Assessment of Water Resources at

Basin Scale using Space Inputs

A Pilot Study by

NRSC and CWC

Godavari and Brahmani - Baitarani Basins

Water Resources Division

WRG, RS & GIS Applications Area
National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO
Balanagar, Hyderabad

December 2011
 NATIONAL REMOTE SENSING CENTRE
DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET
1. Security Restricted
Classification
2. Distribution Limited
3. Document (b) Revision: R 01
Issue:
4. Report Type A Pilot Study Report by NRSC and CWC

5. Report No NRSC / RS&GISAA / WRG / WRD / NRSC-CWC Pilot Study/

R1 /Dec 2011/ TR-369
6. Title Basin Level Water Resources Assessment Using Space
Input – A Pilot Study in Godavari Basin, and Brahmani -
Baitarani Basins
7. Collation Pages : Figures: Tables: References
106 59 27 46
8. Project Funding EOAM, Department of Space, Govt. of India
& Sponsoring
9. Authors of the Dr. K H V Durga Rao, Scientist ‘SF’, WRD, NRSC
Report Sri. P V Raju, Scientist ‘SF’, WRD, NRSC
Sri. B Simhadri Rao, Scientist ‘SE’, WRD, NRSC
Sri. Ashis Banerjee, Dy. Director (BP), CWC, New Delhi
10. Pilot Study Dr V Venkateshwar Rao, Head, WRD, NRSC
Coordinated By Sri. Lalit Kumar, Director (BP), CWC, New Delhi
11. Scrutiny Compiled By: Reviewed By: Approved By:
Mechanism Dr. K H V Durga Dr. V Venkateshwar Sri. G Behera,
Rao Rao, and DD-RSGIS AA,
Dr. J R Sharma, GD, NRSC
WRG
12. Originating unit Water Resources Division, WRG, RS GIS AA, NRSC

13. Date of Project Oct 2010

Initiation
15 Date of December 2011
Publication
16 Abstract (with Keywords)

The scope of this report is to submit the results of the pilot study on Water
Resources Assessment using Space Inputs. Annual water resources during the
period 1988-89 to 2007-08, mean annual water resources, water resources during
the extreme rainfall conditions in the Godavari, and Brahmani - Baitarani Basins
are presented. The project has been executed using the remote sensing data,
other geo-spatial database, and field data through distributed hydrological
modeling approach.
 PROJECT TEAM

1. Methodology /
model formulisation From: NRSC, Hyderabad

Dr. K H V Durga Rao

Sri. P V Raju
Sri. B Simhadri Rao
Dr. V Venkateshwar Rao

From: CWC, New Delhi

Sri. Ashis Banerjee
Sri. Rishi Srivastava
Sri. Shekharendu Jha
Sri. Lalit Kumar
2. Geospatial database
creation, Godavari Basin
methodology and Dr K H V Durga Rao
modelling activity
Mrs. R Jyothsna, JRF, WRD

Brahmani - Baitarani Basin

Sri P V Raju
Sri B Simhadri Rao
Mrs. K Anusree, JRF, WRD
3. Groundwater data Sri. Pankaj Kumar Singh, CWC, New Delhi
organisation
Sri. Prasant Kumar Guptha, CWC, New Delhi
Mr. Arifullah Baig, CWC, Hyderabad
Sri.D Ganesh, CWC, Hyderabad
4. Pilot Study Dr V Venkateshwar Rao, Head, WRD, NRSC
Coordinated By
Sri. Lalit Kumar, Director (BP), CWC, New Delhi
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Considering the importance of fresh reassessment of water resources availability in the

country, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Hyderabad has initiated an R&D Project
titled “Assessment of National Water Resources using Space Inputs” under EOAM funding
by integrating space technology, geographical information tools, hydro-meteorological data
and hydrological models. Subsequently, CWC has shown interest in joining the project.
Series of discussions were held between NRSC and CWC, it was decided to take-up a joint
pilot project in Godavari, Brahmani - Baitarani Basins to assess basin scale mean annual
water resources using space inputs through hydrological modelling technique. This study
emphasizes on quantifying basin scale water wealth by transformation from presently
adapted basin terminal gauge site runoff aggregation to meteorological based water
budgeting exercise through hydrological modelling approach.
The project team would like to express sincere gratitude towards Dr. K Radhakrishnan,
Chairman, ISRO, Secretary, Department of Space under whose inspiring leadership the
remote sensing programme in the country is carried out. Guidance and continuous support
provided by the Chairman is greatly acknowledged.
The project team would like to thank Dr R R Navalgund, Director, SAC, Ahmedabad and
Chairman, EOAM for his advice, guidance and support in this endeavor.
The project team would like to sincerely thank Dr V K Dadhwal, Director, National Remote
Sensing Centre, Hyderabad for his valuable guidance, encouragement. Direction given by
him during the project period is deeply acknowledged. The authors would like to sincerely
thank Er G Behera, Deputy Director, RS & GIS Applications Area, and Dr. J R Sharma,
Group Director, WRG, NRSC, for their support, guidance, and encouragement.
The project team would like to sincerely thank Sri R C Jha, Chairman ,CWC, New Delhi for
his guidance, support and constant monitoring of the project.
Support, guidance, and encouragement provided by Sri M.E.Haque, former Member
(WP&P),CWC ,New Delhi, Sri Shankar Mahto, then C E (BPMO), Sri B G Kaushik, C E
(BPMO), CWC are greatly acknowledged.
Guidance and support provided by Sri. Wakpanjar, C E (KGBO), Hyderabad, and Sri. V K
Chawla, C E (IMO), CWC are sincerely acknowledged.
The project team earnestly acknowledge the Chief Engineer, Mahanadi and Eastern Rivers,
Bhubaneswar, Sri. Raghuram, S.E, Godavari Circle, CWC, Hyderabad, and Sri. S.K. Sinha,
CGWB, New Delhi for providing necessary field data and other support during the project.
The project team would like to thank the colleagues of Water Resources Division for the
moral support given during the project.
PROJECT TEAM
 EXECUTIVE SUMMERY

The surface water and groundwater resources in India play a major role in agriculture,
hydropower generation, livestock production, industrial activities, forestry, fisheries,
navigation, recreational activities, etc. Potential impact of global climate change on water
resources include enhanced evaporation due to warming, geographical changes in
precipitation intensity, duration and frequency, together affecting the hydrological parameters
such as, Runoff, Soil moisture, etc. Earlier, different commissions, agencies, researchers
have estimated water resources of the country using different approaches. Among these,
First Irrigation Commission (1902-03), Dr.A.N. Khosla (1949), Central Water and Power
Commission (1954-66), Studu done by K L Rao, National Commission on Agriculture
(1976), and Central Water Commission (1988) are very popular. Reassessment of Average
Annual Water Resources Potential (1993) is the most recent and authentic study done by
Central Water Commission. CWC’s recent study was done for the period of 1967 to 1985 for
many river basins.
All these studies are based on the observed flows at terminal sites and upstream
abstractions for irrigation and domestic consumptions. Limitations of these studies are;
limited field data on abstractions, lumped approach in estimation at terminal sites of the
basins, no meteorological parameters (such as rainfall evapotranspiration) are taken into
consideration, and no mechanism for cross validation. Considering the importance of fresh
reassessment of water resources availability in the country, National Remote Sensing
Centre, ISRO, Hyderabad has initiated an R&D Project titled “Assessment of National Water
Resources using Space Inputs” under EOAM funding by integrating space technology,
geographical information tools, hydro-meteorological data and hydrological models. In this
context, a Brain-storming Session on Water Resources Assessment was also organized by
NRSC at Hyderabad in which officers from IITs, IISc, RRSSC, CWC, NRSC participated and
discussed various issues related to water resources assessment in the country.
Subsequently, CWC has shown interest in joining the project. Series of discussions were
held between NRSC and CWC, it was decided to take-up a joint pilot project in Godavari,
and Brahmani - Baitarani Basins to assess basin scale mean annual water resources using
space inputs through hydrological modelling technique.
This study emphasises on quantifying basin scale water wealth by transformation from
presently adapted basin terminal gauge site runoff aggregation to meteorological based
water budgeting exercise through hydrological modelling approach.
Daily rainfall data of 0.5 degree grids, daily temperature data of 1 degree grids were
obtained for the last 20 years from the India Meteorological Department and converted into
GIS format. Landuse grids of 1985, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 prepared under
NRC project using IRS-P6 AWiFS satellite data (56m resolution) were used. Soil textural
map, landuse map, digital elevation map, and command area map were integrated to
compute hydrological response grid of the basin. Different evapotranspiration methods were
examined and Thortnthwaite method was adopted with suitable modifications after
considering the availability of meteorological data at basin scale. Monthly evapotranspiration
grids for the last 20 years were computed using the analysed meteorological data. In this
study, a newer approach was adopted in computing monthly potential evapotranspiration
grids by incorporating the landuse coefficients derived from the satellite data. All these grids
were integrated in the modified Mather modelling framework to compute runoff. Observed
discharges at various gauge stations were obtained from CWC and model was thoroughly
calibrated and validated. Two years data was used for model calibration and 2 more years
data for validation. It is found that computed runoff is very well matching with the field data
with good accuracy. Different approach was adopted in computing runoff from irrigated
agricultural lands. Irrigated agriculture area was identified using landuse and command area
grids. Runoff in these HRUs are computed assuming sufficient irrigation supplies are
provided to meet the actual avapotranspiration requirements and subsequently adjusted in
runoff computations. Groundwater flux grids during these 20 years were computed using the
groundwater level information obtained from Central Groundwater Board, India. Surface
water flux was computed from the reservoir data obtained from the Central Water
Commission (CWC), India. Domestic water consumption was computed as per the norms
using the demographic data. These flux grids were integrated with computed runoff in
assessing annual water resources availability in the basin. Mean annual water resources
availability (WRA) during the 20 years period, WRA during dry year (minimum rainfall period)
and wet year (maximum rainfall period) were computed. Rainfall of 35 years was analysed
for identifying wet and dry years. Mean annual AET from the irrigated agriculture, irrigation
supplies are also computed in the study.
 CONTENTS

Page No

1.0 Introduction 01
2.0 Background of assessment of basin wise water resources potential in India 02
2.1Work done in the past 02
2.1.1 First Irrigation Commission (1902-03) 02
2.1.2 Dr.A.N. Khosla (1949) 02
2.1.3 Central Water and Power Commission (1954-66) 02
2.1.4 National Commission on Agriculture (1976) 02
2.1.5 Central Water Commission (1988) 02
2.2 Latest Estimates 04
2.2.1Reassessment of Average Annual Water Resources Potential (1993)04
2.2.1.1 Limitations of the 1993 study 06
2.2.2 Assessment by National Commission for Integrated
Water Resources Development (1999) 06
3.0 Genesis of the Pilot studies in Godavari and Brahmani - Baitarni river basins 07
3.1Assessment of National Water Resources – R&D Programme under Earth
Observation Application Mission (EOAM) Programme of NRSC, ISRO,
Hyderabad 07
3.2 National Water Mission 08
3.3 Discussions of CWC with NRSC, Hyderabad for initiation of pilot studies in
Godavari and Brahmani-Baitarni river basins 08
3.4 Objectives of the pilot study 09
4.0 Approaches and Hydrological Models 09
4.1 Review of PET Estimation Methods 12
4.1.1 Penman-Monteith Method 12
4.1.2 Thornthwaite's formula 12
4.1.3 Blaney-Criddle formula 13
4.1.4 Hargreaves Method 13
4.1.5 Priestley-Taylor Method 13
5.0 Modelling Framework 14
5.1 Thornthwaite & Mather Method 15
5.2 Hydrological Response Units Generation 19
5.3 Estimation of Available Water Holding Capacity of Soil 20
 5.4 Model Calibration and Validation 22
5.5 Water Resources Assessment (WRA) 23
6.0 Input Topographic Database 23
6.1 Land use/land cover 23
6.2 Soil Texture 26
6.3 Digital Elevation Model 26
6.4 Basin & Sub-basin Boundaries
6.5 Command Area Grid 28
7.0 Input Hydro-meteorological Database 28
7.1 Rainfall Grids 28
7.2 Temperature Grids 29
7.3 Reservoir Flux Data 30
7.4 Groundwater Flux Data 31
7.5 Domestic and Industrial Water Use 33
7.6 River Discharge Data 34
8.0 Water Resources Assessment in the Godavari Basin 35
8.1 Geographic and Hydrologic Setting of the Godavari Basin 35
8.1.1 Landuse/landcover Pattern 38
8.1.2 Soil Textural Classes 39
8.1.3 Topography 39
8.1.4 Basin and Sub-basin delineation 41
8.1.5 Groundwater of the Basin 41
8.1.6 Reservoir Flux 43
8.1.7 Command Area 44
8.1.8 Domestic and Industrial Consumption 45
8.2 Previous Water Resources Assessments in the
Godavari Basin (CWC,1999). 45
8.3 Landuse Coefficients 47
8.4 Runoff Estimation 49
8.5 Water Resources Assessment of the Basin 57
8.5.1 Water Resources Availability during Extreme Rainfall Conditions 60
8.5.2 Distribution of Actual Evapotranspiration 62
9.0 Water Resources Assessment in Brahmani - Baitarani Basin 64
9.1 Geographic and Hydrologic Setting of the Basin 64
9.1.1 Rainfall 65
9.1.2 Climate 67
 9.1.3 Land Use/Land Cover Pattern 67
9.1.4 Soils 69
9.1.5 Topography 70
9.1.6 Rivers and Discharge 71
9.1.7 Reservoirs 72
9.1.8 Ground Water Usage 73
9.2 Previous Estimations 74
9.3 Sub-basins of Brahmani and Baitarani 77
9.4 Landuse Coefficients 78
9.5 Available Water Holding Capacity 80
9.6 Irrigation Command Area 82
9.7 Domestic and Industrial Demand 83
9.8 Evaporation from Major/Medium Reservoirs 84
9.9 Runoff Estimation 86
9.10 Water Resources Assessment of the Basin 94
9.10.1 Annual Water Resources Availability of the Basin 95
9.10.2 Annual Water Resources of the Basin during Extreme Rainfall
Conditions 96
9.10.3 Mean Water Resources of the Basin 98
10.0 Limitations of the Study 100

References 101

Annexure 105
 LIST OF FIGURES

Page No.

