Reservoir Operation Studies of Sabarmati System, India

Abstract

In India, reservoirs are usually constructed to serve multiple purposes, such as irrigation, municipal and industrial water supply, hydropower generation, and flood control. Because of the high temporal and geographical variability of rainfall in this country, reservoir operation occupies an important place in the utilization of water resources. The operation of the Sabarmati system, consisting of four reservoirs and three diversion structures, was studied. The function of the system is to provide a municipal and industrial water supply, irrigation, and flood control. For conservation regulation of the system, rule curves were derived for the various reservoirs. Using the simulation analysis, the rule curves were fine-tuned to achieve the targets to the maximum possible extent. The operation procedure for flood regulation was developed for the Dharoi reservoir. Since the potential damage center is located far downstream of the dam, the modeling of flow in the Sabarmati River at Ahmedabad was carried out. Software was developed to assist the dam operator in determining the safe release from the Dharoi reservoir during floods.