Sadakghat and finally northward upto Shivnagar. Its design capacity is 4.356 m3/s and the command area is 3400 ha. The Shivnagar main branch canal delivers water to eight branch and minor canals, which convey it to tertiary canals of block 5 and 6 for distribution among farmers’ fields. These are Kamari branch, Khairighat branch, Imiliya minor, Baibaha branch, Jhilmila minor, Bhuda minor, Bhuda-Gauri minor and Gaurigaun minor. In addition, there are 48 tertiary canals, which off- take direct from the Shivnagar main branch canal.

The Belauri main branch canal (M3 Canal) is about 16 Km. It runs south-eastwards upto Singhpur. Its design capacity is 4.030 m3/s and the command area is 3100 ha. The Belauri main branch canal delivers water to twelve branch and minor canals, which convey it to tertiary canals of block 7 and 8 for distribution among farmers’ fields. These are Beldandi branch, Beldandi minor, Dhakka minor, Salghari branch, Salghari minor, Pachoi branch, Khajuwa minor, Kunda minor, Singhpur minor, Syali-A minor, Syali-Y minor and Belauri branch. In addition, there are 4 tertiary canals, which off-take direct from the Belauri main branch canal.

Table 2 Details of branch and minor canals of MIS-II

S. Branch and Minor Canals Chainage Length Design Command No. of Main (Km) Discharge Area Branch (litre/sec) (ha) Canal (Km) 1 Shivnagar Main Branch 4356 3400 1.1 Kamari branch (KAR) 0+579 5.917 828 642 (A) Gully minor (GUR) (B) Ratanpur minor (RAR) 1.2 Khairighat branch (KHR) 1+010 0.648 648 513 (A) Chawanni minor (CWR) 1.3 Imiliya minor 5TC* 2+567 150 140 1.4 Baibaha minor (BBR) 3+247 0.54 540 424 1.5 Jhilmila minor (JHR) 4+129 2.241 216 172 1.6 Bhuda minor (BHR) 15+185 1.296 144 114 1.7 Bhuda-Gauri minor (BGR) 16+196 0.615 144 112 1.8 Gaurigaon minor (GGR) 17+372 0.972 72 57

2 Bellauri Main Branch 4030 3100 (M3) 2.1 Beldandi branch (BDR) 0+842 2.572 288 225 2.2 Beldandi minor (BDM) 0+853 2.257 216 165 2.5 Dhakka Minor (DKR) 8TC* 4+575 240 224 2.3 Salghari branch (SLR) 4+586 2.104 288 224 (A) Temple minor (TPR) 2.4 Salghari minor (SLM) 4+591 1.221 108 84 2.6 Pachoi branch (PUR) 8+404 1116 868 (A) ZZ minor (ZZR) (B) Calcutta minor (CAR) 2.7 Khajuwa minor 3TC* 8+600 90 84 2.8 Kunda Minor (KUR) 11+880 288 233 2.9 Singhpur minor (SPR) 13+874 144 144 2.10 Syali-A minor (SAR) 16+169 4.156 288 224 2.11 Syali-Y minor (SYR) 16+176 396 305 2.12 Belauri branch (BLR) 16+243 504 313 (A) Dumali minor (DUR)

2.2 Inventory of Canal Structures (MIS-II)

2.2.1 Shivnagar Main Branch Canal

 Length of Shivnagar Main Branch Canal - 21.127 Km  Inventory of Structures

Table 3 Inventory of structures in Shivnagar Main Branch Canal

S. No. Structure No. 1 Main Branch Canal Head Regulator 1 2 Branch/Minor Head Regulator 8 3 Cross Regulator 3 4 Drop 2 5 Cross-drainage 1 6 Village Road Bridge (VRB) 30 7 Box culvert 1 8 Path slab 9 9 Chute Spillway 1 10 Side Escape 4 11 Tail Escape 1

2.2.2 M3 (Belauri) Main Branch Canal

 Length of M3 Main Branch Canal – 16.174 Km  Inventory of Structures

Table 4 Inventory of structures in M3 Main Branch Canal

S. No. Structure No. 1 Main Branch Canal Head Regulator 1 2 Branch/Minor Head Regulator 12 3 Cross Regulator 4 4 Drop 2 5 Check structure 1 6 Canal syphon 1 7 Cross-drainage 3 8 Village Road Bridge (VRB) 2 9 Foot bridge 4 10 Path slab 1 11 Side Escape 3

2.2.3 Branch and Minor Canals

Table 5 Inventory of structures in Branch and Minor Canals

S. Branch and Minor Minor CR Bridge / Path Chute Drop Cross Escape Tail No. Canals HR Culvert slab Drainage Escape 1 Kamari Branch 1 - 8 1 1 1 - 1 1 2 Gully Minor - - 1 - - - - 1 - 3 Ratanpur Minor - - 1 - - - - 1 - 4 Khairighat Branch - - 6 5 1 2 - - 1 5 Chawanni Minor - - 3 - - - - 1 - 6 Imiliya Minor ------7 Baibaha Minor - - 6 - - - 3 - 1 8 Jhilmila Minor - - 6 - - - 1 1 1 9 Bhuda Minor - - 2 - - - - - 1 8

S. Branch and Minor Minor CR Bridge / Path Chute Drop Cross Escape Tail No. Canals HR Culvert slab Drainage Escape 10 Bhuda Gauri Minor - - 1 - - - - - 1 11 Gaurigaon Minor - - 1 - - - 1 - 1 12 Beldandi Branch - - 4 1 - 2 3 - 1 13 Beldandi Minor - - 4 - - 1 - 1 - 14 Dhakka Minor - - 5 1 - - 1 - - 15 Salghari Branch 1 1 6 1 - - 1 - 1 16 Temple Minor - - 2 - - - - 1 - 17 Salghari Minor - - 2 - - - 1 1 - 18 Pachoi Branch 2 1 7 - - 2 5 - 1 19 ZZ- Minor - - 3 - 1 - 2 1 - 20 Calcutta Minor - - 2 - - 1 1 - 1 21 Khajuwa Minor ------22 Kunda Minor - - 5 - 1 - 1 - 1 23 Singhpur Minor - - 2 1 - - 2 - 1 24 Syali A Minor - - 7 - - 2 2 1 1 25 Syali Y Minor - - 5 - - 4 6 2 - (1 Aque duct) 26 Bellauri Branch 1 - 11 - - 3 5 1 - (1 Aque duct) 27 Dumali minor - - 2 - - - 1 - 1

2.2.4 Tertiary Canals

Total number of tertiary canals (planned) – 274 Total number of tertiary canals (constructed) – 167

2.3 Climatic Resources

2.3.1 Climate

The climate in the Kanchanpur district is sub-tropical characterized with two distinct seasons namely wet (rainy) season from June to September and dry season from October to May. Average monthly temperatures range from 16.35ºC in January to 31.5ºC in May.