Fig.1 PET estimation by Different Methods in Anandpur Sub-basin 14

Fig.2 Modelling Framework 15
Fig. 3 Calibration Procedure 22
Fig. 4 Landuse/landcover map of the country derived from IRS P6 AWiFS data 25
Fig. 5 Digital Elevation Model of the Country (source: SRTM DEM) 27
Fig.6 Rainfall grid of 01 June 2004 (source: IMD) 29
Fig.7 Temperature grid of 01 June 2004 (Source:IMD) 30
Fig.8 Flowchart of Methodology for estimation of Ground water flux 32
Fig.9 Well Locations in the Godavari Basin (Source: CGWB) 32
Fig.10 Well Locations in the Brahmani - Baitarani Basin (Source: CGWB) 33
Fig. 11 Geographical Setting of the Basin 36
Fig. 12 Annual Vatiations in the Rainfall of the Godavari Basin 36
Fig. 13 Accumulated Rainfall of July 2004 (Raw Data Source:IMD) 37
Fig. 14 Mean Temperature of July 2004 (Raw Data Source: IMD) 37
Fig.15 Landuse/landcover of Godavari Basin derived from IRS P6-AWiFS (2004-05) 38
(Courtesy: NRC Project, NRSC)
Fig. 16 Distribution of landuse/landcover pattern in the Godavari Basin (2004-05) 39
Fig. 17 Soil Textural Classes in the Godavari Basin (Source: NBSS&LUP) 40
Fig. 18 Digital Elevation Model of the Godavari Basin(SRTM DEM) 40
Fig. 19 Sub-basins of the Godavari Basin 42
Fig. 20 Groundwater in the Godavari Basin Flux During 2004-05 42
Fig.21 Specific Yield of the Godavari Basin (Source: CGWB) 43
Fig. 22 Major and Medium Reservoirs in the Basin (Source: CWC) 44
Fig. 23 Command Area Boundary of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects 45
Fig. 24 Spatial Variations of Runoff in the Godavari Basin in 2006-07 50
Fig. 25 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Polavaram (1990-91 to 2007-08) 50
Fig. 26 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Asthi 53
Fig. 27 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Bamini 54
Fig. 28 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Tekra 55
Fig. 29 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Patagudem 56
Fig. 30 Observed and Calibrated Runoff (20 years Mean) at Various Gauge Stations 57
Fig. 31 Water Resources Availability in the Godavari Basin (1990-91 to 2007-08) 58
Fig. 32 Water Resources Availability During Minimum Rainfall Year (Extreme Dry Year) 61
Fig. 33 Water Resources Availability During Maximum Rainfall Year (Extreme Wet Year) 61
Fig. 34 Distribution of Actual Evapotranspiration 63
Fig.35 Location Map of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 64
Fig.36 Rainfall Image of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 65
Fig. 37 Annual Rainfall of Brahmani - Baitarani basin for 1971-72 to 2007-08 (37 years) 66
Fig. 38 Mean Monthly Rainfall of Brahmani - Baitarani basin (1988-89 to 2007-08) 66
Fig. 39 Mean Monthly Temperature during 2004-05 67
Fig. 40 Land Use / Land cover Map of Brahmani - Baitarani basin (2004-05) 68
Fig. 41 Distribution of Land Use / Land cover for 2004-05 year 69
Fig. 42 Soil Map of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 70
Fig. 43 ASTER DEM of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 71
Fig. 44 Location of 7 CWC discharge sites in Brahmani - Baitarani basin 72
Fig.45 Major Reservoirs in Brahmani - Baitarani basin 73
Fig.46 Ground water flux (spatial data) estimated during 2004-05 74
Fig.47 Sub-basins of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 78
Fig.48 Irrigation Command Boundaries of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 83
Fig.49 Village Boundaries of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 84
Fig.50 Calibrated runoff at Tilga on Sank River 87
Fig.51 Calibrated runoff at Jaraikela on Keol River 88
Fig.52 Calibrated runoff at Panposh on Brahmani River 89
Fig.53 Calibrated runoff at Gomlai on Brahmani River 90
Fig.54 Calibrated runoff at Jenapur on Brahmani River 91
Fig.55 Calibrated runoff at Champua on Baitarani River 92
Fig.56 Calibrated runoff at Anandpur on Baitarani River 93
Fig.57 Water Balance components of Brahmani - Baitarani basin during extreme high rainfall
(1994-95) year 97
Fig.58 Water Balance components of Brahmani - Baitarani basin during extreme low rainfall
(1994-95) year 98
Fig.59 Water Balance components of Brahmani - Baitarani basin (mean of 20 years) 99
 LIST OF TABLES

Page No.

Table 1 Model Runoff Calculations 21

Table 2 Estimation of Water Resources Potential in the Godavari Basin (CWC:1993) 47
Table 3 Landuse coefficients of Godavari Basin 48
Table 4 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Polavaram 51
Table 5 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Asthi 53
Table 6 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Bamini 54
Table 7 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Tekra 55
Table 8 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Patagudem 56
Table 9 Water Resources Assessment of the Godavari Basin 59
Table 10 Water Resources Availability During Extreme Rainfall Conditions in the
Godavari Basin 60
Table 11 AET from Irrigated and Rainfed Area 62
Table 12 CWC 1993 Estimation of Water Resources Potential of Brahmani Basin 75
Table 13 CWC 1993 Estimation of Water Resources Potential of Baitarani Basin 76
Table 14 Sub-basinwise details Brahmani - Baitarani basin 77
Table 15 Land use coefficients for various land cover types 79
Table 16 Rooting depths of different types of vegetation 81
Table 17 Evaporation in the Reservoirs in BB Basin 85
Table 18 Calibrated runoff along with CWC observed discharge at Tilga 87
Table 19 Calibrated runoff along with CWC observed discharge at Jaraikela 88
Table 20 Calibrated runoff along with CWC observed discharge at Panposh 89
Table 21 Calibrated runoff along with CWC observed discharge at Gomlai 90
Table 22 Calibrated runoff along with CWC observed discharge at Jenapur 91
Table 23 Calibrated runoff along with CWC observed discharge at Champua 92
Table 24 Calibrated runoff along with CWC observed discharge at Anandpur 93
Table 25 Water balance components of Brahmani - Baitarani basin 94
Table 26 Water Resources Availability in the Brahmani - Baitarani Basins 96
Table 27 Water Resources Availability in the Brahmani - Baitarani Basins During Extreme
Rainfall Conditions 96
1.0 Introduction
Proper assessment of the availability of water resources is the cornerstone for proper
planning, development and management. Precipitation, in the form of rain and snowfall, is a
crucial component of the hydrological cycle that makes fresh water available on a renewable
basis. The geographical area of the country is 329 million hectare (Mha), and the mean
annual rainfall, taking the country as a whole is 1170 mm. This gives an annual precipitation
of about 4,000 BCM. A significant part of this precipitation seeps into the ground and the
balance flows through streams and rivers and collects in water bodies adding to the surface
flow. A part of the water that seeps into the ground remains as soil moisture in the upper
layers and the rest adds to the ground water resources. Subsequently, a major part of the
water from surface flows, soil moisture and ground water sources, when put to various uses,
returns to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration. Part of the water from
surface flows may enter ground water and add to the ground water resources and part of the
ground water again returns to streams and rivers. Thus the surface and the ground water
sources are inter-linked, continuously inter-active and therefore very much part of a single
entity.
Natural (virgin) flow in the river basin is reckoned as water resources of a basin. The mean
flow of a basin is normally obtained on pro-rata basis from the average annual flow at the
terminal site. However, at any point of time, the water resources in a river basin have already
been developed and utilized to some extent through construction of major or medium
storage dams and development of hydro-power, irrigation and other water supply systems. A
large number of diversion schemes and pumped storage schemes may have also been in
operation. Assessment of natural flow has, therefore, become complex in view of the
upstream utilizations, reservoir storages, re-generated flows and return flows. The natural
flow at the location of any site is obtained by summing up the observed flow, upstream
utilization for irrigation, domestic and industrial uses both from surface and ground water
sources, increase in storage of reservoirs (surface and sub-surface) and evaporation losses
in reservoirs, and deducting return flows from different uses from surface and ground water
sources.

2.0 Background of assessment of basin wise water resources potential in India

2.1 Work done in the past
2.1.1 First Irrigation Commission (1902-03)
The first ever attempt to assess the average annual flow of all the river systems in India was
made by the Irrigation Commission of 1901-1903. The major constraint at that time was that
while records in respect of rainfall were available, data in respect of river flows were not
available even for many of the most important river systems. The Commission, therefore,

1
resorted to estimation of river flows by adopting coefficients of runoff. The average annual
flow of all the river systems in India was assessed as 1443 BCM.

2.1.2 Dr.A.N. Khosla (1949)

Dr. A.N Khosla developed an empirical relationship between mean temperature (as an
expression for mean evaporation loss) and mean runoff based on his studies on the flows of
Sutlej, Mahanadi and other river systems. While applying these relationships to the entire
country, Dr. Khosla divided the country into six regions, viz (i) Rivers falling into Arabian Sea
excluding Indus, (ii) Indus Basin within India, (iii) Rivers falling into Bay of Bengal other than
the Ganga-Brahmaputra system, (iv) the Ganga, (v) the Brahmaputra, and (vi) Rajputana.
According to these studies, the total annual flow of all the systems worked out to 1673 BCM.

2.1.3 Central Water and Power Commission (1954-66)

CWPC estimated the surface water resources of different basins during the period from 1952
to 1966. The study was mostly based on the statistical analysis of the flow data wherever
available and rainfall-runoff relationships wherever data was meagre. The country was
divided into 23 sub-basins / basins. Ganga was divided into as many as ten sub-systems.
Other major peninsular river basins like Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar and
Cauvery were considered separately. Other river systems were combined together suitably
into a few composite systems. According to these studies, the water resources of various
basins amounted to 1881 BCM.

2.1.4 National Commission on Agriculture (1976)

NCA estimated total annual water resources of the country as 1850 BCM (1800 BCM
available in an average year) based on water balance approach taking into account rainfall,
percolation of water in soils, evaporation and evapo-transpiration.

2.1.5 Central Water Commission (1988)

As per the report ‘Water Resources of India’, the natural run-off of a basin could be
computed by adding to the surface flow measured at the terminal site, the net export of the
surface water out of the basin, the net increase of the surface water storage, additional
evapotranspiration caused by use or storage of surface water, direct ground water flow from
the river basin below or along the terminal site, the net export of ground water out of the
basin, the net increase in ground water storage and soil moisture storage, and the additional
evapotranspiration caused by use or storage of ground water. This is general water balance
approach, applicable to any basin for any period. However, if averages over a long time
period are taken, storage change would be zero or negligible. Also assuming a case of no

2
export or import, and neglecting the ground water flow below or along the terminal site, a
simplification is possible. With this simplification, the average annual natural flow can be
computed by adding to the average annual surface flow measured at the terminal site, the
average annual extra evaporation / evapotranspiration due to use or storage of surface
water and the average annual extra evaporation / evapotranspiration due to storage or use
of ground water.
Earlier, estimate of the natural runoff have been made by two approaches. The approach
adopted by Dr. Khosla does not directly use the measured surface flow at terminal site but
works out the natural runoff as the difference between precipitation received and estimated
natural evapotranspiration. This approach would, thus require no correction for utilization of
surface or ground water. The second approach utilizes the observed flow record and thus
gives a more realistic estimate. In this approach the observed surface flow at the terminal
site is corrected for extra evapotranspiration due to utilization of water. However, mostly the
correction due to additional evapotranspiration due to storage or use of ground water was
not done in actual working. This was now attempted.
District wise estimates of ground water draft i.e. withdrawal from ground water storage have
already been worked out by Central Ground Water Board for the year 1983-84. 1983-84
district wise figures were converted into basin wise figures. The total draft for the country for
the year 1983-84 was about 100 BCM / year.
Similar estimates for 1967-68 as available in Irrigation Commission report indicate that the
draft for that year was about 58 BCM / year. Assuming linear variation, the annual draft for
any year can be calculated. Basin wise figures for any other year can be estimated on the
same proportion as the overall national figures. It is assumed that the consumptive use of
ground water is 70% of the withdrawal. For each basin, where the natural run-off is being
worked out from the observed terminal site flows, the period of data available has been
considered for obtaining the average annual natural runoff. The correction for the
consumptive use i.e. extra evaporation use to ground water is to be adjusted to the mid-point
of the observed data period by the procedure stated above. Thus, depending upon the mid-
point of the observed data period, different corrections were worked out. For basins such as
Godavari and Krishna, where the mid-point fell around 1930, the required correction was
negligible and was not done.
The basin wise average annual water resources were estimated as 1880 BCM following the
above procedure. The above however excluded the groundwater which flows directly to the
sea or to the neighbouring countries bypassing the terminal site. Studies, carried out
elsewhere indicate that this quantum is not appreciable and would be around 5% of the
runoff.

3
2.2 Latest Estimates
2.2.1 Reassessment of Average Annual Water Resources Potential (1993)
Basin wise reassessment of water resources potential in the country was carried out by
Central Water Commission (CWC) in 1993 and given in the report entitled ‘Reassessment of
Water Resources Potential of India’. The water resources potential of the country was
reassessed as 1869 BCM against an earlier assessment of 1880 BCM done by CWC in
1988.
While assessing the water resources of India, the country was divided into 20 river basins
comprising 12 major basins and 8 composite river basins.

The twelve major basins are: (1) Indus; (2) Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna; (3) Godavari; (4)
Krishna; (5) Cauvery; (6) Mahanadi; (7) Pennar; (8) Brahmani-Baitarni; (9) Sabarmati; (10)
Mahi; (11) Narmada; and (12) Tapi.
The eight composite river basins are: (1) Subernarekha – combining Subernarekha and
other small rivers between Subernarekha and Baitarni; (2) East flowing rivers between
Mahanadi and Pennar; (3) East flowing rivers between Pennar and Kanyakumari; (4) Area of
Inland Drainage in Rajasthan Desert; (5) West flowing rivers of Kutch and Saurashtra
including Luni; (6) West flowing rivers from Tapi to Tadri; (7) West flowing rivers from Tadri
to Kanyakumari; and (8) Minor rivers draining into Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh
Natural (virgin) flow in the river basin is reckoned as water resources of a basin. The mean
annual flow of a basin is normally obtained on pro-rata basis from the mean annual flow at
the terminal site. The natural flow at any location on a river is obtained by summing up the
observed flow, upstream utilization for irrigation, domestic and industrial uses both from
surface and ground water sources, increase in storage of reservoirs (both surface and sub-
surface) and evaporation losses in reservoirs, and deducting return flows from different uses
from surface and ground water sources.
The observed flows at terminal sites of the basins were corrected for upstream abstractions
to arrive at the natural flows by adopting the following equation:

R N = R O + R IR +R D + R GW –R RI – R RD – R RG + S + E Eq.1

R N is the natural flow

R O is the observed flow
R IR is the withdrawal for irrigation
R D is the withdrawal for domestic and industrial requirement
R GW is the ground water withdrawal
R RI is the return flow from irrigated areas

4
 R RD is the return flow from domestic and industrial withdrawal
R RG is the return flow from ground water withdrawal
S is the increase in storage of the reservoirs in the basin
E is the net evaporation from the reservoirs

Based on the above methodology, CWC assessed the average annual water resources
potential of the country as 1869 BCM in the year 1993.
The data used for reassessment of water resources potential in the various river basins as
detailed in the report ‘Reassessment of Water Resources Potential of India’ (March, 1993)
are given below:

Basin Flow data Withdrawal data

Godavari Observed river flow data Data on abstractions for irrigation have been
for the period 1967-68 to obtained from the records maintained by
1984-85 at Polavaram irrigation project authorities. Wherever such
which covers 98.4% of records are not available, the abstractions have
the total area of basin. been estimated from the area irrigated by
adopting suitable delta. Area irrigated has been
mostly obtained from the reports of the Bureau
of Economics and Statistics.
Withdrawals for domestic and industrial
requirements have been estimated assuming
per capita total requirement of 100 litre per day,
using population figures as per 1981 census.
Ground water draft for the basin has been
worked out based on the estimates of total
ground water draft for the country by Irrigation
Commission in 1967-68 and Central Ground
Water Board in 1983-84.
Brahmani- At Jenapur on the Withdrawal for irrigation was calculated based
Baitarni Brahmani, observed river on the yearwise irrigation potential created
flow data were available assuming an average delta of 0.82m.
for the period 1964-65 to Withdrawal for domestic use was based on the
1984-85. Jenapur covers population statistics assuming requirement of 70
about 90% of the lpcd for rural population and 140 lpcd for urban

5
 Brahmani sub-basin area. population
At Biridi on Baitarni,
observed river flow data
available for the period
1964-65 to 1984-85. It
covers nearly 97.8% of
the sub-basin area.

Based on the above methodology (eq. 1), CWC assessed the average annual water
resources potential of the country as 1869 BCM in the year 1993.

