12 February ,2024

Bilgaon Canal BGM Case Study

Project Overview: Introduction of Site

The Bilgaon medium project stands as a vital cornerstone of water management infrastructure in the region, catering to the diverse needs of both urban and rural communities. Covering a catchment area of 259 square kilometers, this project harnesses the natural resources of the Silgi River through the Bilgaon dam, a testament to sustainable development practices. Its impact extends across more than 10,000 hectares of irrigable land, bolstering agricultural productivity and livelihoods for countless farmers. The Bilgaon main canal, stretching over 21.50 kilometers, serves as a lifeline, delivering essential water resources to Shahpura city and its neighboring areas. Beyond its functional role, the project holds immense socio-economic significance, symbolizing progress and prosperity for the region.

Location of Site - yooil Envirotech

(Pic.1: Location of Site)

Bilgaon village, designated as a gram panchayat since 2009, underscores its administrative importance within the local governance framework, reflecting the project's integral role in community development. As a catalyst for growth, the Bilgaon medium project not only addresses immediate water supply needs but also fosters resilience and sustainability in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to harmonize human activity with nature, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.

Salient Features of Canal:

Sr. no.	Parameters	Unit	Value
1	Canal Length	m	3000
2	Discharge	cumecs	10.163
3	Bed Width	m	2.2
4	F.S.D.	m	1.80
5	Free Board	m	0.60
6	Side slope Inner (H:V)	-	1.5:1
7	Side Slope Outer (H:V)	-	2:1
8	Bed Gradient	-	1:4000
9	Service Road	m	4.0

Problem Statement:

Despite its critical role, the Bilgaon main canal faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from seepages observed along various stretches of the embankments. These seepages, particularly evident between RD 2500 to RD 3500, RD 10000 to RD 11000, and RD 14000 to RD 14500, have severe repercussions. They diminish the availability of water for urban and agricultural use, leading to adverse impacts on crop yields and soil quality due to increased salinity. In addition, constant seepage collection in some areas caused waterlogging.

Furthermore, the presence of rain cuts and vegetation growth within the canal bed and embankments exacerbates safety concerns. These issues heighten the risk of canal breaches, bank sloughing, and slope collapses during fluctuating water levels, potentially resulting in emergencies for nearby communities.

The site problems can be summarized as follows:

Seepages through damaged irrigation canal
Waterlogging of nearby area
Rain cuts on slopes & canal breaching
Vegetation growth on canal lined area
Loss of production of crops in cultivable seasons

Seepages though canal embankment

(Pic.2 & 3: Seepages though canal embankment)

Rain cuts in canal embankment

(Pic.4 & 5: Rain cuts in canal embankment)

(Pic. 6: Vegetation on cement concrete lined canal)

Solution provided:

To mitigate the challenges facing the Bilgaon main canal, implementing Bituminous Geomembrane (BGM) Lining emerges as a promising solution. This approach has demonstrated effectiveness in halting seepages and preventing canal breaches, offering a rapid installation process and cost-efficiency compared to Concrete (CC) lining methods. By adopting BGM lining, we can address the seepage issues plaguing the Canal Lining Solutions embankments, ensuring uninterrupted water supply for Shahpura city and nearby areas while safeguarding agricultural lands from crop damage and soil salinity. Additionally, this solution can enhance the overall safety of the canal, mitigating risks associated with rain cuts, vegetation growth, and potential emergencies for neighboring communities.

(Pic. 7 & 8: BGM lined Canal with water flowing condition)

Result & Benefits after solution implementation:

Seepage Prevention: BGM lining effectively seals off seepages along vulnerable stretches of the canal embankments.
Agricultural Protection: Safeguards agricultural lands from seepages & waterlogging caused due to these seepages which reduces crop damage and soil salinity.
Enhanced Safety: Mitigates risks of emergencies and disruptions by enhancing the safety and stability of the canal infrastructure, ensuring the well-being of nearby communities.
Less Maintenance: Due to the high frictional coefficient of BGM, less slit deposition will occur, and cleaning period of canal silt can be increased.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Rapid installation process and cost-effectiveness of BGM Canal lining optimize resource allocation for rehabilitation and maintenance efforts.
Economic Contribution: Due to seepage-free canal, farmers can use their land more effectively and grow good quantity of quality crops in Rabi & Kharif season, improving their livelihoods and incomes generated.

Improved crop conditions & irrigable areas

(Pic. 7 & 8: Improved crop conditions & irrigable areas)

Details of Bituminous Geo-membrane (BGM):

The bituminous geomembrane is an innovative lining solution that stands out with its impressive width of 5.10m. It combines an elastomeric bitumen-based binder with a nonwoven polyester geotextile internal structure. This special composition ensures exceptional durability and resilience against both mechanical stress and chemical substances. The bituminous geomembrane is engineered for long-term performance, providing reliable protection against water infiltration.