2.3.2 Rainfall

More than 80% of the total annual rainfall in command area occurs from June to September. Rainfall during the dry season occurs in occasional showers. Average monthly rainfall data for Mahendranagar Station have been taken from FAO / CLIMWAT 2.0 for CROPWAT and are given in Table 6. Table 6

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Average Monthly 25 20 20 14 33 198 294 258 183 40 8 9 1102 Rainfall (mm)

2.3.3 Temperature

Temperature data for Mahendranagar Station have been taken from FAO / CLIMWAT 2.0 for CROPWAT, and are given in Table 7. The table gives average monthly minimum and maximum temperatures.

Table 7

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Minimum Temperature (ºC) 10.3 11.3 16.4 20.7 23.7 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.2 20.4 14.1 10.2 Maximum Temperature 22.4 25.8 31.8 38 39.3 37.3 33.4 32.8 32.7 31.5 26.5 22.6 (ºC)

2.3.4 Relative Humidity

Relative humidity expresses the degree of saturation of the air, as the ratio between the amount of water the ambient air actually holds and the maximum amount it could hold at the same temperature. It fluctuates between a maximum near the sunrise and a minimum around early afternoon, in accordance with temperature variations. It is expressed as a percentage (%). The relative humidity ranges from 34-58% during the dry season and 62-79% during the wet period. Relative humidity data for Mahedranagar Station have been taken from FAO / CLIMWAT 2.0 for CROPWAT, and are given in Table 8.

Table 8

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Relative Humidity 55 52 46 34 38 62 79 79 70 59 58 55 (%)

2.3.5 Evaporation

Monthly open water evaporation estimates (Eo), in mm per day, for Mahendranagar station are taken from PDSP (1990) and are given in Table 9.

Table 9

Station : Mahendranagar Index No. 105 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average Eo 2.27 3.39 4.79 6.92 8.00 6.99 5.25 5.17 5.06 4.42 3.42 2.54 4.85 (mm per day)

2.3.6 Sunshine Hours

The daily sunshine hours data for Mahendranagar Station have been taken from FAO / CLIMWAT 2.0 for CROPWAT and are given in Table 10.

Table 10

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Sunshine 7.5 8.2 8.7 8.9 8.2 5.4 4.3 4.7 5.7 7.0 7.9 7.6 (hours)

2.3.7 Wind Speed

The mean wind speed data for Mahendranagar Station have been taken from FAO / CLIMWAT 2.0 for CROPWAT and are given in Table 11.

Table 11

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Wind Speed 86 104 121 147 147 130 121 104 95 86 78 78 (Km per day)

2.3.8 ETo (Reference Evapo-Transpiration)

ETo calculation has been done by CROPWAT 8.0.

Table 12 ETo Calculation Result

Country : Location 45 Station : Mahendranagar Altitude : 176 m Latitude : 29.03 °N Longitude: 80.21 °E

Month Min Temp Max Temp Humidity Wind Sun Rad ETo °C °C % km/day hours MJ/m²/day mm/day January 10.3 22.4 55 86 7.5 13.4 2.13 February 11.3 25.8 52 104 8.2 16.4 2.94 March 16.4 31.8 46 121 8.7 19.7 4.37 April 20.7 38 34 147 8.9 22.1 6.2 May 23.7 39.3 38 147 8.2 22.2 6.61 June 25.2 37.3 62 130 5.4 18.2 5.2 July 25.2 33.4 79 121 4.3 16.4 4.09 August 25.2 32.8 79 104 4.7 16.3 3.88 September 25.2 32.7 70 95 5.7 16.3 3.93 October 20.4 31.5 59 86 7 15.6 3.58 November 14.1 26.5 58 78 7.9 14.3 2.63 December 10.2 22.6 55 78 7.6 12.7 2.02

Average 19 31.2 57 108 7 17 3.96

2.4 Land Resources

2.4.1 Land and Soil Types

The land is flat and forms a gently inclined plain from north to south, with an average land slope of about 3%. In the command area, the soils are alluvial and fall into two main types: (i) yellowish and grey brown soils, developed under forest cover, coarse to moderately coarse textured sandy loam to loam and well drained; and (ii) deep alluvial soils consisting mainly of medium to moderately fine textured clay to silty loams, less permeably and poor drained.

2.4.2 Percolation Losses

The percolation and seepage losses depend on the type of soil. They will be low in very heavy, well-puddled clay soils and high in the case of sandy soils. The percolation and seepage losses vary between 4 and 8 mm/day. FAO (1986) has suggested percolation losses value as follows:

For heavy clay: PERC = 4 mm/day For sandy soils: PERC = 8 mm/day On average: PERC = 6 mm/day

2.5 Cropping Pattern

In MIS, Irrigation Management Division of Department of Irrigation and Water Users’ Association have no authority over the cropping pattern adopted by the farmers. In MIS-II, paddy is the principal crop of wet season (monsoon) and wheat is the principal crop of dry season (winter). Spring paddy is grown on some parts of command area. Besides principal crops, other crops grown in MIS-II are sugarcane, maize, mustard, lentils and vegetables.

A study was conducted in the command area of MIS-II in February 2016 to know about the cropping pattern and cropping intensity. Results of the studies are given below:

(a) Cropping pattern [Paddy, Sugarcane, Maize] – [Wheat, Sugarcane, mustard, lentil, vegetables and bursim grass] – [Sugarcane and Spring paddy]

(b) Cropping Intensity Monsoon - [Paddy (67.8%), Sugarcane (21.4%), Maize (4.3%)], Total – 93.5% Winter - [Wheat (55.1%), Sugarcane (21.4%), mustard (4.9%), lentil (2.9%), vegetables (4.1%) and bursim grass (2.2%)], Total – 90.6% Spring - [Sugarcane (21.4%), Spring Paddy (2%)] Total - (23.4%)

Thus, annual cropping intensity is reported to be 164.7%. It includes 21.4% cropped area of sugarcane. Date of sowing, transplantation and harvesting, and the cropped area are given in Table 13.