2.2.1.1 Limitations of the 1993 study

The broad limitations of the study are as follows:

(1) For working out the upstream abstractions, for various uses, assumptions had to be
made depending upon the type of data that could be obtained for the abstractions.
Uniform procedure could not naturally be adopted for all the river basins. Particularly
for estimating withdrawals for irrigation which is the major consumer of water varying
assumptions had to be made. In many cases while diversions from major and medium
irrigation projects were available, those from minor schemes were seldom available.
(2) In most of the cases the year-wise withdrawal from ground water has been estimated
approximately assuming linear variation between the state-wise draft given by the
Irrigation Commission of 1972 for the year 1967-68 and by the Central Ground Water
Board for the year 1983-84, and interpolating for other years.
(3) Return flows have been assumed to be 10% in the case of irrigation (major and
medium) and 80% in the case of domestic and industrial supplies which are only
approximate.

2.2.2 Assessment by National Commission for Integrated Water Resources

Development (1999)

The National Commission for Water Resources Development (NCIWRD) while assessing
the potential, agreed with the estimates of the Reassessment study carried out by CWC
(1993) excepting the cases of Brahmaputra and Krishna basins. In case of Brahmaputra
basin, the NCIWRD assessment included additional contribution of 91.81 BCM which was
estimated to be the flow of the 9 tributaries joining Brahmaputra downstream of Joghighopa
site. In the case of Krishna basin, the figure adopted by the NCIWRD was based on the

6
mean flow of the yield series that is accepted by the KWDT Award. Taking into account the
above two variations, the estimation of NCIWRD yielded that the average annual water
resources potential of the country is 1953 BCM.

3.0 Genesis of the Pilot studies in Godavari and Brahmani-Baitarni river basins
3.1 Assessment of National Water Resources – R&D Programme under Earth
Observation Application Mission (EOAM) Programme of NRSC, ISRO,
Hyderabad

National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Hyderabad initiated a R&D Project titled
“Assessment of National Water Resources using Space Inputs” under EOAM funding for
integrating space technology, geographical information tools, hydro-meteorological data and
hydrological models. In this context, a Brain-storming Session on Water Resources
Assessment was also organized by NRSC at Hyderabad on 24th March, 2009 in which
officers from IITs, IISc, RRSSC, CWC, NRSC participated and discussed various issues
related to water resources assessment in the country.
The need for reassessment of water resources in the country, methods, models, time scale,
spatial scale, input data, quality of data, impact of climate change on water resources, and
other key aspects were discussed during the sessions. During the session two Committees
namely the Drafting Committee and Expert Committee were constituted to bring out a
technical document (guide) for research and practice on water resources assessment in the
country.
Based on the discussions held during the Brain-Storming Session, literature study and
further discussion among the various authors, a technical guide for research and practice
titled “Water Resources Assessment – The National Perspective” was brought out by NRSC,
ISRO, Hyderabad in October, 2009. The technical guide includes: Water Resources
Assessment – Indian Perspective containing hydrological setting of the country, need for
water resources assessment at the national level, previous studies for assessment of water
resources, international practices, etc; Methodology for Integrated Water Resources
Assessment containing approach and models, review of available models and softwares,
snowmelt runoff – methods and models, criteria and selection of model(s), model calibration
and validation, etc; Data requirements containing spatial data, time series data, gauge and
discharge data, meteorological data, groundwater data, topographic data, satellite based
products of meteorological parameters, satellite based rainfall product sources, etc; Review
of water availability estimates; Operational aspects; and Recommendations.

7
3.2 National Water Mission
With a view to address the climate change related issues, the National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC) has been prepared by the Government of India. The NAPCC has
laid down the principles and has identified the approach to be adopted to meet the
challenges of impact of climate change through eight National Missions namely, (a) National
Solar Mission, (b) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, (c) National Mission on
Sustainable Habitat, (d) National Water Mission, (e) National Mission for Sustaining the
Himalayan Eco-system, (f) National Mission for a Green India, (g) National Mission for
Sustainable Agriculture, and (h) National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate
Change.
One of the strategies identified for implementation under the Comprehensive Mission
Document of National Water Mission was “Reassessment of basin wise water situation”
under present scenario including water quality by using latest techniques, which inter-alia
may include:

• Development or adoption of comprehensive water balance based model,

• Fitting models to basin using current data, and
• Assessment of likely future situation with changes in demands, land use, precipitation
and evaporation.

The steps for implementation of the strategy as circulated in the document prepared by P&D
Organisation (nodal organisation for Climate Change / National Water Mission activities in
Central Water Commission), RM wing, envisaged coordination with NRSC for “Assessment
of National Water Resources” using Remote Sensing, GIS based modelling.

3.3 Discussions of CWC with NRSC, Hyderabad for initiation of pilot studies in
Godavari and Brahmani-Baitarni river basins

Subsequently, several meetings were held among the officers of CWC, NRSC, NIH, CGWB
under the Chairmanship of Member (WP&P) wherein various issues such as methodology
of the reassessment of water resources of the country, non-availability of utilization
data uniformly throughout the country / river basins, various models available for
indirect estimation of utilization data, selection of models, time and spatial scales, data
requirements, budget requirement, etc were deliberated in detail.

8
Finally, during the meeting held on 27.01.10, it was decided that pilot studies on
experimental basis can be initiated in the two selected river basins of Godavari and
Brahmani-Baitarni. The project would be jointly executed by NRSC and CWC engineers. The
highlights of the methodology include water balance approach; precipitation as primary
resource (spatial interpolation); new technology tools i.e. satellite derived spatial data (land
use, land cover, elevation, soil), GIS; semi-distributed modeling approach; concept of
Hydrologic Response Unit (HRU) for water balance computation; calibration and validation
using CWC observed discharge observations. Thus, the study will indirectly estimate the
utilization of water by various sectors. Further, the modalities for procurement of various data
such as landuse / landcover maps, digitizing soil texture maps, preparation of other spatial
data, mean monthly rainfall and temperature data, monthly / daily discharge data, data
pertaining to groundwater table, monthly reservoir water level data, census data, irrigated
command area boundary maps, etc was also discussed. It was also decided that Budget
requirement will be met by NRSC under Earth Observation Application Mission (EOAM)
Programme.

3.4 Objectives of the pilot study

Considering the need and data availability in these river basins, the following main
objectives were set for the pilot study:

• To assess the annual water resources potential in the Godavari Basin,

Brahmani - Baitarani basins during 1988-89 to 2007-08 (20 years).
• To computed the mean annual water resources potential during the 20 years
in these basins.
• To compute water resources during extreme dry and wet conditions (minimum
and maximum rainfall scenarios) during the last 35 years (1973-74 to 2007-
08) in the basins.

4.0 Approaches and Hydrological Models

Rainfall-runoff models can be classified in terms of the processes represented, the time &
space scale used, and the methods of solution to equations are used. The main features for
distinguishing the approaches are; the nature of basic algorithms (empirical, conceptual or
process-based), whether a stochastic or deterministic approach is taken, and whether the
spatial representation is lumped or distributed.

9
The first feature defines if the model is based on a simple mathematical link between input
and output variables of the catchment or it includes the description, even if in a simplified
way of the basic processes involved in the runoff formation and development. Generally,
when the observations are reliable and adequate, extremely simple statistical or parametric
models are used. They vary from the simple regression models to the more recent Artificial
Neural Networks models. These models are strongly dependent on the data used for
calibration and, ought to non-linear behavior of the rainfall-runoff process. Their reliability
beyond the range of observations may be questionable. For this reason conceptual models
are generally preferred. The term conceptual denotes also the fully distributed physically
based models because, even if they use parameters which are related to physical
characteristics of the catchment and operate in a distributed framework, they must use
average variables and parameters at grid or element scales greater than the scale of
variation of the processes modeled (NRSC, 2009).

Another basic distinction between models is whether stochastic or deterministic

representations and inputs are to be used. Most models are deterministic so they generate a
single set of output. On the basis of the spatial representation, the hydrological models can
be classified into three main categories: lumped models, semi-distributed models, and
distributed models. The semi-distributed and distributed models take an explicit account of
spatial variability of processes, input, boundary conditions, and/or watershed characteristics.
Of course, lack of data prevents such a general formulation of distributed models, that is
these models cannot be considered fully distributed.

Finally, according to the hydrological processes, hydrological models can be further divided
into event-driven models, continuous-process models, or models capable of simulating both
short-term and continuous events, and monthly based models. The first are designed to
simulate individual precipitation-runoff events and their emphasis is placed on infiltration and
surface runoff. The major limit to the use of event type model is the problem of unknown
initial soil moisture conditions that cannot be measured and may heavily condition the
forecasts in real time. Continuous process models, on the other hand, take explicitly account
of all runoff components with provision for soil moisture redistribution between storm events.
The daily models are suitable where sufficient field data is available and the study area is not
very big and the user is intend to estimate runoff for a particular duration (may be a
hydrological year). Monthly models are realistic for long term estimates in river basins and it
gives reasonable estimates when we do water resources assessment at national level.
These monthly models are process based and takes care of all hydrological processes such

10
as Potential Evapotranspiration, Actual Evapotranspiration, Soil Moisture, change in
groundwater storage, etc.

Various models and its data requirements, scope, limitations are examined. These includes,
Iinitial and constant rate model, Modified SCS Curve Number Loss Model, Continuous Soil-
moisture Accounting (SMA) Model, Green and Ampt Loss Method, NAM Model (rainfall-
runoff (RR) module of the MIKE11 river modeling system), TOPMODEL, VIC Model
(Variable Infiltration Capacity Model), SWAT Model (uses SCS and Green Ampt models for
runoff estimation), MIKE SHE, HEC-HMS, and other monthly water balance models.

Selection of a model mainly depends on the objectives of study, data available, spatial and
temporal scale of the study. Each model requires different type of input data, when we are
doing hydrological modelling at basin level one has to optimise the model considering the
availability of input data. It is obvious that distributed or semi-distributed models are more
accurate in runoff estimation compared to lumped models. Land use, soil texture, and digital
elevation models are basic topographic input for any distributed hydrological modelling.
Some models require extensive data on soil moisture, groundwater condition, etc.
For the country like India estimating daily runoff for many years is very cumbersome task
both in quantity and in input data requirements. Monthly models can simulate the runoff
nearer to the field reality that can give the overall picture on national water resources.
Various monthly models like Thortnwaite and Mather (TM) model, Pitman model, Thomas
abcd model, Roberts model, etc are widely used for runoff estimation. These models were
used for estimating runoff at national level in various countries like China, Brazil, USA,
Russia, and in other countries. Advantages of these monthly models are, each component of
hydrological cycle can be computed separately and accurately. Different algorithms can be
chosen for estimating individual components of the hydrological cycle also. Considering the
need, and the availability of long-term hydro-meteorological data at national level, it is
proposed to use monthly water balance model in the pilot study.
After examining various water balance models, Mather soil water balance model is chosen
for the study as it uses distributed modelling approach and widely applied in various
countries. This model is almost nearer to the process based approach in which, potential
evapotranspiration, water loss and accumulated water loss in a month, water holding
capacity of soils up to root depth are considered in calculating actual evapotranspiration and
subsequently runoff. Since the evapotranspiration is the major component in the hydrological
water balance, a suitable and practically feasible method has to be adopted at basin scale
considering the data availability.

11
Various evapotranspiration methods, its merits and limitations have been examined and
some of them are discussed below,

4.1 Review of PET Estimation Methods

Many methods have been proposed to estimate PET world wide of which some of the
popular methods are discussed here (Jianbiao et al, 2005; McCabe and Markstrom, 2007;
Papadopolou et al, 2003; Kerkides et al, 1996; Nata Tadesse, 2006).

4.1.1 Penman-Monteith Method

The most popular formula for evapotranspiration is the Penman-Monteith formula,

0.408∆(R n -G)+γ 900 u 2 (e s -e a )/(T+273)

ET 0 = ---------------------------------------------- Eq. 2
∆ + γ (1+0.34 u 2 )

where,
ET o reference evapotranspiration [mm day-1],
R n net radiation at the crop surface [MJ m-2 day-1],
G soil heat flux density [MJ m-2 day-1],
T mean daily air temperature at 2 m height [°C],
u 2 wind speed at 2 m height [m s-1],
e s saturation vapour pressure [kPa],
e a actual vapour pressure [kPa],
e s - e a saturation vapour pressure deficit [kPa],
∆ slope vapour pressure curve [kPa °C-1],
γ psychrometric constant [kPa °C-1].

The method is of quite good accuracy and is usually used for calculations of
evapotranspiration from farmlands. This method requires lot of field data.

4.1.2 Thornthwaite's formula

This formula is based mainly on temperature with an adjustment being made for the number
of daylight hours. An estimate of the potential evapotranspiration, calculated on a monthly
basis, the model is discussed in the section 5.1.

12
4.1.3 Blaney-Criddle formula
This formula, based on another empirical model, requires only mean daily temperatures T
(0C) over each month. Then:

PE = a + b( p(0.46.Tmean + 8.13)) Eq. 3

where a and b are calibrated parameters that are functions of minimum daily relative
humidity, mean ratio of actual to possible sunshine hours, Variable p is the mean daily
percentage (for the month) of total annual daytime hours.

4.1.4 Hargreaves Method

The Hargreaves formula is as follows:

ET 0 = 0.0023(T mean + 17.8)(T max - T min )HE R a Eq. 4

where T mean is daily mean air temperature (0C), T max is daily maximum air temperature (0C),
T min is daily minimum air temperature (0C) and R a is extraterrestrial radiation (MJ m-2 day-1).
The mean air temperature in the Hargreaves equation is calculated as an average of T max
and T min and R a is computed from information on latitude of the site and time of the year.
Therefore air temperature is the only parameter that needs to be measured and usually
HE=0.5 is used.

4.1.5 Priestley-Taylor Method

The Priestley-Taylor model (Priestley and Taylor, 1972) is a modification of Penman’s more
theoretical equation. An empirical approximation of the Penman combination equation is
made by the Priestley-Taylor to eliminate the need for input data other than radiation. This
method is for no or low advective conditions.

ET 0 = 0.408α[∆(Rn -G)/(∆+γ)], in mm Eq. 5

Where,

α = Constant (1.26)
R n = Net radiation at the crop surface (MJ m-2 per day)
G = Soil heat flux
∆ = Slope of the vapour pressure curve (KPa 0C-1)
γ = Psychrometric constant (KPa 0C-1)

13
Considering the merits and limitations of individual PET estimation methods, hydrological
models and the spatial meteorological data availability at the required temporal resolution,
Thornthwaite and Mather model has been selected as the modelling frame work for
achieving the set objectives.

PET by Different Methods

Monthly surface meteorological data from IMD is available at 15 locations covering major
portion of Brahmani-Baitarani river basins. Using the above data PET has been estimated
for each of the 15 locations by Thornthwaite (T), Penman-Montieth (PM) and Hargreaves
(HRG) methods. Using Nearest Neighbourhood spatial interpolation technique, the point
data have been converted into spatial images of PET. Figure 1 provides the average PET for
Anandpur sub-basin catchment for three selected years, namely, 1990-91, 2000-01 and
2004-05.
PET
1990-91 2000-01 2004-05
Method
T 1864 1755 1879

PM 1671(-10.3%) 1751 (-0.2%) 1627 (-13.4%)

HRG 1621 (-13%) 1694 (-3.5%) 1682 (-10.5%)

2000
1900
1800
1700
1600
PET (mm)

T
1500 PM
1400 HRG
1300
1200
1100
1000
1990-91 2000-01 2004-05

Fig.1 PET estimation by Different Methods in Anandpur Sub-basin

14
5.0 Modelling Framework
The modelling frame work for the present study (Figure 2) involves integration spatial data
sets (DEM, LULC, soil texture, village census) with hydro-meteorological data sets (Rainfall,
temperature, GW flux, reservoir flux, river discharge) in GIS environment to carry out water
balance computations at hydrological response unit level. The model development and
calibration was carried out using the four years data sets (2004-2008) and the calibrated
model was extended for all the remaining years. The 20 years water balance outputs were
averaged to arrive at Long-term Mean Annual Basin level Water Resources.

