Simulation of Rainfall Runoff Process Using HEC-HMS Model for Upper Godavari Basin Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The Hydrologic Engineering Centers Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) is a popularly used watershed model to simulate rainfall- runoff process. Hydrological modeling is a commonly used tool to estimate the basin’s hydrological response due to precipitation. It allows to predict the hydrologic response to various watershed management practices and to have a better understanding of the impacts of these practices. It is evident from the extensive review of the literature that the studies on comparative assessment of watershed models for hydrologic simulations are very much limited in developing countries including India. In this study, modified SCS Curve Number method is applied to determine loss model as a major component in rainfall-runoff modeling. The study of HEC-HMS model is used to simulate rainfallrunoff process in Nashik region (Upper Godavari basin), Maharashtra. To compute runoff volume, peak runoff rate, and flow routing methods SCS curve number, SCS unit hydrograph, Exponential recession and Muskingum routing methods are chosen, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that HEC-HMS tool applied to watershed proved to be useful in achieving the various objectives. The study confirmed a significant increase in runoff as a result of urbanization. It is a powerful tool for flood forecasting Index