Table 13

No. Crop name Date of Harvest Area % sowing / date planting date 1 Rice1 20/06 17/10 15 2 Rice2 30/06 27/10 26 3 Rice3 10/07 06/11 25 4 Rice4 31/07 27/11 2 5 Sugarcane 15/03 28/01 21 6 Wheat1 10/11 19/03 20 7 Wheat2 17/11 26/03 25 8 Wheat3 24/11 02/04 10 9 Maize 01/05 02/09 4 10 Pulses 10/11 27/02 3 11 Mustard 10/11 19/03 5 12 Rice5 25/03 22/07 2 13 Small vegetables 10/11 12/02 4

2.6 Operational Status

(a) Main Canal: Main canal is operational up to the end of canal at Kalikich (Beldandi). The canal is silted between Daiji cross regulator and Kalikich, and needs desilting.

(b) Main Branch Canals : Shivnagar and M3 (Belauri) main branch canals is operational up to the end of canal.

(c) Branch and minor Canals: Reshaping and maintenance of structures of branch and minor canals are under progress. Some of these have been completed and others are in progress.

(c) Tertiary Canals: Existing tertiary canals are in operational state. In most of tertiary canals, the farmers clean silt deposited in the canal. With few exceptions, tertiary canals have no head regulators.

Chapter-3 Irrigation Plan

3.1 Water Resources

In MIS water supply from source is assured for both wet and dry season under Mahakali Treaty (1996) between Nepal and India. According to this treaty, Nepal shall have the right to a supply of 28.35m3/s (1000 cusecs) of water from the Sarada Barrage in the wet season (i.e. from 15th May to 15th October) and 4.25m3/s (150 cusecs) in the dry season (i.e. from 16th October to 14th May).

However, hydrograph of average flow in main canal measured at border weir (Figure 3) shows that discharge released from barrage is much less than the designed discharge during monsoon season, but usually more than the assured discharge 4.25m3/s (150 cusecs) in dry season.

Figure 2 Quarter-Monthly hydrograph of flow in main canal measured at border weir

3.2 Proposed Cropping Pattern

Existing cropping pattern and cropping intensity are given below:

Cropping Pattern - [Paddy, Sugarcane, Maize] – [Wheat, Sugarcane, mustard, lentil, vegetables and bursim grass] – [Sugarcane and Spring paddy]

Cropping Intensity - Monsoon - [Paddy (67.8%), Sugarcane (21.4%), Maize (4.3%)], Total – 93.5% Winter - [Wheat (55.1%), Sugarcane (21.4%), mustard (4.9%), lentil (2.9%), vegetables (4.1%) and bursim grass (2.2%)], Total – 90.6% Spring - [Sugarcane (21.4%), Spring Paddy (2%)] Total - (23.4%)

Farmers reported to continue the existing cropping pattern. However, cropping intensity of various crops might change. After establishment of sugar mills in the command area, an increase in cropping area of sugarcane is reported. Therefore, existing cropping pattern has been adopted for calculations of water requirement.

3.3 Soil Saturation Requirement

Soil saturation requirement (Sn) is calculated by equation ; Sn = [Sc-(Mc*Bd)]* Drz/100

Where, Sn = Soil saturation requirement, in mm Sc = Soil saturation capacity, in % Mc = Soil residual moisture content, in% Bd = Bulk density of soil, in gm/cc Drz = Depth of root zone, in mm

Mc for wet season (preeeded by dry months) = Pwp Mc for dry season (preceeded by rainy months) = (Fc+Pwp)/2

Where, Fc = Soil Field Capacity, in % Pwp = Permanent Wilting Capacity, in %

Calculation of Soil saturation requirement for dry and wet season is given in Table 14.

Table 14

Soil Field Permanent Available Bulk Depth Soil residual Saturation Soil saturation Texture capacity wilting Water density of Mc in % capacity requirement Fc% point =0.1(Fc- gm/cc root (total pore Sn mm Pwp% Pwp) zone space) in mm/cm Drz in % mm Dry Wet Dry Wet season Season season Season Loam 31 14 1.7 1.4 300 22.5 14 47 46.50 82.20 Silty 40 20 2 1.3 300 30 20 51 36.00 75.00 Loam Sandy 21 9 1.2 1.5 300 15 9 43 61.50 88.50 loam Average 1.63 48 81.9 Say 82

Considering the equal contribution of all different three types of soil in the command area, the value of saturation requirement for dry season crop especially spring paddy calculated is 48 mm and for monsoon as well as early paddy is 82 mm as shown in Table 14.

3.4 Land Soaking and Land Preparation Requirement

For transplanting of paddy, Land soaking and Land preparation requirement such as ploughing, harrowing and supplying of water should be carried out in paddy fields to soften the soil. The necessary water to meet this requirement is called puddling requirement and depends on soil depth, soil porosity and residual soil moisture. In addition to this 60 mm of standing water depth is required for crop development. The total depth of water required for land soaking and land preparation requirement is evaluated considering crop development irrigation at 10 days interval as follows:

Soil saturation requirement = 82 mm wet season crop Soil saturation requirement = 48 mm dry season crop Standing water depth = 60 mm Percolation rate (2.5 mm/day) = 25 mm wet season crop Percolation rate (3.5 mm/day) = 35 mm dry season crop Evaporation (4.3 mm/day) = 43 mm

Land preparation and land soaking requirement = 82+60+25+43 = 210 mm wet season crop Land preparation and land soaking requirement = 48+60+35+43 = 186 mm dry season crop

3.5 Conveyance Capacity and Irrigation Efficiency

From FAO 24 : Crop Water Requirement, Table 37 p.80, Conveyance efficiency during wet season (for continuous flow), Ec (wet) = 0.9 Conveyance efficiency during dry season (for rotational flow), Ec (dry) = 0.8 Field canal efficiency (for block larger than 20 ha), Eb = 0.8 Field application efficiency (for surface methods and medium soil), Ea = 0.7

Overall Irrigation efficiency, Ei (wet) = Ea*Eb*Ec (wet) = 0.7*0.8*0.9 = 0.50 Overall Irrigation efficiency, Ei (dry) = Ea*Eb*Ec (dry) = 0.7*0.8*0.8 = 0.45

3.6 Diversion Requirement

Irrigation Diversion Requirement (IDR) is calculated by the equation :

IDR = Crop Evapo-transpiration (ETc) + Deep Percolation + Conveyance, distribution and application loss – Effective Rain

Irrigation Diversion Requirement for MIS-I has been calculated by FAO CROPWAT 8.0. For calculation of ETo, climate and rainfall data have been taken from FAO CLIMWAT 2.0 for CROPWAT for Mahendranagar Station (Location No. 45). Soil type adopted is medium type. Cropping pattern data are collected from field.

