Satellite Image Used to Solve the Impact of Silt and Velocity on Discharge Carrying Capacity of Right Bank Canals of SukkurBarrage Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is basically an agricultural country, agriculture is considered the back bone of the country. It helps country in earning foreign exchange, about 90% of output comes from agriculture, supports in employment and economy by exporting food grains. Luckly Pakistan has worlds third giant irrigation system, it comprises best storage infra-structure, controlling system of barrages, regulators, conveyance system of canals and an efficient drainage system both horizontal and vertical. Indus river basin irrigation system has three major reservoirs, sixteen barrages, two head works, two siphons across major rivers, 12 inter river link canals and 44 irrigation canals. Average gradient was observed from sea level as flat with rate of 12.5 cm/km (eight inches/mile), Indus provides irrigation system to major portion of Sindh almost 41 percent. The total Gross Commanded area of Sindh and Baluchistan which depends on Indus is 5.92 Mha whereas, the only Cultivable command Area is 5.43 Mha. The major crops grown in Sindh are rice in Kharif and wheat in Rabi. Besides this, Sindh also produces horticultural crops such as: mangoes, bananas, dates and chilies. Sindh has also diversion capacity of 111 billion cubic meter (BCM) which is equivalent to 90 million Acre Feet (MAF). It was found in the research that excess of silt in Right Bank Canal is more to reduce the velocity of water. Satellite image based model shows negligible velocity to Right Pocket at Sukkur Barrage. 60% less cultivation in 2018 at SaifullahMagsi Branch Division at border of Sindh-Balochistan.