THE TIPLING RIVER FLOW ANALYSIS TO ASSESS MICRO HYDRO POWER AND DIVERSION BASED IRRIGATION POTENTIAL

Micro hydropower projects and diversion based irrigation projects are dependent on the amount of water flowing in the river of concern. Analyses of historical River Flow information are crucial to understand its pattern, frequency and predictability. Statistical analysis is the basis for a better scientific comprehension of the river flow system. Based on this information designing of such projects as well as making management plans for any future eventualities are possible. In this paper historical discharge information for a period of 19 years is collected and analyzed. Based on the water level and volume of discharge information of the river for the year 1995, various stage discharge rating curves are prepared. The best fitted curve is used for the estimation of the discharge for the remaining years where only the stage information is available. Daily discharge hydrographs for 19 years is prepared along with annual discharge computation for each of the 19 years of observation period. Preparation of flow duration curve helped to understand what is to be expected minimum from the river and what could be the most risky situation for a river project in this river and make necessary allowances for designing such project. Finally seasonal and monthly time series models are prepared so that the future discharge could be scientifically forecasted for predicting the future of such projects.