Irrigation Diversion Requirement for MIS-I calculated by FAO CROPWAT is given in Table 15

Table 15 : Irrigation Requirement Calculation for Branch and Minors of MIS-II, calculated by FAO CROPWAT Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Precipitation deficit 1. Rice1 0 0 0 0 48.7 118.5 0 0 6.4 41.1 0 0 2. Rice2 0 0 0 0 0 154.1 0 0 7.7 75.2 0 0 3. Rice3 0 0 0 0 0 55.4 98 0 7.8 93.4 16.9 0 4. Rice4 0 0 0 0 0 0 147.7 0 7.8 97.8 75.3 0 5. Sugarcane 28.8 0 24.7 77.8 162 35.5 0 0 8.2 98.8 89.9 61.5 6. Wheat 1 57.4 73.7 31.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13.7 26.9 7. Wheat 2 52.8 79.1 58.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8.6 19.2 8. Wheat 3 45.3 80 88 3.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.4 14.3 9. MAIZE (Grain) 0 0 0 0 45 1.1 0 0 2.9 0 0 0 10. Pulses 58.8 48.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19.1 45.7 11. Mustard 57.4 73.7 31.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13.7 26.9 12. Rice5 0 0 324.9 193.7 214.7 34.6 8.6 0 0 0 0 0 13. Small Vegetables 51.8 26.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35.2 50.7

Net scheme irr.req. in mm/day 1.4 1.7 1.4 0.7 1.5 2.7 0.9 0 0.2 2.3 1.1 0.9 in mm/month 42 48.7 43 20.6 47.4 79.9 27.6 0 6.9 71.8 32.6 29.3 in l/s/h 0.16 0.2 0.16 0.08 0.18 0.31 0.1 0 0.03 0.27 0.13 0.11

Irrigated area 88 67 83 33 42 93 29 0 93 89 115 88 (% of total area)

Irr.req. for actual area 0.18 0.3 0.19 0.24 0.42 0.33 0.36 0 0.03 0.3 0.11 0.12 (l/s/h)

Table 16 : Water Balance Calculations

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Irrigated Area 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 6500 Cropping intensity (%) 90.60% 90.60% 90.60% 23.4% 23.4% 93.5% 93.5% 93.5% 93.5% 93.5% 93.5% 90.60% Cropped Area (ha) 5889 5889 5889 1521 1521 6077.5 6077.5 6077.5 6077.5 6077.5 6077.5 5889 Irr.req. for actual area l/s/ha 0.18 0.3 0.19 0.24 0.42 0.33 0.36 0 0.03 0.3 0.11 0.12

Gross scheme irrigation 2839158 4274001 2996889 946183.7 1711015.5 5198450 5860071 0 472586.4 4883393 1732817 1892772 requirement (m3)

Flow Available in Main 3.61 3.61 3.61 3.61 8.656 8.656 8.656 8.656 8.656 8.656 3.61 Canal at Kalikich (m3/sec)

Flow share of Stage II 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 24 24 24 24 24 13.5 (hr/day)

Irrigation efficiency of the 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.45 0.45 canal system (%)

Total water requirement for 6309239 9497779 6659752 2102630 3802256.6 10396901 11720143 0 945172.8 9766786 3850704 4206159 Stage II (m3)

Water Available in main 5442593 4915890 5442593 5267025 13041130 22436352 23184230 23184230 22436352 23184230 0 5442593 canal for Stage II (m3)

Monthly Water Balance -866647 -4581889 -2388128 3164395 9238873 12039451 11464088 23184230 21491179 13417445 -3850704 1236433 Deficit months Jan Feb March Nov

3.7 Water Balance

Water balance calculations for MIS-II is given in Table 16. Here, it means comparing amount of water available from the irrigation system with irrigation requirement for the crops to assess surplus and deficit of water. This calculation helps in choosing technical and management options for adjusting the supply and the demand. It is particularly helpful in case of deficit of water situation.

In the water balance calculations for MIS-II, The table shows monthly water balance deficit in dry months, namely - Nov, Jan, Feb and March. The deficit of November can be fulfilled from water stored in soil during wet months. Similarly, deficit of January can be coped with water stored in root zone during December. And, the deficit of February and March can be tackled by distributing the available water equitably based on landholding.

3.8 Water Allocation, Distribution and Scheduling

3.8.1 From Main Canal to Main Branch Canals

The main canal bifurcates at Kalikich (Beldandi) into Shivnagar (Sh) and Belauri (M3) Main Branch Canals. The design discharge and command area of these main canals are given in Table 17. Table 17

S. Branch and Minor Canals Design Command No. Discharge Area (litre/sec) (ha) 1 Shivnagar Main Branch 4356 3400 2 Belauri (M3) Main Branch Canal 4030 3100

3.8.2 From Main Branch Canals to Branch and Minor Canals

The main branch canals supply bulk water delivery for MIS-II to WUA through 20 branch and minor canals. The design discharge and command area of these canals are given in Table 18.

Table 18

S. Branch and Minor Canals Design Discharge Command Area No. (litre/sec) (ha) 1 Shivnagar Main Branch 4356 3400 1.1 Kamari branch (KAR) 828 642 1.2 Khairighat branch (KHR) 648 513 1.3 Imiliya minor 5TC* 150 140 1.4 Baibaha branch (BBR) 540 424 1.5 Jhilmila minor (JHR) 216 172 1.6 Bhuda minor (BHR) 144 114 1.7 Bhuda-Gauri minor (BGR) 144 112 1.8 Gaurigaon minor (GGR) 72 57

2 Bellauri Main Branch (M3) 4030 3100 2.1 Beldandi branch (BDR) 288 225 2.2 Beldandi minor (BDM) 216 165 2.3 Dhakka Minor (DKR) 8TC* 240 224 2.4 Salghari branch (SLR) 288 224 2.5 Salghari minor (SLM) 108 84 2.6 Pachoi branch (PUR) 1116 868 2.7 Khajuwa minor 3TC* 90 84 2.8 Kunda Minor (KUR) 288 233 2.9 Singhpur minor (SPR) 144 144 2.10 Syali-A minor (SAR) 288 224 2.11 Syali-Y minor (SYR) 396 305 2.12 Belauri minor (BLR) 504 313

(a) Water availability for MIS-II

As per Mahakali treaty (1996), Nepal has right to get 28.35 cumecs supply during wet season and 4.25 cumecs supply during dry season from Sarada barrage. However, full wet season discharge 28.35 cumecs is not required during wet season as the cumulative design discharge during wet season for MIS-I and MIS-II branch, minor and direct off-taking sub-minor and tertiary canals is about 17 cumecs. The command area of MIS-I is fully developed, while in MIS-II many tertiary canals are not constructed. Only 167 out of 274 tertiary canals planned were constructed. Of these 167 tertiary canals, some are still incomplete. That is why, less than full discharge is usually released into the main canal in wet season. Figure 1 shows that average discharge during wet season that could be available reliably is about 12 cumecs, which can be increased to 17 cumecs. The dry season discharge 4.25 cumecs available each day from Sarada barrage is distributed among MIS-I and MIS-II area proportionately.

