USE OF GIS IN SITING SMALL HYDRO-POWER STATIONS

Abstract

India is facing an acute power crunch due to increase in power demand resulting from ever increasing population, newer technologies, and greater use of electrical energy in routine activities. The country have vast potential for hydropower generation but till today only 11% of the available hydropower potential is being harnessed. Large gestation period, difficulty in mobilising financial resources and environmental issues are retarding the growth of large and medium hydropower projects. Under these circumstances, Small Hydropower (with unit power generating capacity less than 1500 kW) schemes, which are cost effective, eco-friendly, and may be executed using locally available materials, man power and technical know how, are the only alternative. The present study aims at developing a simple, quick and reliable approach to select suitable sites for Small Hydropower stations using Geographic Information System (GIS) and implanting some basic data in the form of topographic maps. thematic maps, aerial photographs. On the basis of this study, it is concluded that Grid Based GIS is better suited for extracting various parameters required for such type of studies. Analysis in terms of resolution can go upto millimeter level. It was observed that stereopairs of aerial photographs serve as good means for interpolating elevation values. Based on present work, it is recommended that data bank is required to be developed to minimise the time required in collection and preparation of data base for use in GIS. Radar imagery in prediction of uptodate rainfall data, may be extremely helpful. Use of IRS-1C (PAN) satellite data having spatial resolution 5.6 m may be extremely helpful for deriving landuse/land cover map and other required information, for better selection of Small Hydropower sites, particularly in hilly regions.