SYSTEM STUDY OF PROPOSED GODAVARI - CAUVERY WATER TRANSFER LINK SYSTEM

Abstract

Distribution of water resources in India is highly uneven both spatially and temporally. The country's development planning shall, therefore, include conservation and development of water in the most scientific and efficient manner considering a basin / sub-basin as an hydrological unit. In such a comprehensive planning, intra-basin and inter-basin water transfer could be the possible options for sustainable development. A National Perspective Plan (NPP) comprising Himalayan and Peninsular rivers development components was framed by the Government of India and the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was set up in 1982 to give concrete shape to the NPP after conducting detailed water balance studies. Mahanadi- Godavari- Krishna-Pennar-Cauvery —Vaigai link is the largest link system studied by NWDA with 9 links proposed for connecting 6 basins and a number of intermediate small basins. The study area pertains to Godavari-Cauvery part of this link system covering 4 basins besides 6 small basins in between. In the present study, multi reservoir simulation for the 13 projects pertaining to Godavari-Cauvery link system has been carried out in four stages considering the ultimate development in the basins. The inflows at the reservoirs are the net inflows in the future scenario considering ultimate upstream development. In stage I of the study, sub system simulation has been carried out as per the existing/planned operation policies without considering inter basin water transfer. From this, the deficit/surplus basins could be identified. Then in stage II, optimization of performance of each reservoir is carried out through simulation considering no. of cases. The surface water balance after optimization in each basin has been .arrived at. The Godavari basin is found to be surplus while the basins of Krishna, Pennar and Cauvery are found to be deficit.