Thus, water available in main canal at Kalikch during wet season is 8.656 cumecs for all the seven days of a week (day and night) on continuous basis. And, water available in main canal at Kalikch during dry season is 3.61 cumecs (85% of 4.25 cumecs) for 13.5 hours a day for all the seven days of a week (day time only).

(b) Water requirement for MIS-II canal system

As per Scheme Water Balance Table No. 16, maximum water requirements during wet and dry season are 4.376 m3/s in July and 3.926 m3/s in February.

The MIS is designed for continuous supply of design discharge in main, branch, minor and tertiary canals during wet season. So, all these canals should be run continuously with full supply discharge as per design throughout base period. In case demand for irrigation is reduced due to rainfall in the command area, the supply can be adjusted (reduced or cut) accordingly. Therefore, discharge requirement accounting should be done as per cumulative design discharge of Shivnagar and Belauri main branch canals. Accordingly, the cumulative discharge requirement during wet season for MIS-II is 8.386 cumecs at Kalikich bifurcation.

During dry season, maximum water requirement 3.61 cumecs of water is assumed to be available at Kalikich bifurcation.

During wet season, supply in main canal is sufficient to feed cumulative discharge of about 8 cumecs continuously. It means all the branch and minor canals can receive their design discharge continuously from the main canal.

During dry season, 3.61 cumecs of water is available for MIS-II in day time for 13.5 hours every day. This amount of water is 83% Shivnagar and 89% of Belauri (M3) main branch canals, and about 43% of cumulative discharge requirement of Shivnagar and Belauri (M3) main branch canals at Kalikich. Therefore, Shivnagar and Belauri (M3) main branch canals shall be opened in rotation.

(d) Water delivery schedule for Wet season (monsoon)

During wet season, all the branch and minor canals of MIS-II shall get bulk water delivery equal to their design discharges all the seven days of a week (day and night) on continuous basis. There will be no rotation among branch and minor canals that off-take from main branch canals. In case water available at Kalkich is less than cumulative discharge of Shivnagar and Belauri Main Branch Canals, it shall be distributed proportionately to branch and minor canals. Water delivery schedule from main branch canals to branch and minor canals for monsoon season is given in Table 19.

Table 19

S. Branch and minor canals Discha Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat No. rge (l/s) A Shivnagar Main Branch 4356 On On On On On On On A.1 Kamari branch (KAR) 828 On On On On On On On A.2 Khairighat branch (KHR) 648 On On On On On On On A.3 Imiliya minor 150 On On On On On On On A.4 Baibaha branch (BBR) 540 On On On On On On On A.5 Jhilmila minor (JHR) 216 On On On On On On On A.6 Bhuda minor (BHR) 144 On On On On On On On A.7 Bhuda-Gauri minor (BGR) 144 On On On On On On On A.8 Gaurigaon minor (GGR) 72 On On On On On On On

B Bellauri Main Branch (M3) 4030 B.1 Beldandi branch (BDR) 288 On On On On On On On B.2 Beldandi minor (BDM) 216 On On On On On On On B.3 Dhakka Minor (DKR) 240 On On On On On On On B.4 Salghari branch (SLR) 288 On On On On On On On B.5 Salghari minor (SLM) 108 On On On On On On On B.6 Pachoi branch (PUR) 1116 On On On On On On On B.7 Khajuwa minor (KJR) 90 On On On On On On On B.8 Kunda Minor (KUR) 288 On On On On On On On B.9 Singhpur minor (SPR) 144 On On On On On On On B.10 Syali-A minor (SAR) 288 On On On On On On On B.11 Syali-Y minor (SYR) 396 On On On On On On On B.12 Belauri minor (BLR) 504 On On On On On On On

(e) Water delivery schedule for dry season (winter and spring)

The current practice of water delivery during dry season is to supply water to Shivnagar Main Branch Canal from Saturday morning to Tuesday first half, and Belauri Main Branch Canal from Tuesday second half to Sunday evening. The available discharge, 3.61 cumecs at Kalikich, shall be distributed proportionately to branch and minor canals as per current practice of water distribution.

Water delivery schedule from main branch canals to branch and minor canals of MIS-II for dry season is given in Table 20.

Table 20

S. Branch and Design Proportio Sat Sun Mon Tue Tue Wed Thu Fri No. minor Discharge nal *1st **2nd canals (l/s) Supply half half 5:30 AM to 7PM 5:30 AM to 7PM (l/s) A Shivnagar 4356 3610 On On On On Off Off Off Off Main Branch A.1 Kamari 828 687 On On On On Off Off Off Off branch (KAR) A.2 Khairighat 648 538 On On On On Off Off Off Off branch (KHR) A.3 Imiliya 150 125 On On On On Off Off Off Off minor A.4 Baibaha 540 448 On On On On Off Off Off Off branch (BBR) A.5 Jhilmila 216 179 On On On On Off Off Off Off minor (JHR) A.6 Bhuda minor 144 120 On On On On Off Off Off Off (BHR) A.7 Bhuda-Gauri 144 120 On On On On Off Off Off Off minor (BGR) A.8 Gaurigaon 72 60 On On On On Off Off Off Off minor (GGR)

B Bellauri 4030 3610 Off Off Off Off On On On On Main Branch (M3) B.1 Beldandi 288 256 Off Off Off Off On On On On branch (BDR) B.2 Beldandi 216 192 Off Off Off Off On On On On minor (BDM) B.3 Dhakka 240 214 Off Off Off Off On On On On Minor (DKR) B.4 Salghari 288 256 Off Off Off Off On On On On branch

(SLR) B.5 Salghari 108 96 Off Off Off Off On On On On minor (SLM) B.6 Pachoi 1116 993 Off Off Off Off On On On On branch (PUR) B.7 Khajuwa 90 80 Off Off Off Off On On On On minor (KJR) B.8 Kunda Minor 288 256 Off Off Off Off On On On On (KUR) B.9 Singhpur 144 128 Off Off Off Off On On On On minor (SPR) B.10 Syali-A 288 256 Off Off Off Off On On On On minor (SAR) B.11 Syali-Y 396 352 Off Off Off Off On On On On minor (SYR) B.12 Belauri 504 449 Off Off Off Off On On On On minor (BLR) *Ist half – 5:30AM to 12:15PM **IInd half – 12:15PM to 7PM

4.8.2 From Branch and Minor Canals to Tertiary Canals

(a) Water availability

During wet season (monsoon), design or proportional discharge shall be available from Shivnagar and Belauri main branch canals to the respective branch and minor canals depending on water available at Kalikich, for all seven days a week (day and night). And, during dry season (winter and spring), proportional discharge shall be available from Shivnagar to its branch and minor canals from Saturday morning to Tuesday first half and from Belauri main branch canals to its branch and minor canals from Tuesday second half to Sunday evening, day time only.

