Integrated water resource management in upper Godavari basin using e-source model

The Godavari river basin is the second largest river basin in India and is a key area for irrigated agriculture in Maharashtra. Most of regions in India, the river systems are dominated by the kharif/monsoon rains (July to October). However due to urbanization, and rapid growth of industrialization, the recent water shortage in the Upper Godavari basin increased pressure on the sharing of water between the upstream water users and downstream water users and this has resulted in legal battle. The State Water Policy formulated by Government of Maharashtra states that the distress in water availability during deficit period shall be shared equitably amongst different sectors of water use and also amongst upstream and downstream users. Upper Godavari Sub-basin includes the entire catchment of the Godavari river from its origin to Jayakwadi dam including the catchment areas of the Pravara river, Mula River and that of all other tributaries which falls into the Godavari river in this reach. In this perspective to develop a scientific and computer based modelling system in Upper Godavari sub-basin. The Government of Maharashtra, India, established a Sister State relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Currently NSW, eWater, Australia has provided UG River Basin Baseline Model; Management Model, and Forecast Model. The present study compares the performance of forecast model which is based on historical trend of climate scenarios. Aim of forecast model is to assess reservoir operating rules for equitable distribution amongst Upper Godavari basin. eSource forecast models for UGB will help as decision support system to access the equitable distribution of water in Upper Godavari basin as per the strategy adopted in order of MWRRA Date 19-09-2014. The developed scenarios in forecasting model is useful for calculation of water to be release since from 15 August onwards. However, it is found that the performance of eSource Management and Forecast Model is more appropriate in terms of prediction and computational efficiency compared to other River Basin management models as DSS.