System identification of Khaira distributory

Water has become a scarce resource for agro-based economy of Pakistan. In this work, we derive channel models for regulation in irrigation canals using system identification techniques. System identification models are computationally inexpensive and accurate for simulating water profiles. We take inspiration from recent developments in control of large-scale irrigation networks and perform experimental identification of distributory irrigation channels in Pakistan. The channel models are estimated and validated on operational data from Khaira Distributory off BRB Link Canal, Lahore. Our results show that system identification techniques capture the efficacy of canal models appropriately and will play a vital role in building accurate models for controlled irrigation canals in Pakistan¹