We sign a new irrigation scheme contract in India

DHI India has won a contract for the Benchmarking and Water Auditing of 20 major and medium irrigation schemes in the west Indian state of Rajasthan. The contract was signed with the client (Water Resource Department) at Udaipur on 29 January 2013.

The irrigation schemes cover Culturable Command Areas (CCAs) across 137,000 hectares. These areas are located in the Banas and Mahi river basins in Rajasthan.

The study will last for an 18-month duration, including one monsoon cycle. The benchmarking of the irrigation systems ultimately aims to maximise the net return per unit of water use.

The study also includes:

• evaluation of the current catchment yield (inflow) for the irrigation schemes
• evaluation of the catchment yield for which the project was designed

DHI India will develop and deliver the software for benchmarking and auditing. This will be done in parallel with the training of operators of the irrigation schemes.

The project is a milestone for DHI to further progress into studies of irrigation water management throughout India as well as other Asian and African countries.

Ultimately, the study will culminate into an executive plan for the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes as required.