Identifying discontinuities in water pool of krishna river at srisailam powerhouse for power generation: a remote sensing approach

India has vast resources for hydropower generation with an estimated potential of 84,044 MW of which 26,560 MW is being generated presently. In order to tap the abundant hydropower potential available in Krishna river at Srisaifarn dam, Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited of Andhra Pradesh state has constructed hydropower schemes on both left and right banks. It is also proposed to utilise tail reach water pool of Nagarjunasagar reservoir, which is at close proximity, to augment hydraulic head of Srisailam reservoir for additional power generation by reversible type pumped mode of operation. However, recently it is observed that during lean flow season the tail reach water pool of Nagarjunasagar reservoir, poses problem of discontinuity of water pool at places. This paper discusses the approach and methodology adopted for identifying the discontinuities in water pool using satellite remote sensing technology and suggests suitable remedial measures. Using multi-date satellite data, the location and length of discontinuities in flow were identified. On investigating the major streams joining Krishna river downstream of Srisaifam dam it was found that the discontinuities in the flow were due to the sediment deposition brought by the streams at the outfalls.