(b) Water requirement / demand

All the tertiary canals off-taken from branch and minor canals are designed for continuous supply during wet season and rotational supply during dry season. In all branch and minor canals, the tail end tertiary canals do not get their share of water. There are several reasons of this problem – (1) Farmers of head and middle reach draw more water than the design requirement, causing short of supply in tail end, (2) water theft by inserting illegal pipes in the branch and minor canals, (3) leakage from canal and canal structures, (4) siltation in the canal and (5) bushes grown in the canal bed.

During wet season, tertiary canals get water every day, but tail end farmers complain that they do not get their proportionate share of water. To overcome this problem and ensure water delivery to tail end farmers, there could be two alternatives (1) Control the supply of water to head and middle farmers by patrolling along branch and minor canals, and (2) Introduce rotation among tertiary canals. First option needs lots of water guards to control excess water taken by head and middle farmers. Yet it does not ensure water to tail end

23 farmers. The second option is better because tail end farmers can certainly get water on their turn and therefore rotation among tertiary canals shall be adopted.

During dry season, tail end farmers complain that they do not get their proportionate share of water when it is needed and later when the water is not needed, the head and middle farmers release all the water to tail area damaging the crops, specially wheat crops. To overcome this problem, rotation among farmers shall be adopted.

(d) Water Delivery Schedule

There are 20 branch and minor canals in MIS-II area, which are off-taken from Shivnagar and Belauri main branch canals. For preparing water delivery schedule from branch and minor canals to tertiary canals, Kamari branch canal system. distributary is taken as sample canal. There are 24 tertiary turnouts in this branch having almost equal design discharge.

For introducing rotation among tertiary canals, formation of three rotation groups is proposed. In each turn, one group of tertiary canals will be off and other two groups will get water. There could be two methods of group formation – (1) Head tertiary canals in first group, middle tertiary canals in second group and tail end tertiary canals in third group, (2) Number the canal 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 …………. and so on from head to tail of branch and minor canals. Keep tertiary canals having number 1 in first group, number 2 in second group and number 3 in third group.

In first method of group formation, when head tertiary canals are closed, there is risk of overflow of branch and minor canals or wastage of water through escape. Therefore, second method is adopted. Accordingly, tertiary canals of Kamari branch are grouped as shown in Table 21. Water delivery schedules for Tertiary Canals of Kamari branch for wet and dry seasons are given in Table 22 and 23.

Table 21 : Formation of Groups of Tertiary Canals of Kamari branch

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 KAR1/1 KAR1/2 KAR1/3 KAR1/4 KAR1/5 KAR2/1 KAR2/2 KAR2/3 KAR2/4 KAR2/5 KAR3/1 KAR3/2 KAR3/3 KAR3/4 KAR4/2 KAR4/3 KAR4/4 KAR4/5 KAR4/1 RAR1/1 RAR1/2 GGR1/1 GGR1/2 GGR1/3

Table 22: Water Delivery Schedule of Tertiary Canals of Kamari branch (Wet Season)

Group Branch and minor canals Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri No. Group 1 KAR1/1 Off Off On On On On On KAR1/4 Off Off On On On On On KAR2/2 Off Off On On On On On KAR2/5 Off Off On On On On On KAR3/3 Off Off On On On On On KAR4/3 Off Off On On On On On KAR4/1 Off Off On On On On On GGR1/1 Off Off On On On On On Group 2 KAR1/2 On On Off Off On On On KAR1/5 On On Off Off On On On KAR2/3 On On Off Off On On On KAR3/1 On On Off Off On On On KAR3/4 On On Off Off On On On KAR4/4 On On Off Off On On On RAR1/1 On On Off Off On On On GGR1/2 On On Off Off On On On Group 3 KAR1/3 On On On On Off Off On KAR2/1 On On On On Off Off On KAR2/4 On On On On Off Off On KAR3/2 On On On On Off Off On KAR4/2 On On On On Off Off On KAR4/5 On On On On Off Off On RAR1/2 On On On On Off Off On GGR1/3 On On On On Off Off On

Table 23 : Water Delivery Schedule of Tertiary Canals of Kamari branch (Dry Season)

Group Branch and minor canals Sat Sun Mon Tue Tue Wed Thu Fri No. *Ist **IInd 5:30 AM to 7PM 5:30 AM to 7PM half half Group 1 KAR1/1 Off On On On Off Off Off Off KAR1/4 Off On On On Off Off Off Off KAR2/2 Off On On On Off Off Off Off KAR2/5 Off On On On Off Off Off Off KAR3/3 Off On On On Off Off Off Off KAR4/3 Off On On On Off Off Off Off KAR4/1 Off On On On Off Off Off Off GGR1/1 Off On On On Off Off Off Off Group 2 KAR1/2 On Off On On Off Off Off Off KAR1/5 On Off On On Off Off Off Off KAR2/3 On Off On On Off Off Off Off KAR3/1 On Off On On Off Off Off Off KAR3/4 On Off On On Off Off Off Off KAR4/4 On Off On On Off Off Off Off RAR1/1 On Off On On Off Off Off Off GGR1/2 On Off On On Off Off Off Off Group 3 KAR1/3 On On Off On Off Off Off Off KAR2/1 On On Off On Off Off Off Off KAR2/4 On On Off On Off Off Off Off KAR3/2 On On Off On Off Off Off Off KAR4/2 On On Off On Off Off Off Off KAR4/5 On On Off On Off Off Off Off RAR1/2 On On Off On Off Off Off Off GGR1/3 On On Off On Off Off Off Off *Ist half – 5:30AM to 12:15PM **IInd half – 12:15PM to 7PM

3.9 WUA Policy of Water Distribution

WUA Block Committee is mainly responsible for water distribution to the tertiary canals. This committee should form a canal operation sub-committee with one of its executive member as coordinator. The water from branch and minor canals should be distributed to tertiary canals according to the water delivery schedules of the tertiary. The block committee should make an arrangement of patrolling along the branch and minor canals so that tertiary canals are not opened on off days. The block committee should encourage the farmers to take their share of water on their turn only.