Fig.2 Modelling Framework

5.1 Thornthwaite & Mather Method

The water balance has been used for computing seasonal and geographic patterns of
irrigation demand, the soil moisture stresses under which crop and natural vegetation can
survive. Water table calculated for a single soil profile or for an entire catchment, refers to
the balance between incoming of water by precipitation and outflow of water by
evapotranspiration, ground water recharge and stream flow. Among the several possible
methods of calculation, the one introduced by Thornthwait and Mather (1957) generally has
been accepted. This technique uses long term average monthly rainfall, long term average

15
potential evopotranspiration, and soil & vegetation characteristics. The last two factors are
combined in the water capacity of the root zone.

Computation of ET in this method is mainly based on temperature data only. By using the
eq.(6) a monthly heat index (j) is calculated employing the mean monthly temperatures.

t 1.514
j = � n� Eq. 6
5

Where, j = monthly heat index

t n = monthly mean temperature, 0c (where n= 1,2,3………12).

Annual heat index (J) is given by the equation (7) adding together twelve monthly heat
indices.
J = ∑12
1 j Eq. 7

Then, monthly PET for any month is calculated by means of the following equation (8):

10t n a
PET = 16f � J
� Eq. 8

Where, a is the cubic function of J

a = (675*10 -9)J3 – (771*10 –7)J2 + (179*10 –4)J + 0.492 Eq. 9

f = factor, to correct for unequal day length between months.

It is necessary to adjust the value of unadjusted 30-day potential evapotranspiration and 12

hours of sunshine per day, modulating by factor (f). For other latitudes f value has to be
interpolated from the following table.

North Lat. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
0 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
10 0.97 0.98 1.01 1.03 1.05 1.06 1.05 1.03 1.08 0.99 0.98 0.96
20 0.93 0.96 1.00 1.05 1.09 1.11 1.10 1.07 1.03 0.98 0.93 0.91
30 0.87 0.93 1.00 1.08 1.14 1.18 1.16 1.10 1.03 0.96 0.88 0.85
40 0.80 0.89 0.99 1.10 1.20 1.25 1.23 1.15 1.04 0.93 0.83 0.78
50 0.72 0.84 0.98 1.15 1.28 1.37 1.33 1.21 1.06 0.90 0.76 0.68

16
Day length factor grid has been prepared in GIS environment. PET has been calculated
using temperature grids and day length grids through spatial modelling technique. These
spatial PET maps of country are prepared and subsequently PET grids of Godavari,
Brahmani - Baitarani are extracted.

Vegetation Factors: The Thornthwaite method doesn’t account for vegetative effect which is
most useful parameter in water balance estimations (Peter E. Black). Monthly landuse
factors have been derived for both the river basins using satellite remote sensing data and
integrated with PET to account for vegetation effect on PET. The Thronthwaite method uses
air temperature as an index of the energy available for evapotranspiration, assuming that air
temperature is correlated with the integrated effects of net radiation and other controls of
evapotranspiration, and that the available energy is shared in fixed proportion between
heating the atmosphere and evapotranspiration. This method estimates PET only based on
air temperature and do not the land cover and vegetation classes. But actually, the ET also
depends on whether the soil is covered with or without vegetation and vegetation types.
Hence, in this study it is proposed to consider the effect of vegetation cover and its type in
estimating the PET using the Thronthwaite method by using vegetation coefficients.

PET revised = PET * vegetation factor Eq. 10

The crop coefficient integrates the effect of characteristics that distinguish a typical field crop
from the grass reference, which has a constant appearance and a complete ground cover.
Consequently, different crops will have different K c coefficients. The K c values primarily
depends on crop type, crop growth stage, soil evaporation.
Uniform vegetation coefficient during all the months has been considered for the vegetations
like forest, scrub land etc. Whereas for agricultural lands, variable coefficients taken in
different months according to the crop growth stage and type of crop. These vegetation
coefficients are further calibrated using the field discharge data.

After the calculation of PET revised , the dry and wet seasons should be identified. If the
difference between P & PET revised is positive, it is considered as wet season, otherwise it is
dry season.
The severity of the dry season increases during the sequence of months with excessive
potential evapotranspiration. The accumulated potential water loss (La), which is the
cumulative of negative values of (P- PET revised ) for the dry season only is calculated from the
end of the wet season.

17
Next, the water storage capacity (SM), which depends upon the soil texture type, rooting
depth of vegetation and land use, in the root zone of the soil must be determined. Then, from
the readily available tables or graphs or by using the empirical formula for dry season
months we can find how much water will be retained in the soil after various amounts of
accumulated potential water loss. For the case of wet seasons, soil moisture values can be
determined by adding the excess precipitation to the soil moisture value of the previous
month until the total storage again reaches the water- holding capacity of the soil.

The soil moisture status for each month with evapotranspiration exceeding precipitation is
calculated using the following eq. (11):

−𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑊𝑊 ∗ 𝑒𝑒 ( 𝑊𝑊 )
Eq. 11

Where, SM = soil moisture, mm

La = accumulated potential water loss,
W = water holding capacity, which has been calculated for the
different landuse class and soil texture, mm

The ability of soil to retain water depends upon the amount of silt and clay present; the
higher the amount, the greater is the soil moisture content. Water holding capacity (W) of
each HRU has been calculated based on the landuse, root depth, and soil textural
information. SM in each month is calculated based on W and accumulated water loss in the
month. ∆SM is the change in soil moisture in a month to its previous month.
Actual evapotranspiration (AET) represents the actual transfer of moisture from the soil and
vegetation to the atmosphere. When P exceeds PET revised , it is assumed that there is
sufficient moisture to meet the climatic demands and

AET = PET revised Eq. 12

Even if the soil moisture of root zone is not at its storage capacity but if P > PET revised it can
be assumed that P will be sufficient to satisfy climatic moisture requirements, i.e.
AET= PET revised .When meteorological demand must be partially satisfied from the stored soil
water (when P< PET revised ),

AET = P + |∆SM| Eq. 13

18
In irrigated agricultural land (canal and well irrigation), irrigation support (P- PET revised ) is
added to rainfall to equate AET to PET revised and AET calculated accordingly. This
assumption is made assuming full irrigation water requirements are being met. The added
irrigation support has been subsequently adjusted while computing runoff. Then, we should
identify that in which months occurs moisture deficit (D) that means there is not enough
water to satisfy the vegetation needs. D that exists only in dry period when P< PET revised , is
calculated by the eq. (14)

D = PET revised - AET Eq. 14

The amount of excess water that cannot be stored is termed as moisture surplus (S). When
storage reaches its capacity, surplus is calculated using the eq. (15)

S = P – (AET+|∆SM|) Eq. 15

By definition, actual runoff equals to the available annual surplus. However due the lag
between the time of precipitation and the time the water actually passes the gauging station,
monthly computed surplus is not the same as monthly runoff (RO). As per Thornthwaite and
Mather’s suggestion it can be assumed that for large catchments approximately 50% of the
surplus water that is available for runoff in any month runs off. The rest of the surplus is
detained in the subsoil, groundwater, small lakes, and the channels of the basin and is
available for runoff during the next month.
The complete basin has been divided into number of hydrological response units (HRU)
based on the landuse, soil texture, root depth information, and command area grids and
runoff in each hydrological response unit has been estimated. Meteorological data of the
concerned HRU is used in runoff calculations.

5.2 Hydrological Response Units Generation

A Hydrological Response Unit (HRU) is an area within the basin having same soil type and
land use, a basic computational unit assumed to be homogeneous in hydrologic response to
land cover change. Depending on the number of soil textural classes and land cover
classes, a number of HRU are derived within the basin. It is assumed that a particular soil
textural class can have a particular water holding capacity and a certain vegetation type to
have a maximum rooting depth. So a combination of soil textural class and vegetation type
results in different HRUs.
In addition to the derived HRUs they are further categorised based on the irrigation
command area boundaries. The HRUs within or outside the command boundary are

19
assumed to meet all the AET demand considering the major crop season/seasons (i.e.
Kharif, Rabi, Zaid and Double/Triple) in the basin. For Example, in Brahmani - Baitarani
basin, Double/Triple crop assumed to satisfy all the AET demand (i.e. Actual ET = PET
revised ) whether it is within or outside command boundary whereas in case of Kharif crop it is
assumed to satisfy all the AET only if the crop is present only within the command boundary.
In irrigated crop areas, both in canal irrigated and tube well irrigated the water requirements
in excess of precipitation are supplemented through irrigation sources. In the present study,
all the cropped area within irrigation canal jurisdiction and double/triple cropped area were
considered as irrigated. In general, these irrigated cropped areas will meet their complete
water requirements through precipitation and supplementary irrigation. But availability of
records of irrigation supplies is difficult to collect because the irrigation sources may vary
from surface storage from reservoirs, tanks and ground water sources such as open wells,
deep bore wells. Hence, in the present study irrigation supplies are computed from the
precipitation and PET revised . It is assumed as under these cropped areas, actual
evapotranspiration attains potential evapotranspiration, which means, whenever precipitation
(P) falls short of PET revised , the shortage (i.e., PET revised -P) is met with supplementary
irrigation (Irrigation Support). To account for these irrigation supplies, the precipitation under
the above mentioned cropped areas was revised as detailed under:

Precipitation (revised), P revised =P when Precipitation > PET revised

= P + (PET revised -P), when Precipitation < PET revised

(For double/triple cropped area and cropped area within irrigation command jurisdiction)

5.3 Estimation of Available Water Holding Capacity of Soil

As mentioned earlier, a particular soil textural class can have a particular water holding
capacity and a certain vegetation type to have a maximum rooting depth. The water holding
capacities for different soils are taken from available literature. Similarly, the root zone
depths for each crop type are taken from available literature which also varies with soil type.
The water available for vegetation is up to root zone depth and is computed as follows.
Available water capacity (mm) = Available water capacity (% volume) X Rooting depth (mm)
Model runoff calculations of particular HRU having water holding capacity as 90 mm is
shown in the table 1 as an example.

20
 JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY Total
Rainfall 75.7 459.7 520.1 146.0 10.0 1.3 0.1 0.0 20.3 1.8 0.0 3.7 1238.6
PET 294.7 156.9 138.8 166.9 134.0 87.0 53.4 46.4 76.3 142.6 285.5 373.6 1956.0
Vegetation
Factor 1.1 1.2 1.1 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.1 0.9 0.5 0.8 1.1 0.7
PET revised 309.4 188.2 152.7 150.2 140.7 104.3 58.8 41.7 38.2 107.0 299.7 261.5 1852.5
P revised 309.4 459.7 520.1 150.2 10.0 1.3 0.1 0.0 20.3 1.8 0.0 3.7 1476.5
P revised -
PET revised 0.0 271.4 367.5 0.0 -130.8 -103.1 -58.6 -41.7 -17.9 -105.2 -299.7 -257.8
APWL 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -130.8 -233.8 -292.5 -334.2 -352.1 -457.3 -757.0 -1014.9
Soil Moisture 0.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 21.0 6.7 3.5 2.2 1.8 0.6 0.0 0.0
Change SM 0.0 90.0 0.0 0.0 -69.0 -14.4 -3.2 -1.3 -0.4 -1.2 -0.5 0.0
AET 309.4 188.2 152.7 150.2 78.9 15.6 3.3 1.3 20.7 3.0 0.5 3.7 927.6
Deficit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 61.8 88.7 55.4 40.4 17.5 103.9 299.2 257.8
Surplus 0.0 181.4 367.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 548.9
Tot.avl.for Runoff 0.0 181.4 458.2 229.1 114.5 57.3 28.6 14.3 7.2 3.6 1.8 0.9
RO (Runoff) 0.0 90.7 229.1 114.5 57.3 28.6 14.3 7.2 3.6 1.8 0.9 0.4 548.5
Detention 0.0 90.7 229.1 114.5 57.3 28.6 14.3 7.2 3.6 1.8 0.9 0.4

Water Holding Capacity of the soil up to root depth = 90 mm.

Table 1 Model Runoff Calculations

5.4 Model Calibration and Validation
If any unknown variable exists in the model, it can be calibrated using the observed/field
data during the calibration process. The vegetation coefficients are the main variable to be
calibrated. Basically the calibration process is a hit and train method. Vegetation coefficients
need to be changed during the calibration process till the desired outputs are achieved. After
calibrating the model, the runoff calculations have to be revised using the calibrated
(revised) coefficients. The schematic diagram of the calibration procedure is shown in the
figure 3. In the present study the model has been calibrated during 2004-05, and 2006-07
since these two are dry and wet years respectively.

Fig. 3 Calibration Procedure

Once the model is calibrated perfectly, it has to be validated with other set of field
observations to check the calibrated parameters. In the present study, model has been
validated with the hydro-meteorological data of 2005-06 and 2007-08. The calibrated model
has been validated with the data of all the remaining 18 years. From these results it can be
inferred that the calibrated results are very well matching with the field observations.
Calibration of the Model is done using the following equation (16).

R Calibrated/computed = (R Model -F GW -F R -F DI )≈R o Eq. 16

R Calibrated/computed = Calibrated/computed runoff

R Model = Model estimated runoff (output from Thornthwaite Mather Model)
F R = Reservoir Flux ( - ve sign for drawdown)
F GW = Ground water Flux (- ve sign for drawdown)
F DI = Domestic and Industrial consumption
R 0 = Observed runoff at gauge sites (CWC’s observed data is taken)

In which, domestic and Industrial consumption is taken as 15% of its demand.

5.5 Water Resources Availability (WRA)

Water resources of the basin comprises of runoff in the river at final outlet, upstream
effective utilisations for irrigation, domestic and Industrial, groundwater flux, and surface
water flux. Thus, it can be expressed as;

WRA = R Calibrated/computed + IS + E +F DI + F GW +F R Eq. 17

Where,
E = evaporation from the reservoirs
IS = Irrigation Support Provided

Annual water resources availability during the 20 years (1988-89 to 2007-08) has been
computed for both the study pilot basins. Mean annual water resources have been further
calculated. Rainfall during the last 35 years has been analysed and the water resources
availability during the extreme minimum and maximum rainfall years has been analysed
further. It is noticed that these extreme events in both the basins are falling in the period
1988-89 to 2007-08.

6.0 Input Topographic Database

To achieve the objectives, various spatial and non-spatial data base have been created in
GIS environment and used in this study. These databases include landuse/landcover, soil
texture, digital elevation model, command area boundary, etc. The salient features of the
geo-spatial databases are discussed below.

