Estimation and Management of Irrigation Water Using WEAP Model in Tandula Reservoir Command Area

Abstract

Water availability for agriculture is decreasing day by day due to over-exploitation of groundwater and impacts of climate change in India. Agriculture being the backbone of the Indian economy is readily influenced by the scarcity of water. Chhattisgarh is one among various states which are facing scarcity problems. For the proper growth of every crop, a certain amount of water is required at different stages, thus making it necessary to estimate the actual amount of water required to prevent the crop from wilting. In this study, crop water requirement (CWR) and irrigation water requirement (IWR) have been computed by water evaluation and planning (WEAP) software using MABIA method for seven blocks of Chhattisgarh state, viz., Balod, Gurur, Durg, Gunderdehi, Patan, Dhamdha, and Berla. All major crops like rice, wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruits, which were grown traditionally, are considered for this study. The CWR and IWR have been computed as 5814.19 Mm³ and 2445.24 Mm³, respectively. To fulfill this requirement water received from the sources like rainfall, groundwater, and canal were found to be 3304 Mm³, 659.1 Mm³, and 618.01 Mm³, respectively. Thus, the irrigation deficit was found to be 1233.10 Mm³. In order to utilize the water resources reasonably for matching water supply and requirement and to reach the maximum economic benefit, an optimum crop pattern for each block was determined. A genetic algorithm was adopted in the present study to apply an optimization model for each branch canal separately and get an optimized cropping area, with the help of which farmers can produce extra income of Rs. 35,744,118. Finally, the cropping pattern and water allocation plans for various blocks have been prepared. This study will be helpful for policymaking, efficient irrigation scheduling, reservoir operation studies, optimization work, reservoir planning and restoration work, etc.