To store fresh water for irrigation and to prevent intrusion of salinity of the Matamuhuri River at various cross dam locations during dry period, traditional practice of the local farmers is to construct temporary cross dams on the river The dams used to be washed away every year as soon as monsoon begins, which has to have rebuilt in the following year.

SWMC under a contract with the Consultant of the project, Engineering and Planning Consultants Ltd. (EPC), carried out a mathematical modelling study to findout an optimum potential of irrigation water. The mathematical model was developed based on MIKE11 modelling tools. Two options were implemented in the model: (i) construction of structures (Rubber Dam) at three locations with having 5 meter allowable height and (ii) period of dam operation and the rate of withdrawal by pump, covering irrigation areas of different magnitude with respect to different degrees of dependable irrigation.

The model results indicated that the existing river network and an optimum use of the dams on the Matamuhuri River system would cover 80% of the cultivable land of the project area. Submersible rubber dams having 5 meter allowable height could be used at all dam locations.

The results also showed that the model could assist in selecting suitable dam locations for optimum storage of water. Considering the slope of the river bed and limitation of the height of rubber dam (upto 5 m), it could be possible to store more water by shifting the dam at 7 km upstream of Palakata.