6.1 Land use/land cover

The rainfall-runoff relationship is one of the most complex hydrologic phenomena to
comprehend due to the tremendous spatial and temporal variability of watershed
characteristics, precipitation patterns, and the number of variables involved in the physical
processes. Land use land cover is one of the main components that play a key role in

23
hydrological process. Some important components in the hydrological cycle such as,
evapotranspiration, recharge, and soil moisture depend on land use/land cover. Estimation
of these parameters more accurately with space and time is very important in computing
surface runoff of any basin. Satellite remote sensing data can provide valuable information
on land use/land cover, soil moisture, determining watershed geometry, drainage network,
and other map-type information for estimating surface runoff more accurately in spatial
environment using distributed hydrologic modeling approach
National Remote Sensing Centre, has prepared different cycles land use/land cover maps of
complete country using IRS-AWiFS satellite data under NRC project. Landuse/landcover
maps of the basin of the period 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 are used for runoff
calculations in the study. In these landuse maps, agricultural area has been classified as
Kharif only, Rabi only, Zaid only, and Double/triple crops. From the hydrological data
analysis it is found that 2004-05 is a drought year and 2006-07 is a wet year. For runoff
computation prior to 2004-05, landuse map of 2004-05 is used during the year in which the
rainfall is less than 1000mm, and landuse map of 2006-07 is used when the annual rainfall is
more than 1000mm. Landuse maps of 1995 and 1985 were also obtained (source: IGBP
project: ISRO) and analysed. In these landuse grids, agricultural area has been classified as
a single unit and number of classes also less than the recent landuse grids. Hence, these
IGBP landuse maps are not used in the runoff computation. Landuse/landcover maps of the
country prepared under NRSC project of NRSC of 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08
are shown in the figure 4.

24
Fig. 4 Landuse/landcover map of the country derived from IRS P6 AWiFS data

25
6.2 Soil Texture
In the hydrological cycle, infiltration is a major component after the
evapotranspiration. Infiltration at a given time depends upon the soil texture and the existing
soil moisture at that point of time in any given study area. Soil texture in conjunction with the
land use can derive various basin parameters for hydrological modelling. Soil textural
information and soil depth are vital information in estimating soil moisture content and
evapotraspiration components and subsequently for runoff estimation in any basin. Since
the soil water balance is a physical process that takes place mainly vertically, abstractions
can be analysed at a specific locations. Precipitation has strong interaction with the soil
layers, which determine the amount of excess precipitation and subsequent runoff.
NBSS&LUP is the premier organisation in preparing soil maps of the country. Soil map
(250K scale) prepared by NBSS&LUP has been obtained and reclassified into soil textural
classification grid.

6.3 Digital Elevation Model

DEM is one of the main inputs for hydrological modelling studies. Basin boundaries and sub-
basin boundaries mainly depends upon topography of the terrain. Flow direction and flow
accumulation are the main basin parameters that divide the basin into sub-basins. In this
study, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) DEM of 90 m resolution and ASTER
DEM of 30 m resolution are used to delineate the basin and sub-basin boundaries. SRTM
DEM of the country is shown in the figure 5.

26
 Fig. 5 Digital Elevation Model of the Country (source: SRTM DEM)

6.4 Basin & Sub-basin Boundaries

Basin and sub-basin boundaries have been delineated using the topographic maps, SRTM
DEM (90m pixel size), and ASTER DEM of 30 m resolution. Drainage pattern and contour
information were used in delineating the basin boundary and updated the satellite data. As
the study area is very big it is divided into various sub-basins based on the drainage system
and the modelling requirements. Sub-basin boundaries are extracted through automated
process using the programmes available in GIS software. The said DEMs are used as a
main input in extracting the sub-basins. Flow direction, flow accumulation grids were
computed for sub-basin delineation. Keeping in view of the drainage pattern, and CWC’s
sub-basin classification, the Godavari basin has been sub divided into 23 sub-basins,
Brahmini and Baitarani has been delineated into 8 sub-basins.

27
6.5 Command Area Grid
Estimation of actual evapotranspiration (AET) varies from irrigated area to rain-fed areas. It
is assumed that irrigation supplies are provided for all the agricultural areas within the
command boundaries. Kharif crop outside of the command area is considered as rain-fed
crop and rest is assumed as irrigated with full irrigation water requirements are being met.
Command area boundary maps of both the basins have been obtained from IndiaWRIS and
used in the study.

7.0 Input Hydro-meteorological Database

The input hydro-meteorological data sets such as rainfall, temperature, river discharge,
reservoir levels, depth to ground water level, etc., used in the study are described under the
following sub- sections.

7.1 Rainfall Grids

India Meteorological Department (IMD) developed a high resolution 0.50 X 0.50 daily rainfall
gridded data sets for entire India (Rajeevan, 2008). The rainfall records of 6,076 stations
with varying periods are used in generation of the gridded data. The Fig.6 shows the rainfall
on 01 June, 2004. The unit of rainfall was in 'mm'. All the rainfall data obtained from IMD
was in binary 'grd' format and subsequently it has been converted in to ERDAS 'img' format
for further GIS analysis. Monthly rainfall grids of all the years are computed using the daily
rainfall grids. While calculating runoff, rainfall of the hydrological year (June – May) has been
considered.

28
 Fig.6 Rainfall grid of 01 June 2004 (source: IMD)

7.2 Temperature Grids

IMD also developed 10 X 10 daily temperature data sets for entire India. The daily maximum,
minimum and mean temperature values of 395 quality controlled stations were used in
generation of the gridded data (Srivastava, 2008). All the temperature data was in binary
'grd' format and was converted in to ERDAS 'img' format. The Fig.7 shows rainfall grid of 01
June 2004. The daily mean temperature data was converted into monthly mean temperature
and used in runoff calculations.

29
 Fig.7 Temperature grid of 01 June 2004 (Source:IMD)

7.3 Reservoir Flux Data

Monthly reservoir level data were collected from Central Water Commission (CWC) for the
two study basins. CWC monitors 11 major and medium reservoirs in Godavari basin and 2
major and medium reservoirs in Brahmani - Baitarani river basin. These include
SriRamsagar, Lower Manair, Jyakwadi, Isapur, Mula, Yeldari, Pench, Balimela, Machkund,
Upper Kolab and Upper Indravati, In Brahmani - Baitarani basin, 2 major reservoirs namely
Rengali and Salandi data were used in the study. The reservoir level and corresponding
volume data for the water year (June to May) was used in estimating the carryover of
reservoir storage from one year to another year during the study period of 20 years.
Reservoir flux is computed by subtracting the reservoir volume in May of succeeding year
from current year as mentioned below.
Reservoir flux = Reservoir volume in Jun of current year - Reservoir volume in May of
succeeding year

30
7.4 Groundwater Flux Data
Ground water recharge can be estimated using two methods, one using temporal ground
water level fluctuation and specific yield and second is rainfall infiltration method (GEC
report, 2009). Present study used first method estimating ground water draft at the
catchment level.
Ground water level data were collected from Central Ground Water Board (CGWB ) for the 2
basins. In Godavari and Brahmani - Baitarani basins, data of about 1,000 and 400
observational wells were used respectively . Ground water levels are expressed in 'meter
below ground level' (MGBL). Annual ground water flux (recharge or withdrawal) for each
observation site was arrived through arithmetical difference between April / May months
observations (MGBL) of two succeeding years. The annual ground water flux data point
observations were converted spatial maps of water-year-wise annual ground water flux using
GIS techniques and spatial interpolation (Nearest neighbourhood) techniques. Specific yield
map of the Godavari was obtained from Central Groundwater Board and used in
groundwater volume computations after converting into GIS format. There are no available
records of specific yield map of Brahmani - Baitarani river basins and hence a uniform 3%
specific yield was assumed for the entire basin.
Change in annual ground water storage = h X S y X A (in m3 )
h = rise or fall in ground water level from one year to succeeding year (m)
S y = specific yield;
A = basin area (m2)
Using the above formula sub-basin wise annual ground water recharge/withdrawal was
estimated and used in the subsequent analysis. Broad methodology showing the
groundwater flux estimation is shown in the figure 8. Groundwater well locations in the
Godavari, Brahmani - Baitarani Basins are shown in the figures 9 and 10 respectively.

31
Fig.8 Flowchart of Methodology for estimation of Ground water flux

Fig.9 Well Locations in the Godavari Basin (Source: CGWB)

32
 Fig.10 Well Locations in the Brahmani - Baitarani Basin (Source: CGWB)

7.5 Domestic and Industrial Water Use

Census data of 2001 was used for estimating domestic and industrial water use. Survey of
India village administrative boundary map along with population attribute data was integrated
with basin/sub-basin of the two river basins. The spatial village administrative boundary map
was converted into point format and population of all the village locations falling within each
of sub-basin were aggregated to arrive at sub-basin wise population as on 2001.
Census-India (www.Censusindia.gov.in) provided state-wise population projections for the
year 2002 to 2008 taking 2001 as base year. The sub-basin wise population for the years
2002 to 2008 were estimated using the corresponding state growth rates, considering
census of 2001 as base year. Similarly, 1981 & 1991 census data were used to arrive at
sub-basin wise population statistics for the years 1988 to 2000.

33
For domestic requirement, it was assumed as 70 litres per capita per day (lpcd) for rural
population and 140 lpcd in case of urban population. The data on industries established
year-wise during the study period was not available. Hence, 50% of domestic demand was
assumed as industrial demand for each year respectively. The livestock demand for water
was also considered in estimating the total water requirements for this sector.

7.6 River Discharge Data

Daily/Monthly observed river discharge data was collected from Central Water Commission
(CWC ) for the two basins.
In Brahmani - Baitarani basin, 7 discharge sites data were used in the study viz. Tilga,
Jaraikela, Panposh, Gomlai, Jenapur, Anandpur and Champua. Discharge data was
available at all the sites for the study period of 20 years except for Panposh and Champua,
where in the data was available only from 1990 to 1996 The daily/monthly discharge data
were aggregated to annual scale and were used for calibration and validation of model
computed runoff at sub-basin level.
Discharge data of nearly 55 gauge sites in the Godavari Basin was collected from CWC.
Considering the drainage pattern, spatial distribution of these sites, 5 stations data was
chosen for model calibration and validation.

34
8.0 WATER RESOURCES ASSESSMENT IN THE GODAVARI BASIN

8.1 Geographic and Hydrologic Setting of the Godavari Basin

Godavari Basin extends over an area of 312,800 km2, which is nearly 9.5% of the total
geographical area of the country. The basin lies in the states of Maharashtra (48.5 %),
Andhra Pradesh (23.3 %), Chattisgarh (12.5 %), Madhya Pradesh (8.6 %), Orissa( 5.7 %),
and Karnataka (1.4 %). The Godavari, which is a perennial and the Second largest river
draining in India. Godavari River originates near Trayambak near Nasik, northeast of
Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra at an elevation of 1067 m and flows for a length of
about 1465 km (910 miles) before joining the Bay of Bengal. It flows through the Eastern
Ghats and emerges out at Polavaram into the plains. At Dhawaleswaram the river divides
into two branches, the Gautami and Vasishta. Between the two lies the Godavari Central
Delta. Pranahita, Manjeera, Sabari, and Indravati are the main tributaries of the Godavari
River. The Godavari basin receives major part of its rainfall during the Southwest monsoon
period. The other rainy seasons are not so well defined and well spread as the South-West
monsoon season. Floods are the regular phenomenon in the basin. Badrachalam,
Kunavaram, and Deltaic portion of the river are more flood-prone. The geographical setting
of the basin is shown in the figure 11.
Rainfall : As discussed earlier, daily rainfall data of the last 35 years collected from IMD has
been converted into GIS format. Monthly and annual rainfall in the basin has been analysed.
From this data, it is found that rainfall varies temporally and spatially across the basin. More
than 85% of the rainfall takes place during July to September months. Annual rainfall of the
basin varies from 881 mm to 1395mm and average annual rainfall of these 35 years is found
to be 1110 mm. When spatial variations are considered, some areas receive 600mm and
some other areas receive 3000mm annual rainfall. Central part of the basin receives less
rainfall, Indravari, Pranahita, and Sabari receives more rainfall that causes floods in the
basin. Many times basin receives high rainfall in less duration causing floods in those years.
Annual variations in the rainfall during last 35 years is shown in the figure 12.
During the last 35 years (1973-74 to 2007-08) maximum rainfall was recorded as 1393 mm
in 1994-95 and minimum as 881 mm in 2002-03. Hence these two are considered as
meteorologically wet and dry periods respectively during these 35 years span.

Temperature: Temperature varies from 20oC to 35oC in a year which causes lot of monthly
variations in the potential evapotranspiration in the basin. Minimum potential
evapotranspiration in the basin is 30 to 100 mm during Jan/Feb and maximum goes up to
400mm to 450mm during Apr/May months.

35
 Fig. 11 Geographical Setting of the Basin

Fig. 12 Annual Vatiations in the Rainfall of the Godavari Basin

36
As mentioned earlier, daily rainfall and temperature grids of the mentioned 20 years obtained
from IMD have been converted into GIS format. Rainfall and temperature spatial variations
during July 2004 are shown in the figures 13 and 14 as an example.

Rainfall (mm)
70

680

Fig. 13 Accumulated Rainfall of July 2004 (Raw Data Source:IMD)

Temperature oC
29.6

27.5

Fig. 14 Mean Temperature of July 2004 (Raw Data Source: IMD)

37
8.1.1 Landuse/landcover Pattern
As mentioned earlier, landuse/landcover maps of the basin for the period 2004-05, 2005-06,
2006-07, 2007-08 are used for runoff calculations in the study. For runoff computation prior
to 2004-05, landuse map of 2004-05 is used during the year in which rainfall is less than
1000mm, and landuse map of 2006-07 is used when the annual rainfall is more than
1000mm. Landuse maps of 1995 and 1985 were also obtained (source: IGBP project: ISRO)
and analysed. In these landuse grids, agricultural area has been classified as a single unit
and number of classes also less than the recent landuse grids. When 1995 landuse map is
compared with the 2004-05 landuse map, it is noticed that approximately 1.4 % and 3.3%
change is noticed in the agricultural land and forest land respectively. Land use land cover
derived from IRS P6 – AWiFS data of the year 2004-05 is shown in the figure 15.

Fig.15 Landuse/landcover of Godavari Basin derived from IRS P6-AWiFS (2004-05)

(Courtesy: NRC Project, NRSC)

From the landuse/landcover map it is found that nearly 16 landuse classes exist in the study
area. Agriculture land is the predominant landuse in the Godavari Basin accounting for more
than 50% (including current fallow) of the basin area. This extent varies slightly from year to

38
year. Next dominating class in the study area is forest land. These two landuse patterns
contribute maximum evapotranspiration in the basin. Paddy, cotton, pulses are the main
crops in the basin. Distribution of landuse/landcover pattern in the Godavari Basin during
2004-05 is given in the figure 16.

Fig. 16 Distribution of landuse/landcover pattern in the Godavari Basin (2004-05)

8.1.2 Soil Textural Classes

Clayey, loamy, loamy skeletal, clayey skeletal, sandy, rocky outcrop are the main soil
textural classes in the study basin. Predominant soil textures in the study area are clayey
and loamy that accounts for low infiltration rate and more runoff in the basin. Soil textural
classes in the study area are shown in the figure 17.

8.1.3 Topography
From the DEM it is noticed that the elevation ranges from 1665 m to 0 m (near coast). Basin
is very rugged in the North-eastern part and flat towards downstream side. Slopes in the
floodplains are very flat (0 to 3 %) that is causing inundation in the floodplains. Digital
elevation model (SRTM DEM) of the Godavari Basin is shown in the figure 18.

39
Fig. 17 Soil Textural Classes in the Godavari Basin (Source: NBSS&LUP)

Fig. 18 Digital Elevation Model of the Godavari Basin (SRTM DEM)

40
8.1.4 Basin and Sub-basin delineation

The most common method used for watershed delineation is called the D8 or eight direction
pour point model. Using this model, the flow direction for each cell is assigned based on the
direction of the steepest slope from among the eight possible directions to the adjacent cells.
Based on the flow direction, flow is accumulated towards the outlet of the watershed. In this
process, one of the most sensitive parameters is the threshold area used to define the
beginning of a stream channel. Choosing a small threshold area will result in high drainage
density with more number of sub-basins and stream channels whereas choosing a large
threshold area will result in delineation with less drainage density with only few sub-basins.
Most often the threshold area chosen for delineation is very subjective and depends on the
level of detail needed.

