CANAL - definition and classification
A canal is an artificial channel constructed to carry water from a river, water tank or reservoir for different purposes like hydropower generation, irrigation, navigation etc. An irrigation canal is the one which carries water from the source to the agricultural fields for the purpose of irrigation. Classification of irrigation canal based on discharge Main canal - It is the leading canal of a network of irrigation channels. Its discharge capacity is very high. It is used to supply water to branch canals and major distributaries. It is mostly not used for direct irrigation. Branch canal - It takes off from the main canal to either side. It carries a discharge of about 5 cumecs. Its main function is to supply water to major and minor distributaries. Major distributaries - They take off from the branch canals and sometimes from the main canal. They carry a discharge varying from 0.25 to 5 cumecs. They are mostly used for direct irrigation and supply water through outlets to wate