Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cross-drainage works are structures constructed at the crossing of an irrigation canal and a natural drain, road, or depression to prevent the two flows from mixing.
Selecting the correct type of crossing structure depends heavily on the relative elevations of the canal bed, the road or drainage bed, and the high flood level.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the statements to determine their validity:
Statement (A) is correct.
Culverts are masonry or concrete closed conduits built under a road or railway embankment.
They are highly suited when the road fill is high enough to allow the conduit to pass beneath the road surface while the canal bed remains aligned with the field surface on both sides.
Statement (B) is correct.
An inverted siphon (or sag pipe) carries a canal flow under pressure beneath a road, railway, or depression.
It is highly economical when the vertical clearance between the road surface and the field surface is small, preventing the construction of a regular bridge or culvert.
Statement (C) is correct.
An aqueduct or flume is an open channel supported on piers or trestles to carry irrigation water over streams, gullies, or other depressions while keeping the canal flow at atmospheric pressure.
Statement (D) is incorrect.
It is absolutely necessary to construct safe crossing structures to maintain gravity flow and protect the canal from erosion and contamination.
Statement (E) is incorrect.
A siphon is a closed conduit flowing under pressure, whereas a flume is an open channel flowing under gravity, so their definitions cannot be interchanged.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statements are (A), (B), and (C) only.