3. 03
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Types
3. Components parts and layout
4. Differences
5. Advantages
6. Disadvantages
7. Selection of a site for Bandhara
8. Scheme for Bandhara
4. 04
Introduction of Bandhara
Bandhara irrigation system comes under the minor irrigation system.
it’s an area mostly up to a few hectors around 500-2000. A small
structure is constructed across a small stream or river as an
obstruction to raise the water level on the upper side of the stream
and for irrigation of areas around it, where water is diverted directly
for irrigation through a canal.
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Solid Bandhara
This type of bandhara is constructed to raise the level of water on the
upstream side. Where sufficient openings are kept so that there is no afflux
will be generated. Masonry piers are constructed with grooves at regular
intervals of 2m. And they will be blocked with the needles in two rows filled
out with paddles between them.
Needles are placed in grooves which are provided in piers. Which are made
of either masonry, stone, or concrete. The height of solid bandhara may vary
from 2.5 m to 3.5 m with shutters provided on top of that. And without
shutters, it may vary from 1.5m to 2.5m. This will act as a solid weir and help
to store water after the monsoon mainly.
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Open Bandhara
This type of bandhara is constructed to raise the level on the upstream side
and is mostly constructed in the Kolhapur district and water can be diverted
through a canal on both sides of the bank. It will act as a fully open weir and
it comprises several piers with holes or groves in that where needles can be
added. Needles are added across the piers to gain a required height of the
weir.
We can change the height of the weir as we needed by adding or removing
the needles. During floods, needles are removed to avoid the flood situation.
The size of needles is 15cm high, 5cm thick, 2m in length. These needles
should be changed after every 5 years.
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Difference B/W Solid & Open Bandhara
Solid Bandhara Open Bandhara
Permanent construction of bandhara will
be done after the temporary and there will
be no change in that
In this, permanent construction also has
allowance to change the needles as per the
requirement of height
Flood water can not be controlled in this
bandhara
Flood water can be controlled by removing
needles
This bandhara act as a solid weir This bandhara act as a fully open weir
Height of solid bandhara varies from 2.5m
to 3.5m and without any gate 1.5m to
2.5m
Height of open bandhara can be easily
varied by removing or adding needles as a
requirement
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Advantages of Bandhara Irrigation
1. It is a very economical irrigation system.
2. Area surrounding where irrigation is needed is compact so irrigation done will be
very effective with this weir.
3. Surrounding area is very near to the weir so the canal is of short length so
transition loss of water is less and it also affects the intensive irrigation.
4. Small catchment area covered in weir so wastage of will be utilized fully.
5. Sometimes no more construction is needed big stone or simple wall also work as
bandhara to store the water on the upstream side.
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Disadvantages of Bandhara Irrigation
1. Because of compact irrigation areas sometimes more water is available which is not used
so it will remain unutilized.
2. Water supply will be not fixed if its source is from a non-perennial river.
3. More than one bandhara is a construction stream than people on the downstream side are
adversely affected.
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Selection of a site for Bandhara
• Site should be nearer to the area to be irrigated.
• It should be below the junction of more than one stream so a good supply of
water will be always there.
• River or stream on which the bandhara will construct should be perennial so
a fixed water supply is there.
• Construction of bandhara especially solid needs to have a good foundation.
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• It should be upstream of steep slop so the water will easily flow down.
• Site should have a direct approach straight to the river so the canal can be
constructed on both side banks.
• Cost of bandhara has to be very economical.
• Site should be in surrounding of the area which needs to be irrigated let’s say
any natural within 5km.
• Deep excavation should be avoided for the canal on the sides of the banks.
• Less cultivated area can be submerged on the upstream side.
• Canal taking off from bandhara should not obstruct any natural drainage
across their path.
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Bandhara irrigation
scheme
Bandhara irrigation scheme is a special type of irrigation scheme in some
parts of Maharashtra. it comes under a minor irrigation scheme where the
weir is constructed on the upstream side across the small river or stream with
help of diversion weir walls.
It serves water to an isolated area on its around 5km through the small canal.
Canals will take off the water for irrigation from both sides of the bank on the
upstream side. where the weir is constructed with brick, stone masonry, or
concrete. bandhara irrigation scheme is a very economical practice for
irrigation across these small rivers.