Morphotectonic Analysis of Desang River Basin for Feasibility Appraisal of Micro Hydro Power and Diversion Based Irrigation

Abstract

Desang River has a good deal of ‘discharge’ and ‘elevation’ in its course required for micro hydropower or diversion based irrigation projects. However, the region is known for its highly tectonic events at different points of time. The importance of morphotectonic analysis of the basin before undertaking any engineering geological project in its course is undisputable. Various morphotectonic parameters are studied in this paper to understand how tectonically active this basin is or how feasible to initiate any big investment for the public good in this basin. Morphotectonic analysis has established that the basin is less active tectonically and is feasible to commence larger investment for micro hydropower and diversion based irrigation project with extremely low risk of failure due to tectonic eventuality. Assam has one of the highest per unit electricity cost in the entire country and its irrigation potentiality created mostly based on expensive fossil fuel. Such an expensive bottom line is making micro, mini and small industries highly vulnerable and agricultural activity extremely cost prohibitive. In this backdrop, establishing micro hydropower and diversion based irrigation project could bring about a paradigm shift for the communities living in the vicinity of the Desang river basin.