On planned utility of engineering geophysics in hydropower project development

In view of restricted time-frame and finance, establishing safe and economic hydropower schemes necessitates a planned approach towards a comprehensive investigation program involving both direct and indirect techniques. Besides the involvement of drilling, drifting as well as geological, geotechnical studies and other allied studies, it is important to apply state-of-the-art geophysical techniques during various stages of the project. The paper elaborates planned utility of the prime techniques of engineering geophysics in subsurface exploration and site characterization during Pre-feasibility, Feasibility, Detailed Investigation (DPR) and Pre-construction stages of the project towards minimizing geological uncertainties: The proposed extensive application of engineering geophysics during the various stage, with intent of avoiding the practice of carrying forward the application of geophysics to the Construction stage, shall facilitate the project execution with due level of confidence, within schedule and optimum involvement of direct exploration.