Definition of irrigation outlet or Mogha or Turn out & its Essential requirements

Definition of irrigation outlet or Mogha or Turn out

An irrigation outlet or Mogha in Pakistan or turn out in USA or other countries, is a hydraulic structure conveying irrigation water from a state-owned distributory or a minor to a privately owned water course.

Basically it is the last hydraulic structure of the irrigation network. There should be equitable distribution of water to the cultivators irrespective to their location with respect to distributory. Proper distribution is the test of the properly designed irrigation system. This distribution is carried out by irrigation outlets also called Mogha in Pakistan and turn out in USA and other countries. The outlets are large in number as compared to the other irrigation structures. Therefore the proper design of an outlet is of great importance to an irrigation engineer.

Essential requirements of an outlet

1. An outlet must be strong enough and be without moveable parts to minimize tampering.
2. Tampering by cultivators should be readily detectable.
3. If so then such farmers are imposed panelty known as Tawan.
4. The outlet must carry its fair share of silt from the parent channel.
5. It should be able to work with a small working head. With high working heads the water level required in the parent channel will be higher. This will increase the cost of the system. High heads will also increase the risk of water logging.
6. The total cost of installation and maintenance should be as low as possible.

Reference : Irrigation and hydraulic structures by Prof. Dr.Iqbal Ali