Exploring An Option to the ‘Conventional Canal Lining’ By Evolving ‘Moulded Plastic Troughs’- As A Pragmatic Solution

Abstract

After independence, India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production developing irrigation systems with huge investment. Though we could achieve primary objective, the expectations have not been fully accomplished. Water distribution systems which have been implemented with conventional open channel system, could achieve efficiency around 40 percent. Seepage through the canal beds and banks contribute losses to about 20 to 25 percent. The situation may still be worse as we have tapped majority of our surface water resources and left with diminishing sources for development, in other words, it is now inevitable to maximise efficient use of available water.

One of the promising options is conceptualised with evolving ‘Moulded Plastic Trough’ for canal lining, based on the fact that ‘Over Head water tanks’ made of plastic material have been successfully adopted. This type of lining will be 100 percent leak proof, easy to construct being light weight, efficient in jointing and saves time of construction and repairs; yet economically viable. Adopting for small discharge canals [about 30 to 300 lit/sec] where we lose major chunk of water through lining; will save about 20 percent of water. Latest R & D in the field of plastic/polymer may still add to this concept to be more pragmatic. 

Authors discuss the pros and cons of conventional canal lining replacing with the concept of plastic trough including economic viability, establishing it as a promising solution.