SRTM DEM of 90 m resolution is used to delineate the watershed and sub-watershed

boundaries of the Godavari Basin. Flow direction and flow accumulation grids are computed
using the DEM subsequently basin and sub-basin boundaries are delineated. Complete
basin has been divided into 23 sub-basins based on the drainage pattern. While delineating
the sub-basins CWC’s sub-basins are retained. These delineated boundaries are corrected
with the satellite data. The Godavari Basin boundary has been ratified by the Krishna
Godavari Basin Organisation (KGBO), CWC, Hyderabad after having thorough discussions.
Sub-basins of the Godavari is shown in the figure 19.

8.1.5 Groundwater of the Basin

Groundwater plays a major role in the water resources assessment. Large extent of the
agricultural area depends on well irrigation also. Groundwater being exploited to meet the
domestic and industrial needs as well in the urban areas of the basin. Annual groundwater
flux in the basin varies from + 10m to -10m. Some pockets these fluctuations are more.
Annual groundwater table data of 1990-91 to 2007-08 (only 18 years data is available) have
been obtained from Central Groundwater Board and analysed. Wells having abnormal
fluctuations compared to the surrounding wells are ignored. In total nearly 1000 wells have
been identified and mapped in GIS environment and shown in the figure 9. It is found that
wells data is not dense in Chattisgharh area (Sabari & Indravari Sub-basins). Annual
groundwater flux grids during the mentioned period has been computed using the Inverse
Distance Weight interpolation method. These interpolated grids are validated randomly.
Annual groundwater flux grid of 2004-05 is shown in the figure 20.

41
 Fig. 19 Sub-basins of the Godavari Basin

Fig. 20 Groundwater in the Godavari Basin Flux During 2004-05

42
 Fig.21 Specific Yield of the Godavari Basin (Source: CGWB)

Specific yield data is obtained from the CGWB, New Delhi and the spatial specific yield grid
map is prepared in GIS domine as shown in the figure 21. Groundwater flux grids and
specific yield grids are integrated to compute the change in groundwater volume in spatial
environment for all the said years. Groundwater volume flux in each year have been
extracted for all sub-basins and integrated with the runoff computed to estimate annual water
resources in the basin during the mentioned period. The mean annual groundwater flux from
1990-91 to 2007-08 is estimated at 0.67 BCM (drawdown).

8.1.6 Reservoir Flux

Reservoirs are the main artificial depressions on the terrain used to store the water during
excess period and to use during the lean period for irrigation, domestic and industrial use.
Reservoir plays major role in water resources planning and management of any basin.
Reservoir flux data from 11 major and medium reservoirs have been obtained from CWC
and converted into GIS format. Annual flux during all the 20 years is calculated and used in
the assessment of water resources of Godavari Basin. Reservoirs in individual sub-basins
are aggregated to compute water resources in that concerned basin. From the data, it is

43
noticed that in many reservoirs annual balance is maintained more or less (less annual flux).
Reservoir locations in the basin are shown in the figure22. The mean annual reservoir flux of
all the 11 major and medium reservoirs from 1990-91 to 2007-08 is estimated at 0.011 BCM
(drawdown). As the groundwater data is available for the period of 1990-91 to 2007-08,
mean of all variables are computed considering these years data only.

Fig. 22 Major and Medium Reservoirs in the Basin (Source: CWC)

8.1.7 Command Area

As mentioned earlier, water resources assessment in the irrigated agriculture has been
computed separately. Kharif crop outside of the command boundary is only considered as
rain-fed agriculture and the rest is irrigated agriculture (both canal and well irrigated).
Command area boundaries of major and medium irrigation projects has been obtained
from CWC and used in further analysis. Aerial extent of the command area is found to be
approximately 69,000 sq.km. Agricultural area within this command area is roughly 45,000
sq.km. AET from irrigated agriculture and rain-fed agriculture are computed separately.
Command area map of the basin is shown in the figure23.

44
 Fig. 23 Command Area Boundary of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects

8.1.8 Domestic and Industrial Consumption

Consumptive use for drinking and industrial needs are varying with population and
development. Consumptive use for domestic needs has been estimated by assuming the
rate of demand as 140 lpcd and 70 lpcd in urban and rural areas respectively. Census data
of 2001 and 1991 is used in the study for estimating the domestic demands. Industrial
demands are assumed as 50 % to the total domestic demand. Effective consumptive use is
assumed as 15% of the demand. The mean annual domestic and industrial consumption
flux is estimated at 0.33 BCM in the basin.

8.2 Previous Water Resources Assessments in the Godavari Basin (CWC, 1999).

Water potential of Godavari River system has been assessed at different times by different
authorities. The very first estimation was made by the First Irrigation Commission based on
the past records of flow in the River. The commission estimated annual surface flow in the
basin as 116.76 BCM. In 1949, annual runoff of the Godavari Basin was estimated using
the Khosla’s formula as 125.519 BCM.

45
In 1960 irrigation potential studies of the country were compiled by the Central Water and
Power Commission. Runoff of the Godavari River system was assessed at 115.33 BCM.
In 1962 Krishna-Godavari Commission setup by the Government of India gave a figure of
117.99 BCM as the total yield from the catchment.
Water resources assessment of the Godavari Basin was carried out by CWC in 1993
using the observed flow at Polavaram of 1967-68 to 1984-85. Extending the flow records
by rainfall-runoff regression analysis was not considered in this case (CWC, 1999). The
assumptions in this study are;

1. Abstractions for irrigation have been obtained from the records maintained by
irrigation project authorities. Whereever such data was not available, the
abstractions have been estimated from the area irrigated by adopting suitable
Deltas.
2. Withdrawals for domestic and industrial requirements have been estimated
assuming per capita consumption as 100 lt/day and 1981 population census data.
3. For estimating groundwater draft in the Godavari Basin, national average
groundwater draft figures were used.
4. Evaporation from the major reservoirs only used while computing the water
resources of the basin. For the remaining reservoirs the loss has been assumed as
20% of the annual utilisation.
5. Return flows from the irrigation use was assumed as 10% and from the
groundwater was neglected. Return flows from the domestic use was assumed to
be 80% of the consumption.
6. Change in annual reservoir storage is assumed as zero.

The estimation of year-wise water availability is indicated in the table 2 the average
flow in the Godavari Basin works out to be 110.54 BCM.

46
 Observed
flow at Return Evap. Natural
Year Polavaram, withdrawals flows loss flow
Ro Rir Rd Rgw Rri Rrd E Rn
1967 - 68 95652 7957 2006 3546 796 1605 1827 108587
1968 - 69 68347 8098 2006 3704 810 1605 1810 81550
1969 - 70 95463 7706 2006 3870 771 1605 1841 108510
1970 - 71 103920 9076 2006 4028 908 1605 2245 118762
1971 - 72 56307 9037 2484 4187 904 1987 2103 71227
1972 - 73 48567 9338 2484 4346 934 1987 2082 63896
1973 - 74 110898 12467 2484 4511 1247 1987 2910 130036
1974 - 75 41776 14028 2484 4670 1403 1987 2937 62505
1975 - 76 130726 13539 2484 4829 1354 1987 3034 151271
1976 - 77 112566 15128 2484 4988 1513 1987 3229 134895
1977 -78 87160 14928 2484 5153 1493 1987 3154 109399
1978 - 79 120648 16127 2484 5312 1613 1987 352 144494
1979 - 80 66342 14393 2484 5471 1439 1987 299 88261
1980 - 81 102514 15703 2484 5630 1570 1987 326 126041
1981 - 82 103879 13715 3134 5795 1372 2507 281 125457
1982 - 83 56955 14357 3134 5948 1436 2507 290 79352
1993 - 84 152266 13921 3134 6113 1392 2507 303 174566
1984 - 85 55161 15560 3134 6113 1556 2507 306 78971

Table 2. Estimation of Water Resources Potential in the Godavari Basin (CWC:1993)

Average annual flow at Polavaram = 108. 766 BCM

Average annual flow of the complete basin = 108766*(312800/307800) = 110.54 BCM

8.3 Landuse Coefficients

As discussed in the section 5.1, landuse coefficients are used to correct the PET computed
from the Thornthwaite Method. Cropping pattern and its statistics of major command areas
have been obtained. Predominant crops in each sub-basin during each cropping season
(Kharif, Rabi, Zaid) are identified from the statistics. Monthly crop coefficients for all sub-
basins are arrived at using FAO and ICAR crop coefficients information. Crop coefficients for
other landuse patterns such as forest area, scrub land etc, in the Godavari basin are taken
from various literatures cited. Coefficients for these landuse classes are assumed as
uniform during all the months. These coefficients are different within command area and
outside command area wherever different crop type exists during the same crop season.

47
Landuse factors are kept as variable parameter in the runoff calculations. These coefficients
are calibrated with the observed runoff at 5 stations in the basin during two years.
Subsequent to calibration, landuse coefficients are validated with another set of two years
data at the same 5 stations. All the landuse coefficients are tuned till the computed runoff
matched with the observed runoff. In the Godavari Basin land use coefficients are freezed
after 4 trails/iterations. Final coefficients are shown in the table 3.

Crop
and Use coeff.
D/T,K
Agriculture ,R,Z
Scrubland/Scrub/Deg. forest 0.65
Plantation/orchard 0.85
Other wasteland 0.55
Littoral swamp 1
Grassland 0.7
Evergreen forest /Deciduous forest 0.9
Current fallow /Gullied/Build Up 0.5
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Subwat No. 12,14,15,17,18,20,21,22,23
D/T crop (within command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.75 1.05 0.70
D/T (outside command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.71 0.62 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Kharif only (within command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Kharif only (outside command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Rabi only (within command) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Rabi only (outside command) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.71 0.62 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Zaid (all places) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.75 1.05 0.70
Subwat No. 3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,13,16,19
D/T crop (within command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.75 1.05 0.70
D/T (outside command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.75 1.05 0.70 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Kharif only (within command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Kharif only (outside command) 0.50 0.71 0.62 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Rabi only (within command) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.71 0.62 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Rabi only (outside command) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.71 0.62 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Zaid (all places) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.75 1.05 0.70
Subwat No. 1,2,5
D/T crop (within command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 1.36 1.24 0.50 0.50 0.75 1.05 0.70
D/T (outside command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.80 1.10 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Kharif only (within command) 1.05 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Kharif only (outside command) 0.50 0.80 1.10 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Rabi only (within command) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.71 0.62 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Rabi only (outside command) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.80 1.10 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Zaid (all places) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.75 1.05 0.70

Table 3 Landuse coefficients of Godavari Basin

48
8.4 Runoff Estimation
Landuse, soil texture, command area grids were overlaid and hydrological response unit
(HRU) grid has been prepared. More than 160 HRU combinations are observed in the HRU
grid. Runoff has been computed for each HRU unit by using the corresponding sub-
watershed meteorological data in which the HRU falls. In total more than 2000 such
combinations were found in 23 sub-basins.
Runoff has been estimated for all the 20 years (1988-89 to 2007-08) using the Thornthwaite
and Mather Model as discussed in the section 5.1. Rainfall and temperature grids of the
corresponding years were used while computing the runoff. Landuse coefficients given in the
table 3 are used for final runoff computation. Runoff in each sub-basin during all the years
has been aggregated separately. Computed runoff and observed runoff has been validated
and calibrated at 5 prominent CWC gauge stations namely; Polavaram, Asthi, Bamini,
Patagudem, and Tekra. Runoff has been further aggregated at these sites during all the
years. Polavaram is the final gauge station in the Godavari Basin that represents the
hydrology of the complete Basin. Cachment area at Polavaram is approximately 3,07,800
Sq.Km. out of the total basin area of 3,12,800 Sq.Km. it is found that at Polavaram computed
runoff is very well matching with the observed runoff.
After computing runoff in each HRU a spatial runoff maps have been prepared. Map showing
the spatial variations in runoff during 2006-07 is given in the figure 24

Maximum computed runoff is found to be 188.51 BCM during 1990-91 and minimum is found
to be 44.71 BCM in 2004-05. Mean runoff of the complete basin is found to be 95.45 BCM
against the observed runoff of 90.13 BCM. Average ratio of runoff to rainfall at Polavaram is
found to be 0.274 (during normal rainfall year) hence this can be treated as runoff coefficient
of the basin. This coefficient is approximately 0.2 during low rainfall year and nearly 0.3
during high rainfall year. It is also noticed that runoff percentage with rainfall depends upon
rainfall distribution in that year. As per rainfall, highest rainfall was noticed in 1994-95 but
the highest runoff was found in 1990-91. Similarly, minimum rainfall was noticed in 2002-03
where as minimum runoff was noticed in 2004-05, this may be due to variation in monthly
distribution of rainfall during these years. As the groundwater data is available for the period
of 1990-91 to 2007-08, mean of all variables are computed considering these years data
only.
Observed and computed runoff during the study years at Polavaram gauge site is shown in
the figure 25. Table 4 shows the variation of runoff during the study period and comparison
with the observed runoff.

49
 Fig. 24 Spatial Variations of Runoff in the Godavari Basin in 2006-07

Fig. 25 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Polavaram (1990-91 to 2007-08)

50
 Polavaram (Catchment Area = 3,07,800 Sq.Km.)
Observed Calibrated Rainfall
Runoff (Q) at Runoff(Q) at upto
Polavaram, Polavaram, Polavaram, % of 100*(Obs.-
BCM BCM BCM Obs.Q/Rainfall Cali.)/Obs
1988-89 Not Available 122.16*** 396.18
1989-90 95.11 117.18*** 390.38 24.36 -22.90
1990-91 183.76 185.50 425.52 43.18 -0.95
1991-92 71.72 78.20 278.42 25.76 -9.03
1992-93 85.88 74.50 332.24 25.85 13.25
1993-94 58.48 72.96 320.41 18.25 -24.76
1994-95 148.05 154.14 428.91 34.52 -4.12
1995-96 85.88 75.65 323.76 26.53 11.92
1996-97 58.79 75.95 315.62 18.63 -29.20
1997-98 47.4 55.45 326.95 14.50 -16.99
1998-99 74.49 85.40 367.05 20.29 -14.65
1999-00 94.37 103.07 351.92 26.82 -9.22
2000-01 75.72 88.39 293.52 25.80 -16.73
2001-02 80.95 83.87 329.05 24.60 -3.61
2002-03 51.4 52.47 271.1 18.96 -2.07
2003-04 88.95 84.73 344.65 25.81 4.75
2004-05 50.48 43.99 286.38 17.63 12.85
2005-06 106.5 125.32 419.32 25.40 -17.67
2006-07 133.28 134.66 371.98 35.83 -1.03
2007-08 93.88 116.31 383.31 24.49 -23.89
Average** 88.33 93.92 342.78 25.16 -5.90
Complete Basin Runoff
90.13* 95.45 348.35

*Observed runoff of complete basin = Runoff at Polavaram * 312800/307800

** Average of 1990-91 to 2007-08 (as groundwater data of 88-89 and 89-90 is not available)
*** Calibrated runoff without groundwater flux

Table 4 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Polavaram

51
Mean computed runoff at Asthi gauge station is found to be very well matching with the
observed runoff. Runoff and rainfall ratio is found to be 0.35, this is more than basin mean
runoff coefficient it may be due to high rainfall zone.
Computed/calibrated runoff is very well matching with the observed runoff at Bamini and
Tekra Also. Runoff and rainfall ratio at these two sites are 0.25 and 0.31 respectively.
Compared to other stations, error at Patagudem (Indravati River) is high. Match between
observed and computed runoff is found to be 81% at Patagudem. Rainfall runoff ratio at
Pathagudem is found to be 0.37, in general this is on higherside. Rainfall of this sub-basin
needs re-examination. Since its catchment area (40,000 Sq.Km) is less compared to the
total basin area its contribution in the total error is minimum.
Observed and computed runoff during the 20 years at Asthi, Bamini, Tekra, and Patagudem
are shown in the figures, 26, 27, 28, and 29 respectively. Tables 5, 6, 7, and 8 shows the
variation of runoff during all the 20 years and comparison with rainfall at these stations
respectively.
In the following tables, average values are computed using the data/results of 1990-91 to
2007-08 only as the groundwater data is not available for 1988-89 and 1989-90.