The tertiary committee should prepare water distribution plan from field outlets to the farmers’ fields, mentioning name of farmers, their land holding, number of hours and time period allocated to them based on their landholding and rotational order agreed with farmers.

Chapter-4 Organization for Canal Operation Plan Management

4.1 Existing Organization

Mahakali Irrigation System is operational under joint management of Department of Irrigation and Mahakali Water Users’ Association, Central Committee. The central committee helps MPMIMD in making decisions about operation of main canal. Irrigation Management of MIS-II has been transferred to Mahakali Irrigation Water Users’ Association, Second Stage Regional Committee. The WUA of MIS-II has taken the responsibility of operation and maintenance of branch, minor and tertiary canals, and equitable distribution of water to farmers. However, the responsibility of operation and maintenance of the main canal lies with Mahakali, Pathraiya, Mohana Irrigation Management Division (MPMIMD).

4.1.1 Organization of WUA of MIS Stage-II

WUA of MIS Stage-II has Regional Committee at the top, 4-Block Committees in the middle and 167-Tertiary Committees at the bottom. Regional Committee has coordination and monitoring roles in canal operation management. Block committees have to play crucial role for efficient and equitable distribution of water. And, the Tertiary Committees are expected to distribute the available water to the farmers equitably. Role of the tertiary committees are very important. That is why these committees should be very active and action oriented. Irrigation service to the farmers can be provided in true sense through these committees only.

Second Stage Regional Committee

Block Committees (4 No.)

Tertiary Committees (167 no. at present)

Figure 4 Organization of WUA of MIS-II

4.1.2 Organization of Irrigation Management Division

Mahakali, Patharaiya, Mohana Irrigation Management Division (MPMIMD) has one Senior Divisional Engineer as Division Head, 3 Engineers and 2 Sub-Engineers supported by gate operators and water guards for canal operation management of the main canal, Shivanagar Main Branch Canal and Belauri (M3) Main Branch Canal. Overall responsibility of operation management of main canal lies with Senior Divisional Engineer. Engineer (1) has the responsibility of operation management of main canal (from Border weir upto Daiji Cross- Regulator), Engineer (2) has the responsibility of main canal (from Daiji Cross-Regulator to end of main canal at Kalikich) and Shivanagar Main Branch, and Enginner (3) is responsible for operation management of Belauri (M3) Main Branch. Sub-Engineer (1) is assigned to assist Engineer (1) and Engineer (2) in canal operation management and Sub-Engineer (2) is assigned to assist Engineer (3).

4.2 Procedures of Canal Operation and Communication

4.2.1 Procedures of Canal Operation

(a) Preparation for canal operation

 Inform water user farmers and general public about the date of commencement of canal operation for a particular crop season – monsoon, winter and spring, through electronic and print media, at least 15 days before the opening date of main canal.  Prepare Water delivery schedule 1- from main branch canal to branch/minor canals and Water delivery schedule 2- from branch/minor canals to tertiary canals based on previous records and finalize the same in consultation with WUA.  Prepare communication system and mechanism for canal operation.  Set up canal operation control and information desk at IMD office.  Water level gauge marking on water measuring structures and full supply level marking on the other structures should be painted.  Calibrate water measuring structures along main canal and bulk delivery (from main canal) points.  Carry out lubrication and greasing of gates of head regulators, cross regulators, turnouts and escape regulators before the opening date.  Pack up all the construction and repair works going on in canals well before the opening date.  Keep all the staff, maintenance work force and equipments in ready position.  Assign duties and work area of staff - engineers, sub-engineers, gate operators / water guards, and WUA members.  Orient the staff and WUA members about the plan, strategies, activities and, rules and regulations.  Inform district administration about canal opening and request for necessary cooperation and protection from notorious people during canal operation.

(b) Canal operation techniques

 In the beginning of crop season, when water is first released into the main canal, a low supply should be run for a few hours for canal priming purposes and then the discharge be gradually raised according to requirements. The gates of head regulators of branch and minor canals should be in closed position during this process.  The gates at the cross regulators should be lowered only after the main canal has been run for some time. The lowering of gates should be to the extent necessary to create the full supply level. The downstream of the main canal should not be kept dry with full supply level upstream of the regulator unless conditions require the same and the structure is design for it. However, in no case water should flow over top of any gates.  Once full supply level is reached in the main canal, water can be distributed to branch and minor canals. During the water distribution periods, branch and minor canals should run at full supply level so that the tertiary canal turnouts can draw their stipulated share of water.  In case for some reason it is not possible to run the canal at its full supply level, the water level in the canal should be controlled by operating the gates of Cross Regulators so that sufficient head of water is available at the Head Regulators of tertiary canal turnouts.

 Both the gates of Cross Regulator should be opened equally to ensure uniform flow and hence the safety of the structure.  When there is an unscheduled fall in demand, for example, due to rainfall, the tertiary canal turnouts should be closed to avoid crop damage from over-watering and water stored in the branch and minor canal should be released through the escapes to the drains after ensuring adequate safety of downstream area. At the same time, the gates of head regulator of branch and minor canal should be gradually closed.  Due to decrease in demand at head regulator of branch and minor canals, the water stored in the main canal should be released through escape regulators. If it is still required, supply into main canal be reduced or stopped.  At the end of crop season, the regulators of canals should be closed gradually in order to avoid slumping of the inside slope of the canals usually caused by sudden draw down of water in the canal.

 Main, main branch, branch and minor canals should always be maintained in reasonably good condition.  All canals shall be operated as per bulk water delivery and the water delivery schedules agreed with WUA before commencement of each irrigation season.  If the available water supply is not sufficient to meet the requirement of canals, the flow through the canals should be reduced proportionately in consultation with WUA.  Flow in the main canal at Daiji Cross Regulator, Shivnagar main branch canal head regulator and Belauri branch canal head regulator, and bulk water delivery from main branch canals to branch and minor canals should be measured daily as specified and properly recorded in the given water measurement register.  Information of discharge measured at Daiji Cross Regulator, Shivnagar main branch canal head regulator and Belauri branch canal head regulator and bulk water delivery to branch and minor canals should be given/sent to canal operation control and information desk at IMD office regularly as per instruction of concerned engineer.  Water delivered from main branch canal into branch and minor canals should be distributed by WUA to tertiary canals as per water delivery schedule equitably and efficiently.  Patrolling of main canal and main branch canals should be done regularly by water guards, sub-engineers and engineers. Similarly, patrolling of branch and minor canals should be done by concerned WUA member. Any important events and activities observed / noticed during patrolling should be recorded and communicated to the concerned authority.  Information of opening and closure of canals, and releasing water through the escape should be communicated to WUA and farmers well before these events.  Information about demand for water should be communicated to the authorized person through the proper communication channel in normal condition, and directly to him in case of emergency.  The canals should be inspected by authorized person each time in case of occurrence of excessive rainfall in the command area.  All the staff, WUA members and water users should follow water delivery schedules and water regulations.

