Need for Adequate Engineering Geological Investigations in Water Resources Development Projects in Himalayan Region

The mountainous terrains of the Himalaya offer ideal locations for hydropower projects since abundant water and high hydraulic head are available in the Himalayan rivers. Major share of the hydro power potential of India lies in the Himalayan region. The adverse climatic conditions geotectonic complexities unforeseen holdups and active faults responsible for high seismicity in the area call for detailed geotechnical evaluation. This paper deals with the need for detailed engineering geological investigations in different stages to generate basic geotechnical inputs required for safe and economic design and construction of the structures at the project sites. Need for construction of engineering geological models using various key parameters of rock mass for viewing foundation. close interaction between geologists and engineers, and timelycognizance ofinterpretationand prognostication made by geologists are some of the suggestionists are some of the suggestions during construction.