52
 Fig. 26 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Asthi

Asthi (Catchment Area = 50,990 Sq.Km.)

Observed Calibrated
Runoff (Q) Runoff(Q) Rainfall % of 100*(Obs.-
BCM BCM BCM Obs.Q/Rainfall Cali.)/Obs
1988-89 17.3 62.7
1989-90 9.3 11.9 54.2 17.1 -27.8
1990-91 29.4 32.8 71.7 41.0 -11.5
1991-92 16.1 13.8 46.9 34.3 14.3
1992-93 22.8 19.9 57.6 39.7 13.1
1993-94 20.0 22.2 64.6 31.0 -11.2
1994-95 60.4 55.0 98.7 61.2 8.9
1995-96 19.1 13.5 56.6 33.7 29.0
1996-97 8.8 8.4 46.6 18.8 4.0
1997-98 18.7 27.9 76.5 24.4 -49.7
1998-99 18.5 18.6 63.4 29.1 -0.5
1999-00 30.1 33.7 73.1 41.2 -11.7
2000-01 16.9 15.9 49.5 34.1 6.0
2001-02 19.3 22.4 61.8 31.3 -16.1
2002-03 15.2 17.2 58.5 26.1 -12.7
2003-04 21.3 30.6 71.0 30.0 -43.8
2004-05 8.0 8.7 50.0 15.9 -9.4
2005-06 29.5 25.7 73.8 39.9 12.8
2006-07 23.9 20.6 56.2 42.4 13.6
2007-08 23.7 16.8 58.7 40.4 29.0
Average 22.3 22.4 63.1 34.14 -0.5
Table 5 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Asthi

53
 Fig. 27 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Bamini

Bamini (Catchment Area = 46,020 Sq.Km.)

Observed Calibrated
Runoff (Q) Runoff(Q) Rainfall % of 100*(Obs.-
BCM BCM BCM Obs.Q/Rainfall Cali.)/Obs
1988-89 15.4 54.5
1989-90 10.2 10.8 45.3 22.5 -6.3
1990-91 24.9 25.4 56.8 43.8 -2.1
1991-92 6.1 7.2 30.9 19.8 -16.9
1992-93 14.0 8.1 44.3 31.7 42.1
1993-94 5.7 6.2 40.5 14.1 -9.1
1994-95 23.1 19.5 56.4 41.1 15.7
1995-96 12.8 6.0 39.5 32.4 52.7
1996-97 5.2 8.3 37.6 13.7 -61.4
1997-98 3.3 4.9 44.1 7.4 -51.2
1998-99 8.7 8.5 48.4 17.9 2.1
1999-00 13.0 13.9 49.9 26.0 -7.0
2000-01 9.9 8.0 32.7 30.2 18.8
2001-02 9.9 9.2 42.0 23.7 7.2
2002-03 13.0 12.2 42.9 30.4 6.2
2003-04 8.9 7.4 41.6 21.5 16.6
2004-05 1.3 1.9 33.9 3.8 -45.5
2005-06 12.4 12.8 53.0 23.4 -3.0
2006-07 16.2 20.8 52.2 30.9 -28.7
2007-08 11.5 16.6 49.6 23.1 -44.4
Average 11.1 10.9 44.2 24.1 1.4

Table 6 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Bamini

54
 Fig. 28 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Tekra

Tekra (Catchment Area = 1,08,780 Sq.Km.)

Observed Calibrated
Runoff (Q) Runoff(Q) Rainfall % of 100*(Obs.-
BCM BCM BCM Obs.Q/Rainfall Cali.)/Obs
1988-89 39.4 134.9 0.0
1989-90 27.6 27.3 114.8 24.1 1.2
1990-91 62.8 69.0 149.1 42.1 -9.9
1991-92 20.2 23.9 88.4 22.9 -18.2
1992-93 38.5 32.5 117.3 32.8 15.5
1993-94 22.8 31.4 117.8 19.4 -37.6
1994-95 78.9 81.2 173.3 45.5 -3.0
1995-96 31.4 23.9 110.4 28.5 24.0
1996-97 15.1 19.0 95.8 15.8 -25.9
1997-98 22.7 34.4 133.2 17.1 -51.2
1998-99 32.1 32.0 128.5 25.0 0.4
1999-00 42.3 49.4 135.0 31.3 -16.8
2000-01 31.9 28.9 94.9 33.6 9.2
2001-02 26.9 35.9 117.5 22.9 -33.6
2002-03 25.2 31.7 112.0 22.5 -25.8
2003-04 31.4 42.3 127.3 24.7 -34.5
2004-05 12.3 12.0 94.6 13.0 2.1
2005-06 39.1 43.1 141.6 27.6 -10.4
2006-07 46.8 44.9 120.5 38.8 4.0
2007-08 38.0 38.4 123.6 30.7 -1.2
Average 34.4 37.5 121.2 27.45 -9.0
Table 7 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Tekra

55
 Fig. 29 Observed and Calibrated Runoff at Patagudem

Patagudem (Catchment Area = 40,000 Sq.Km.)

Observed Calibrated
Runoff (Q) Runoff(Q) Rainfall % of 100*(Obs.-
BCM BCM BCM Obs.Q/Rainfall Cali.)/Obs
1988-89 14.6 52.1 0.0
1989-90 20.0 17.9 56.2 35.6 10.6
1990-91 48.0 42.5 76.5 62.7 11.6
1991-92 18.8 20.3 53.0 35.4 -8.1
1992-93 24.4 29.4 64.1 38.1 -20.6
1993-94 15.4 14.6 50.0 30.7 5.3
1994-95 41.5 38.5 77.3 53.7 7.3
1995-96 21.4 17.9 53.1 40.2 16.2
1996-97 16.9 10.6 45.9 36.7 37.1
1997-98 15.1 11.8 47.4 31.9 21.9
1998-99 16.6 6.8 43.7 38.1 59.4
1999-00 26.8 18.3 51.9 51.6 31.4
2000-01 18.3 12.7 45.3 40.3 30.3
2001-02 34.6 28.7 62.2 55.7 17.2
2002-03 11.2 4.2 33.8 33.1 62.6
2003-04 31.5 23.2 58.9 53.5 26.2
2004-05 19.3 11.3 50.1 38.4 41.3
2005-06 21.7 17.0 57.8 37.6 21.9
2006-07 37.1 22.9 53.1 69.8 38.3
2007-08 25.0 27.6 66.6 37.5 -10.5
Average 24.6 19.9 53.0 43.6 19.2
Table 8 Variations in Runoff and Rainfall at Patagudem

56
Mean of the computed and observed runoff of the mentioned five gauge stations are shown
in the figure 30.

Fig. 30 Observed and Calibrated Runoff (Mean) at Various Gauge Stations

8.5 Water Resources Assessment of the Basin

Water resources availability (WRA) in a basin comprises the model runoff, irrigation support
(excess water in addition to rainfall), and evaporation from reservoirs.

Water Resources Availability = Calibrated Runoff + Irrigation Support + Evaporation from

Reservoirs + D&I Consumption + GW Flux + Reservoir Flux
= 95.45 + 16.45 + 1.52+ 0.33 + (-0.67) + 0.011 (BCM)
= 113.09 BCM (mean of 1990-91 to 2007-08)

Water resources availability during the study period has been computed and presented in
the table 9. Mean water resources of the basin during the these years (1990-91 to 2007-08)
is found to be 113.09 BCM. In this, evaporation from only 11 reservoirs (data provided by
CWC) is only considered.

57
Annual water resources availability and the mean are shown in the table 9. Distribution of
rainfall into various hydrological components such as AET, runoff, etc is also shown in the
table 9. Mean water resources availability and its components are shown in the figure 31.

Fig. 31 Water Resources Availability in the Godavari Basin (1990-91 to 2007-08)

58
 AET Irrigated Change in Change in Consumptive Evaporation from
Calibrated (including Irrigation Groundwater Reservoir Domestic and 11 reservoirs
Year Rainfall Runoff irrigation support) Support Storage Storage Industrial Uses (Major & Medium) WRA
88--89 402.61 124.15* 65.4 16.96 Not Available 2.23 0.27 1.52 145.13**
89--90 396.72 119.09* 66.64 14.65 Not Available 0.43 0.27 1.38 135.82**
90--91 432.43 188.52 58.71 12.09 -2.18 0.42 0.28 1.48 200.60
91--92 282.94 79.47 46.59 15.47 -8.43 -3.78 0.28 1.48 84.49
92--93 337.63 75.72 69.45 23.52 -0.58 1.11 0.29 1.59 101.65
93--94 325.62 74.15 50.39 12.53 0.80 0.33 0.3 1.58 89.69
94--95 435.88 156.65 61.22 13.43 4.71 2.25 0.3 1.36 178.70
95--96 329.02 76.87 53.5 16.99 -3.06 -0.59 0.31 1.63 92.15
96--97 320.75 77.19 50.12 13.89 0.21 0.74 0.31 1.44 93.78
97--98 332.27 56.35 70.55 19.75 -1.73 -0.66 0.32 1.65 75.68
98--99 373.01 86.79 69.73 14.24 -1.73 2.35 0.33 1.57 103.54
99--00 357.64 104.74 62.89 14.24 0.29 -0.68 0.33 1.43 120.35
00--01 298.28 89.82 46.91 15.26 -3.89 -1.66 0.34 1.52 101.39
01--02 334.40 85.23 63 18.2 -1.73 -0.11 0.34 1.58 103.51
02--03 275.50 53.32 50.47 19.87 -2.71 0.15 0.35 1.66 72.63
03--04 350.25 86.11 67.23 21.47 4.82 0.13 0.35 1.54 114.41
04--05 291.04 44.71 48.81 14.09 -3.90 0.12 0.36 1.5 56.87
05--06 426.13 127.35 66.88 14.8 8.07 0.93 0.37 1.36 152.88
06--07 378.00 136.85 66.3 21.42 -0.73 0.44 0.37 1.49 159.84
07--08 389.56 118.19 70.39 14.88 -0.22 -1.28 0.38 1.43 133.39
Average *** 348.35 95.45 59.62 16.45 -0.67 0.01 0.33 1.52 113.09
* Runoff without groundwater flux taken into consideration ** WRA without groundwater flux taken into consideration
*** Average of 1990-91 to 2007-08
Note: All units are in BCM; Groundwater and reservoir storage +ve indicates recharge
Table 9 Water Resources Assessment of the Godavari Basin
As mentioned earlier, mean water resources of the basin assessed by CWC in 1993 based
on the data from 1967-68 to 1984-85, is 110.54 BCM.
Since the IMD rainfall data is available since 1973-74, rainfall of the basin has been
extracted for all the years. It is found that nearly 8 BCM of rainfall has been increased from
the period 1973-85 to 1988-2008, this may be one of the reason for increase in the WRA of
the basin during 1988-89 to 2007-08.

8.5.1 Water Resources Availability During Extreme Rainfall Conditions

Rainfall data from 1973 to 2008 (35 years data) has been analysed, it is found that 1994-95
and 2002-03 was maximum and minimum rainfall years respectively during this period.
Hence, WRA during these two years has been analysed separately. It is found that WRA
during maximum dry period is 72.63 BCM and during maximum wet period is 178.70 BCM.
Variations in rainfall, runoff during maximum and minimum rainfall periods is shown in the
table 10.

Condition Year of Occurrence Rainfall Water Resources Availability

(BCM) (BCM)
Minimum Rainfall 2002-03 275.50 72.63
Maximum Rainfall 1994-95 435.88 178.70
Mean Condition Mean of 1990-91 to 348.35 113.09
2007-08

Table 10 Water Resources Availability During Extreme Rainfall Conditions in the

Godavari Basin

Water resources availability and its distribution during extreme dry (minimum rainfall) and
wet (maximum rainfall) conditions are shown in the figures 32 and 33 respectively.
 Fig. 32 Water Resources Availability During Minimum Rainfall Year (Extreme Dry Year)

Fig. 33 Water Resources Availability During Maximum Rainfall Year (Extreme Wet Year)

61
8.5.2 Distribution of Actual Evapotranspiration

Since, the AET from agricultural land is very important component, it has been analyzed
further. AET from irrigated agricultural and rain-fed agriculture are aggregated separately. As
discussed earlier, AET from agricultural land made it equal to PET revised by adding irrigation
supplies to the rainfall of an amount equalant to (PET revised -Rainfall). Hence, these
irrigation supplies are also aggregated separately to account in water resources assessment
of the basin. AET from irrigated area, rain-fed area, irrigation support, total AET from all
landuses during all the study period is shown in the table 11. Mean of these components are
shown in the figure 34.

AET AET AET of total Irrigation

Irrigated Rainfed Agriculture Support
Year (BCM) (BCM) (BCM) (BCM)
88--89 65.4 33.95 99.35 16.96
89--90 66.64 32.42 99.06 14.65
90--91 58.71 29.79 88.50 12.09
91--92 46.59 31.23 77.82 15.47
92--93 69.45 34.53 103.98 23.52
93--94 50.39 32.96 83.35 12.53
94--95 61.22 30.54 91.76 13.43
95--96 53.5 35.86 89.36 16.99
96--97 50.12 30.04 80.16 13.89
97--98 70.55 32.13 102.68 19.75
98--99 69.73 35.82 105.55 14.24
99--00 62.89 31.79 94.68 14.24
00--01 46.91 30.70 77.61 15.26
01--02 63 31.07 94.07 18.2
02--03 50.47 28.98 79.45 19.87
03--04 67.23 31.63 98.86 21.47
04--05 48.81 32.13 80.94 14.09
05--06 66.88 30.52 97.40 14.8
06--07 66.3 29.51 95.81 21.42
07--08 70.39 34.42 104.81 14.88
Average* 59.62 31.87 91.49 16.45

*Average of 1990-91 to 2007-08

Table 11 AET from Irrigated and Rain-fed Area

62
Fig. 34 Distribution of Actual Evapotranspiration

63
9.0 Water Resources Assessment in Brahmani-Baitarani Basin
9.1 Geographic and Hydrologic Setting of the Basin
The combined Brahmani-Baitarani river basin extends over a geographical area of 50,768
sq.km and the basin is bounded on the north by the Chhotanagpur Plateau, on the west and
south by the ridge separating it from Mahanadi basin and on the east by the Bay of Bengal.
Through intersection of state administrative boundaries and basin boundary (derived for the
present study) state-wise drainage areas are computed. The drainage area of the basin lies
in the States of Orissa (33,923 sq.km.), Jharkhand (15,479 sq.km.) and Chhattisgarh (1,367
sq.km.). Out of the total basin area, major part of 66.82% is covered in Orissa State,
30.49% of area is in Jharkhand State and 2.69% of area falls in Chhattisgarh State. The
basin is bounded by 200 29' 00" N to 230 37' 47" N latitude and 830 53' 49" E to 870 1' 27" E
longitude. Fig.35 shows the location map of the basin.

