All channels selected in DG Khan Zone are mostly silted up. Sarkanda (a local weed) and vegetation growth from both sides of the banks of channels have been observed. It was observed that silt about 6–10 inches (1 in = 2.54 cm) depth deposited in the pond site of Shaheena Disty. Panels are broken in the tail reach. In Faisalabad Zone, silt and vegetation growth have been observed in lined channels. Water was reaching at the tail of lined channels Nasrana, Lagar and Sehtiwala Minor. In Sargodha Zone sarkanda and vegetative growth along both banks of the Sillanwali Disty and silt in the bed of the canal and lined water course were observed. Water was reaching at the tail end of the Khadir Disty which was being lined. The unlined channel is in very dilapidated condition, broken banks, widened sections, vegetative growth were causing hindrances in flow, and therefore, practically was not possible to run this unlined channel at full supply level. In Bahawalpur Zone, channels were running with silt-free beds. Outlets were showing silt deposits in the bed. Vegetation was observed in the tail reach of the channels. I-R/3-R Hakra was lined with geosynthetic laid down with a cover of brick, concrete, and slab. Water was reaching at the tail of the channel. Some of the parameters observed during field visits, surveys, and investigation have been enlisted in Table 6.
Summary of impacts of canal lining
Sr . | Name of parameter . | No change . | Moderate change . | Significant change . |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cropping intensity | x | ||
2 | Crop yields and production | Slightly increased | ||
3 | Theft case | Reduced | ||
4 | Watch and ward | Improved | ||
5 | Water allowance | x | ||
6 | Post-project employment opportunities | x | ||
7 | Health conditions | x | ||
8 | Groundwater levels | x | ||
8 | Groundwater quality | x | ||
9 | Canal seepage rates | Reduced (∼78%) | ||
10 | Groundwater recharge | Reduced (∼3%) | ||
11 | Tail feeding | Improved | ||
12 | Sedimentation | Reduced | ||
13 | Vegetation growth | Reduced | ||
14 | O&M cost | Reduced | ||
15 | Hydraulic parameter (ref. Table 5) | Variation from design values | ||
16 | Canal bank breaches | Reduced | ||
17 | Workmanship during lining | Needs improvement | ||
18 | Sealing of joints | Needs improvement |
Sr . | Name of parameter . | No change . | Moderate change . | Significant change . |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cropping intensity | x | ||
2 | Crop yields and production | Slightly increased | ||
3 | Theft case | Reduced | ||
4 | Watch and ward | Improved | ||
5 | Water allowance | x | ||
6 | Post-project employment opportunities | x | ||
7 | Health conditions | x | ||
8 | Groundwater levels | x | ||
8 | Groundwater quality | x | ||
9 | Canal seepage rates | Reduced (∼78%) | ||
10 | Groundwater recharge | Reduced (∼3%) | ||
11 | Tail feeding | Improved | ||
12 | Sedimentation | Reduced | ||
13 | Vegetation growth | Reduced | ||
14 | O&M cost | Reduced | ||
15 | Hydraulic parameter (ref. Table 5) | Variation from design values | ||
16 | Canal bank breaches | Reduced | ||
17 | Workmanship during lining | Needs improvement | ||
18 | Sealing of joints | Needs improvement |