Barrages for Hydro Power Generation - Himalayan Challenges and Opportunities

Due to factors such as fluvio-glacial geology of river valley, huge sediment load and environmental concerns etc., Barrage type structures are being preferred as diversion structure for Hydro Power Projects coming up in upper reaches of Himalayan rivers. Salient features of some of such Barrages under various stages of planning and design are recounted here. Whereas Barrages are generally low water head structure with minimal storage, these barrages are required to withstand high water heads and sometimes provide for diurnal storage for peak load operation of powerhouse. Such requirements along with other factors such as uncertain hydrology, erodible & permeable bed material, low bearing capacity etc. leads to many complicated design issues. Design and Research Wing of CWC is closely associated with design aspects of such structures through examination of DPR's, involvement in formulation of their design standards as well as design consultancy. Some pertinent design issues are discussed here on the basis of experience gathered through above activities which may be of substantial assistance in planning and design of such barrages

Hydro-Electric Power is an important form of clean and renewable energy and its development is required not only to bridge the ever increasing gap between demand and supply but also for smooth functioning of power grid by supplying peak load demand. India has been blessed with substantial exploitable hydropower potential but due to many reasons its development has been slow.