Application of Remote Sensing in Large Scale Irrigation System Management: A Case Study of Teesta Irrigation Project

Agricultural areas in the north region of Bangladesh suffer from water shortages during the dry season as well as dry spells in the monsoon period. The Teesta Barrage was constructed in 1990 to provide supplemental irrigation water during the monsoon period. After completion of the project high yielding variety of crops were introduced more in the project area. Due to this reason unforeseen needs of irrigation water during the dry season has emerged. This study reviews the current irrigation status and related constraints to a full development of the project and provides suggestions for future improvement of the project. Also suggested is to apply remote sensing technique for the management of the system as a whole. Use of remote sensing technique for the management of irrigation water resources is a new approach in Bangladesh. Application of such a powerful tool will provide better management options for large-scale irrigation projects in the country.