Assessment of seasonal water discharge trends and socio-economic impacts in the Karnakathi Canal, Barishal
摘要
Stream discharge is a critical hydrological parameter influenced by the natural flow characteristics of the channel and is essential for effective water resource management. The study analyzed the comparative measurement of seasonal streamflow trend in Karnakathi Canal using the float area-velocity method in conjunction with baseline field data. The discharge data recorded was 11.90 m3/s during the dry season and 29.09 m3/s during the monsoon period, based on measurements from three stations along the canal. The correlation analysis among these stations revealed a moderate (0.540) to strong (0.979) positive relationship. This study has also established a rating curve at the stream gauging site to calculate the discharge time series over a specific period. The variability in discharge, as estimated from the rating curve of the Karnakathi Canal, was predominantly explained by the water surface elevation, with an R2 value of 0.9976 (over 99%). To evaluate the socio-economic impact of seasonal discharge fluctuations, two extensive field studies were conducted along the Karnakathi Canal. About 86% of respondents reported that the water available for irrigation was insufficient during the dry period due to the consistently low canal discharge during this time. Nearly half (47%) of the affected lands were vulnerable to both agricultural activities, while only 14% of homestead lands were impacted by water overflow during the monsoon season. These findings highlight the need for integrated management strategies to mitigate the effects of seasonal discharge fluctuations on water availability and land use in the Karnakathi Canal area.