Development and application of an integrated optimization-simulation model for major irrigation projects

A nonlinear, constrained multivatiable optimization routine is developed for deciding, the optimal canal water release and linked to a canal hydraulic module (MIKE 11) and command hydrological module (MIKE SHE), The optimization routine is solved using the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) technique. The hydraulic and the hydrological modules are calibrated and validated independently, and the results are found to be satisfactory. The integrated optimization-simulation model is applied to the Right Bank Main Canal System of Kangsabati Irrigation Project, West Bengal, India. An improved rotational delivery schedule based on long-term field data analysis is also developed. Three simulation scenarios are considered, These are (1) MIKE 11 and MIKE SHE Simulation, (3) integrated optimization simulation. and (3) integrated optimization-simulation with improved schedule. Simulations were performed for Kharif (rainy) irrigation periods for 3 different years (1995-1997). The intercomparison of the three simulation scenarios showed that the application of the integrated optimization-simulation model reduced the gap between irrigation water supply and crop water demand and improved the spatial distribution of supply, thereby, minimizing the tail-end deprivation.