Evaluating the Efficacy of Canal Networks in Mitigating Groundwater Depletion Using a MODFLOW-Based Model

Saif Ahmad Khan; Izrar Ahmad; Saiful Islam

Evaluating the Efficacy of Canal Networks in Mitigating Groundwater Depletion Using a MODFLOW-Based Model

Author(s)	Mr. Saif Ahmad Khan, Dr. Izrar Ahmad, Mr. Saiful Islam
Country	India
Abstract	Groundwater serves as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water across the Indo-Gangetic Plains, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh, where climatic variability and growing water demand have placed immense pressure on alluvial aquifers. This study evaluates the role of canal systems in sustaining groundwater levels in Bijnor district, a region witnessing erratic rainfall patterns, intensified land use, and unsustainable extraction. A numerical groundwater flow model was developed using the MODFLOW Classic code, informed by field data from 25 lithologs, 100 observation wells, and hydrogeological parameters such as hydraulic conductivity (10–35 m/day) and specific yield (0.09–0.13). The model was calibrated in both steady-state and transient conditions, producing low RMSE and NRMS values (2.713 m and 2.9%, respectively), affirming its reliability. Baseline simulations under current abstraction and recharge patterns revealed a declining trend in groundwater levels, with projected drawdowns reaching up to 10 meters by 2065 due to combined effects of rainfall deficit and population growth. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the model’s robustness against moderate parameter variations. A scenario simulating the introduction of additional canal networks significantly reduced the projected drawdown, nearly halving water level declines in critical zones. These results underscore the potential of canal systems as effective managed aquifer recharge (MAR) strategies. The study concludes that enhancing and extending canal infrastructure, improving canal conveyance efficiency, and integrating these systems with sustainable agricultural and regulatory practices can substantially improve groundwater resilience. The modeling framework developed here serves as a valuable decision-support tool for long-term groundwater planning under climatic and anthropogenic stress in similar alluvial settings.
Keywords	Groundwater flow, Canal, Recharge Sustainability, MODFLOW
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On	2025-06-30

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Evaluating the Efficacy of Canal Networks in Mitigating Groundwater Depletion Using a MODFLOW-Based Model

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