Water-Rights and Water-Allocation Procedures of Farmers` Managed Perennial Spate Irrigation Systems of Mithawan Watershed, D.G. Khan, Pakistan. | [Science, Technology and Development • 2007]

Author(s):

1. Munir Ahmad: Spate Irrigation Project, Water Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, D.G. Khan, Pakistan

2. Muhammad Awais: Spate Irrigation Project, Water Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, D.G. Khan, Pakistan

3. Shahid Ahmad: TA Grant Project, Supporting Implementation of Water-Policy in Balochistan. Asian Development Bank, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract:

A study was conducted on water rights, water allocation and local institutions prevailing in the perennial spate irrigation systems of Mithawan watershed of D.G. Khan District of Punjab. The Study Area was selected in the Mthawan watershed on the D.G. Khan-Quetta Road almost 70 kms from D.G. Khan and 10 km away from the road, representing real-life operating systems. Small-scale isolated and large-scale contiguous perennial spate irrigation systems were selected for study. A three prong methodology was designed covering: (a) interactive dialogue of the focus groups to document the community perceptions regarding systems` water-rights, water allocation and local institutions prevailing in the area; (b) structured interviews to document systematic data regarding some of the study-aspects; and (c) diagnostic surveys to document some of the measured data regarding scheme performance. Water rights and allocation procedures both in small-scale isolated and large-scale contiguous perennial spate irrigation-systems are very clearly defined and do not change with time and space. Local institutions like `Biradri` and `Muchi` take care of just allocation of water. An irrigator is deputed who takes care of allocated time among various tribes. At the same time, the community is bringing more area under irrigation. Obviously it has increased water-requirements and in turn management of irrigation system. Previously they were reconstructing the diversion structure only. Present expansion in irrigated area has increased the necessity of maintaining the water-conveyance network more frequently, particularly at critical sections. However, the realization regarding water-losses still needs to be promoted. The linkages of resource-management with water productivity are going to be the future area of consideration in these systems, due to expansion of the system largely because of increased population and urge to increase their livelihood.

Page(s): 40-53

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Science, Technology and Development, Volume: 26, Issue: 1, Year: 2007

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