Modelling Technique for Sediment Evaluation at Reservoir (South India)

Abstract

In India, the availability of accurate information on runoff is scarce. However, in view of the quickening watershed management programme for conservation and development of natural resources, run off information plays a major role in managing water resources. Soil erosion is a hydrological process which affects the fertility of the top soil and reduces the agricultural potential of reservoirs in India. Excessive exploitation increases the susceptibility of the soil to fluvial and upland erosion, which is responsible for increasing the sediment transport and deposition into the reservoir. In the recent studies, advanced mathematical models are being used to predict the hydrological processes such as land use, sedimentation, weather changes and other geological aspects. The present work deals with the evaluation of sedimentation at Vaigai reservoir situated in Tamilnadu state, India. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model has been used in this work. The model is used to simulate the catchment area of Vaigai reservoir for quantity of water and sediment inflow to the reservoir. The comparison has been carried out for predicted and observed values. The calibrated model can be used for further analysis of land use changes, climate and water quality analysis. Moreover, the modelling can also be applied for planning of future dam construction and prediction of flood disaster and hence, their applications play a vital role in development activities of a country.