4.3 Proposed Personnel and Skill Required

For canal operation of main canal and main branch canals, Engineers (engineering graduate), Sub-Engineers (diploma engineers) and gate operators/water guards (who can operated gates, read the gauge and find the discharge from table) are required. Similarly, for operation of branch and minor canals, WUA members and water guards are needed.

4.4 Proposed Organization and Staff Scheduling

4.4.1 Main Canal operation:

MPMIMD is responsible for operation and maintenance of main canal. MPMIMD has one Senior Divisional Engineer, 3 Engineers, 2 Sub-Engineers and gate operators /water guards. Senior Divisional Engineer has overall responsibility of operation and maintenance. One Engineer is assigned the responsibility of operation of main canal (MIS-II portion). He is supported by one Sub-Engineer and gate operators /water guards. The work area of the gate operators / water guards is as follows:

Table 24

Station Work area Water guards

Kalikich Shivanagar and Belauri main branch canal HR 4 No Chawanni Bazar Kamari minor HR/CR and Khairighat minor 2 No HR/CR Imiliya Imiliya minor HR, Imiliya Escape, Baibaha 2 No branch HR and CR Jhilmila Jhilmila minor HR , 2 No Gaurigaon Bhuda minor HR, Bhuda-Gauri minor HR and 2 No Gaurigaon (Sadakghat) HR Beldandi Beldandi branch HR, Beldandi minor HR and 2 No. Beldandi CR Salghari Dhakka minor HR, Salghari branch HR and 2 No. Salghari minor HR and Salghari CR Pachoi Pachoi branch HR, Khajuwa minor HR and 2 No. Pachoi CR Kunda Kunda minor HR and Singhpur CR 2 No. Singhpur Syali A minor HR, Syali Y minor HR, and 2 No. Belauri branch HR

4.4.2 Branch and minor canals operation:

WUA Block Committees are responsible for operation of branch and minor canals and distribution of water to the tertiary canals. Besides few exception, the tertiary canals do not have head regulator. However, officials and members of WUA block committees should distribute among them responsibility of patrolling of branch and minor canals, and water distribution to the tertiary canals, so that water can be distributed systematically and equitably.

Chapter-5 Monitoring and Evaluation of Canal Operation

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of canal operation can be defined as a system of data gathering, analysis and feedback of canal operation activities and expected outputs. It aims to improve performance of canal operation.

For systematic data gathering, an M&E plan should be prepared, which should contain the list of activities and expected outputs, monitoring indicators, source of data, method of data gathering, frequency of data collection and the responsible person/s. The M&E plan for canal operation of MIS-II is given below.

Table 25 M&E plan of Canal Operation of MIS-II

Activities Monitoring Data Source of Method of Frequency Responsible and indicators data data of data person/s expected gathering collection outputs 1. % of delivery Discharge Discharge Review of Weekly M&E sub- Improved points measured measurement Discharge committee bulk water receiving at head records of measurement for main service proportionate regulators delivery records canal and delivery by share of of branch points main branch DoI to water and minor canals WUA as canals operation per agreed plan 2. Efficient % of tertiary No. of Flow Review of Fortnightly M&E sub- and canals days of Records kept flow records committee equitable getting getting by Tertiary for branch distribution proportionate water by Committee and minor of water by share of tertiary canal WUA water canal operation

M&E sub-committee for operation of main canal and main branch canals will consist of :  MPMIMD Chief – Coordinator  Chairman of WUA Central Committee – Member  Chairman of WUA Regional Committee, MIS-II – Member

Similarly, M&E sub-committee for branch and minor canal operation will consist of :  Chairman of WUA Regional Committee, MIS-II – Coordinator  Chairman of WUA Block Committee of respected block – Member  Coordinator of canal operation sub-committee of respected branch and minor canal - Member

M&E sub-committees will prepare brief report on each visit and a comprehensive M&E report at the end of each crop season.

References

Aryal and Main System Management Mahakali Irrigation Project Kanchanpur, paper Sharma (1992) published in Proceedings of National Workshop of Department of Irrigation, 1992, by M.N. Aryal and S.R. Sharma FAO (1982) Organization, operation and maintenance of irrigation schemes, FAO irrigation and drainage paper 40, by FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations Rome, FAO Land and Water Development Division 1982 (Reprinted 1986). FAO (1986) Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 3, Irrigation Water Needs, published by, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, February 1986. FAO (1998) FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 : Crop Evapotranspiration - Guidelines for computing crop water requirements, produced by Natural Resources Management and Environment Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, (1998) FAO (1992) Irrigation Water Management, Training Manual No. 3, Canals, published by, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, 1992. GOG (2009) Operation and Maintenance Guidelines for Canals, by Government of Gujarat, Narmada Water Resources Water Supply & Kalpsar Department, April 2009 GOR (2010) Guidelines to Prepare Manual of Operation & Maintenance of Irrigation Structures, prepared by Government of Rajsthan, Department of Water Resources, (October 2010) Hatcho, N. Demand management by irrigation delivery scheduling, in Water and the (1998) Environment: Innovation issues in irrigation and drainage, edited by John W. Going, Luis Santos Pereira, May 1998. Mahakali Treaty between His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and The Government of India (1996) Concerning The Integrated Development of the Mahakali Barrage including Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage and Pancheshwar Project, signed on 12 Feb. 1996. PDSP (1990) Design Manuals for Irrigation Projects in Nepal: M.3 Hydrology and Agro- meterology Manual, prepared by Planning and Design Strengthening Project, Department of Irrigation (Nepal), February 1990 WB (1980) Staff Appraisal Report- Mahakali Irrigation Project (Stage I), World Bank Document, Report No. 2931-NEP, January 1980. TA (2016) Unpublished reports and guidelines provided by Senior Water Management Engineer of IWRMP –B, TA, 2016