Managing conjunctive water use in canal commands: Analysis for Mahi Right Bank Canal, Gujarat

This chapter presents an empirical analysis of the interaction between canal irrigation and groundwater systems in canal commands. The externalities produced by canal irrigation projects are widely recognized; indeed, increasing awareness of the diseconomies imposed by waterlogging and the consequent buildup of salinity on top soils has contributed in substantial measure to the growing disenchantment with major irrigation projects (see, for example, Bowonder and others 1987, 331-341; Joshi 1986, 416-423; Joshi and others 1987, 198-206). External economies of canal irrigation are also recognized; in fact, in building a convincing case for canal irrigation. Professor Dhawan argues that a major chunk of the benefits that may justify further investment in canal projects emanates from the highly salutary effect of those projects on the productivity of private investments in groundwater irrigation (Dhawan 1988b, 23).