Development of a Data-envelopment-analysis-based Hydrological Vulnerability Index for Sustainable Watershed Management in Indian River Basins

Author(s)	Mr. Anand Mohan Nagar, Anil Kumar Singh
Country	India
Abstract	River Lift Irrigation Systems (RLIS) play an important role in improving irrigation access in regions with undulating terrain and limited canal irrigation facilities. The present study evaluates the technical and economic performance of RLIS in the Ajay River Basin, Jharkhand. The research examines pump efficiency, water conveyance performance, energy consumption, operational costs, and agricultural benefits associated with irrigation systems. Primary data were collected through field surveys, technical observations, and farmer interviews, while economic feasibility was assessed using indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The findings indicate that RLIS significantly enhance cropping intensity and agricultural productivity; however, system performance is constrained by high energy costs, poor maintenance, and institutional challenges. The study emphasizes the need for energy-efficient technologies, participatory irrigation management, and sustainable operational strategies to improve the long-term viability of RLIS in the Ajay River Basin, Jharkhand.
Keywords	River Lift Irrigation Systems, Techno-Economic Evaluation, Irrigation Efficiency, Sustainable Irrigation Management, Ajay River Basin, Jharkhand
Field	Engineering
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-22

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