Need for systematic instrumentation in hydroelectric projects in Himalayas

Himalayan region is potential source of hydroelectric power. Construction of huge caverns in adverse geologica/conditions in the region is challenging job. Understanding the behaviour of the rock mass is vital for safe and economic construction of the caverns and systematic instrumentation can provide better understanding of the rock mass to the design engineers and to the site engineers. In this paper the need for systematic instrumentation in the construction and during operational period of major caverns is stressed. Brief case study of instrumentation at Tala and Nathpa Jhakri hydro-electric project is presented.