Fig.35 Location Map of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

64
9.1.1 Rainfall
Rainfall varies both spatially and temporally in the Brahmani-Baitarani basin. Fig.36 shows
gridded monthly rainfall of Brahmani-Baitarani basin for the water year 2004-05. Fig.37
shows the annual rainfall for 37 years (1971-72 to 2007-08) of Brahmani-Baitarani basin.
Among these 37 years, the lowest annual rainfall is 802 mm (2004-05) and highest annual
rainfall is 2022 mm (1994-95). The analysis of rainfall during the study period of 1988-89 to
2007-08 (20 years) indicated the average annual rainfall is 1467 mm. Both the lowest annual
rainfall of 802 mm and highest annual rainfall of 2022 mm among 37 years falls within the
study period of 20 years and represents the extreme dry and wet rainfall conditions. Of the
20 years, 11 years annual rainfall is higher the mean annual rainfall and remaining 9 years
lower than the mean annual rainfall. Fig.38 shows mean monthly variations of rainfall of the
basin during the 20 years (1988-89 to 2007-08). The highest rainfall occurs in the month of
August (348 mm), followed by July (331 mm), followed by June and September months.
The South-West monsoon rainfall (1278 mm) amounts to 87% of total annual rainfall.

Fig.36 Rainfall Image of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

65
Fig. 37 Annual Rainfall of Brahmani-Baitarani basin for 1971-72 to 2007-08 (37 years)

Fig. 38 Mean Monthly Rainfall of Brahmani-Baitarani basin (1988-89 to 2007-08)

66
9.1.2 Climate
In Brahmani basin, maximum temperature rises to 47° C during summer while the minimum
during winter may be as low as 4°C. Temperatures in the coastal region are moderate but
humidity is higher. In Baitarni basin the maximum recorded temperature of Keonjhar District
in summer is 48.5°C and minimum in winter is 6° C. Fig.39 shows mean monthly
temperatures for 2004-05 of Brahmani-Baitarani basin. The highest mean monthly
temperature is observed in May which is about 320 C and lowest mean monthly temperature
is about 190 C in January.

Fig. 39 Mean Monthly Temperature during 2004-05

9.1.3 Land Use/Land Cover Pattern

The land use / land cover of the basin is shown in Fig.40. The image corresponds to the
2004-05 year and consists of 17 different classes. Forest cover forms as the major
constituent (31.9%), followed by crop area (29.15%) and current fallow (28.25%). The
remaining 10.7% of basin area is covered by built up land, plantation, littoral swamp,
grassland, gullied land, scrubland, other waste land and water bodies (Fig.41). The crop
area is further categorised as Kharif only (23.64%), Rabi only (0.9%), Zaid only (0.26%) and
Double/Triple (4.35%) classes.

67
Fig. 40 Land Use / Land cover Map of Brahmani-Baitarani basin ( 2004-05)

68
 Fig. 41 Distribution of Land Use / Land cover for 2004-05 year

9.1.4 Soils
The main soil types found in the basin are red and yellow soils, red sandy and loamy soils,
mixed red and black soils and coastal alluvium. The coastal plains consist of fertile delta
area highly suited for intensive cultivation. The Fig.42 shows various categories of soils in
the basin. The soils are classified based on the soil textural information as sandy, loamy,
clayey, loamy skeletal, clay skeletal.

69
 Fig. 42 Soil Map of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.1.5 Topography
The topography of the basin consists of ghat areas, northern plateau, central table land and
the coastal plains. The upper regions of the basin are mostly hilly and forested. The lower
region of the basin is deltaic plains. The elevation values ranges from a minimum of 1m to a
maximum of 1176 m. The average elevation is about 341 m in the basin. The Fig.43 shows
ASTER DEM of the basin.

70
 Fig. 43 ASTER DEM of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.1.6 Rivers and Discharge

The Brahmani river rises near Nagri village in Jharkhand State at an elevation of about 600
m and has a total length of 799 km. The major tributaries of Brahmani are the Keol, the
Tirka and the Sankh Rivers. After the confluence of Sankh river and Keol River, the river is
called as Brahmani River. The Baitarani river rises in the Guptaganga hill ranges of Keonjhar
district of Orissa at an elevation of about 900m and has a length of about 355 km. The
important tributaries of Baitarani are the Salandi and the Matai. Both river systems outfall
into the Bay of Bengal forming a common delta area. Before out falling into the Bay of
Bengal both Brahmani-Baitarani join and interleave in the delta region forming multiple
outlets. The Fig.44 shows the location of 7 CWC discharge sites namely Tilga, Jaraikela,

71
Panposh, Gomlai, Jenapur on Brahmani and its tributaries and Champua and Anandpur on
Baitarani River.

Fig. 44 Location of 7 CWC discharge sites in Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.1.7 Reservoirs
Fig.45 shows the location of 3 main reservoirs in Brahmani-Baitarani basin. One, the
Mandira dam is constructed on Sankh river, a tributary of Brahmani river during 1957 -
1959. The dam is exclusively meant for the purposed of storing water for supply to the
Rourkela Steel Plant located about 24 km downstream along the river course. Two, the
Rengali dam constructed across Brahmani river during 1974 - 1985. This is a multipurpose
reservoir for flood control, irrigation and power generation. The gross capacity and live
storage capacity of reservoir at Full Reservoir Level (FRL) is 4,400 MCM and 3,452 MCM
correspondingly (Dam safety Report, 2007). Three, the Salandi Dam built across Salandi
river, a tributary of Baitarani river with main purpose of irrigation.

72
 Fig.45 Major Reservoirs in Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.1.8 Ground Water Usage

Ground water forms the important component in water resources of the basin. As mentioned
in the earlier section ground water levels are converted from point data to spatial data for 20
years. The spatial annual ground water levels are used in estimating the ground water flux
(Fig.46). For Brahmani-Baitarani basin no information was available on specific yield and
hence, a uniform specific yield of 3% is assumed for entire basin. The ground water
recharge or withdrawal for the basin is computed using the annul ground water flux and
specific yield for 20 years.

73
 Fig.46 Ground water flux (spatial data) estimated during 2004-05

9.2 Previous Estimations

In 1949, using Khosla's empirical formula basin-wise water resources assessment of the
Brahmani-Baitarani basin was estimated as 39,225 Mm3. In 1960, the Central Water and
Power Commission, while conducting irrigation potential studies, assessed the total annual
runoff of the basin as 28,691 Mm3 on the basis of Strange's rainfall-runoff coefficients.
In 1988, CWC reported 36,227 Mm3 as average water resources of the Brahmani-Baitarani
basin using Khosla's formula.
In 1993, CWC has undertaken reassessment of water resources potential of India. The
Brahmani-Baitarani basin has a total catchment area of 51,822 sq.km. For the Brahmani
portion of the basin, flow data at Jenapur (CWC discharge station with catchment area of
36,300 sq.km.) available for the period 1964-65 to 1984-85 (Table.xx). For the Baitarani
portion of the basin, flow data at Biridi (catchment area of 10,120 sq.km.) available for the

74
period 1964-65 to 1984-85 (Table.12) were used. The discharge flows were proportionately
taken based on the areas with respect to Jenapur to the total Brahmani basin (catchment
area of 39,030 sq.km.) and Biridi to the total Baitarani basin (catchment area of 10,982
sq.km.). Withdrawal for irrigation has been calculated based on the year-wise irrigation
potential created assuming an average delta of 0.82 m. Withdrawal for domestic use has
been based on population statistics assuming requirement of 70 lpcd for rural population and
140 lpcd for urban population. the change in storage in the reservoirs in the basin is
neglected. The total water resources available was estimated as 28,477 Mm3 in the basin.

Year Observed Withdrawals (MCM) Return Flows (MCM) Evaporation Natural

flow at Irrigatio Domestic Irrigation Domestic & Losses Flow
Jenapur n & Industrial (MCM) (MCM)
(MCM) Industrial
1964-65 25,714 650 301 65 241 0 26,259
1965-66 7,434 666 320 67 256 0 8,097
1966-76 15,338 683 340 68 272 0 16,021
1967-68 20,664 699 360 70 288 0 21,305
1968-69 15,258 716 380 72 304 0 15,978
1969-70 11,438 732 398 73 318 0 12,177
1970-71 24,709 749 419 75 335 0 25,467
1971-72 40,523 765 440 77 352 0 41,299
1972-73 19,266 787 459 79 367 0 20,066
1973-74 44,228 798 479 80 383 0 45,052
1974-75 12,212 815 501 82 401 0 13,045
1975-76 21,531 831 520 83 416 0 22,383
1976-77 14,362 848 542 85 434 0 15,233
1977-78 24,248 864 562 86 450 0 25,138
1978-79 21,869 881 582 88 466 8 22,786
1979-80 7,320 897 604 90 483 21 8,269
1980-81 18,972 914 624 91 499 21 19,941
1981-82 14,945 931 645 93 516 21 15,933
1982-83 10,018 947 666 95 533 21 11,024
1983-84 16,993 964 684 96 547 21 17,961
1984-85 23,580 980 707 98 566 21 24,624

Average 19,553 815 502 82 401 6 20,384

Table 12 CWC 1993 Estimation of Water Resources Potential of Brahmani Basin

75
Average annual flow at Jenapur = 20,384
Average annual flow for the whole Brahmani basin = 20,384X 39,033/36,300
= 21,919 MCM

year Observed Withdrawals (MCM) Return Flows (MCM) Evaporation Natural

flow at Biridi Irrigatio Domestic Irrigatio Domestic & Losses Flow
(MCM) n & n Industrial (MCM) (MCM)
Industrial
1964-65 7,169 207 38 21 30 0 7,363
1965-66 3,442 234 39 23 32 0 3,660
1966-76 4,276 260 40 26 32 0 4,518
1967-68 5,744 286 41 29 33 0 6,009
1968-69 6,145 312 44 31 35 0 6,435
1969-70 6,941 339 44 34 35 0 7,255
1970-71 5,611 355 44 36 35 0 5,939
1971-72 12,228 391 46 39 37 0 12,589
1972-73 5,371 418 46 42 37 0 5,756
1973-74 10,781 444 48 44 38 0 11,191
1974-75 4,483 470 49 47 39 0 4,916
1975-76 6,710 496 50 50 40 0 7,166
1976-77 3,551 523 51 52 41 0 4,032
1977-78 4,937 550 53 55 42 0 5,443
1978-79 2,606 575 53 58 43 0 3,133
1979-80 2,665 602 54 60 43 0 3,217
1980-81 4,980 628 55 63 44 0 5,556
1981-82 4,905 654 57 65 45 0 5,506
1982-83 4,510 680 58 68 46 0 5,134
1983-84 7,022 707 59 71 47 0 7,670
1984-85 3,731 733 60 73 48 14 4,417

Average 5,610 470 49 47 39 1 6,043

Table 13 CWC 1993 Estimation of Water Resources Potential of Baitarani Basin

76
Average annual flow at Biridi = 6,043
Average annual flow for the whole Baitarani basin = 6,043 X 10,982/10,120
= 6,558 MCM
Average annual flow for Brahmani-Baitarani basin = 21,919 + 6,558 = 28,477 MCM

9.3 Sub-basins of Brahmani-Baitarani

The Brahmani-Baitarani basin is divided in to 8 sub-basins (Fig. 47) viz. Tilga, Jaraikela,
Panposh, Gomlai and Jenapur in Brahmani basin and Champua and Anandpur in Baitarani
basin and combined delta region as one sub-basin. The following Table 14 gives details of
each sub-basin. The sub-basins are divided in such a way that the location of CWC
discharge sites is taken as sub-basin outlet. The drainage area given in the table indicates
entire area draining up to the outlet of the sub-basin.

S. No. Sub-basin River Drainage Area

(sq.km)
1 Tilga Sank 3,060
2 Jarikela Koel 10,201
3 Panposh Brahmani 18,589
4 Gomlai Brahmani 20,819
5 Jenapur Brahmani 34,574
6 Champua Baitarani 1,735
7 Anandpur Baitarani 8,307
8 Delta Brahmani-Baitarani 50,768

Table 14 Sub-basinwise details Brahmani-Baitarani basin

77
 Fig.47 Sub-basins of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.4 Landuse Coefficients

The landuse coefficients used in different land use categories are of two types. First, a
constant value throughout the year for classes such as built-up (0.25), plantation (0.85),
evergreen and deciduous forest (0.85), degraded forest (0.4), littoral swamp and water
bodies(1.0), grassland (0.7), other wasteland(0.3), gullied (0.25) and scrub land(0.4).
Second, value varying for each month depending on the crop season, type and its growth
(Table. 15).
Based on the district-wise crop area statistics for the past few years in the basin, major crops
for each crop season were identified. Rice in Kharif only season, saflower in Rabi only
season, Groundnut in Zaid only season and Rice in double/tripe season are considered as
principle crops grown correspondingly and hence, only these are assumed to be

78
representing the entire area of that particular land use. On examining the cropping pattern
within the basin, crop growing seasons are decided as Kharif only crop during 4 months
(July to October), Rabi only crop during 4 months (November to February), Zaid only crop
during 4 months (February to May), double/triple crop during 8 months (July to October and
January to April) and shifting cultivation during 4 months (July to October). Considering all
the above factors land use coefficients are taken based on the earlier studies carried out in
the basin (Mohan et al, 1996).

Kharif only Rabi only Zaid only Double/Triple Shifting

cultivation
June 0.2 0.35 0.35 0.2 0.2
July 1.15 0.4 0.4 1.15 0.35
August 1.23 0.4 0.4 1.23 0.91
September 1.14 0.4 0.4 1.14 1.17
October 1.02 0.4 0.4 1.02 0.28
November 0.5 0.35 0.35 0.5 0.2
December 0.2 0.35 0.2 0.2 0.2
January 0.2 0.91 0.2 1.15 0.2
February 0.2 1.17 0.45 1.23 0.2
March 0.2 0.28 0.75 1.14 0.2
April 0.2 0.2 1.05 1.02 0.2
May 0.2 0.2 0.7 0.5 0.2

Table 15 Land use coefficients for various land cover types

These land use coefficients are used in estimating the PET values for each month by
multiplying PET computed from Thronthwaite formula.

79
9.5 Available Water Holding Capacity
As mentioned earlier, a particular soil textural class can have a particular water holding
capacity and a certain vegetation type to have a maximum rooting depth. The water holding
capacities for different soils are taken from available literature as shown below.

Soil Type Available water

capacity
(% volume)
Sand 90
Loamy skeletal 120
Loam 150
Clayey skeletal 160
Clay 200

Similarly, the root zone depths for each crop type are taken from available literature which
also varies with soil type (Table.16).

Vegetation Type Soil Type Rooting

Depth (mm)
Kharif only (Rice) Sand 600
Double/tripe (Rice)
Degraded forest
Loamy skeletal 559
Loam 518
Clayey skeletal 505
Clay 450

Rabi only (Saflower) Sand 1600

Loamy skeletal 1491
Loam 1382
Clayey skeletal 1345
Clay 1200

80
Zaid only (Groundnut) Sand 600
Loamy skeletal 559
Loam 518
Clayey skeletal 505
Clay 450
Plantation Sand 1500
Evergreen and deciduous
forest
Loamy skeletal 1398
Loam 1295
Clayey skeletal 1261
Clay 1125

Grass Sand 700

Shifting cultivation
Loamy skeletal 652
Loam 605
Clayey skeletal 589
Clay 525

Scrub Sand 250

Loamy skeletal 233
Loam 216
Clayey skeletal 210
Clay 188

Current fallow Sand 150

Other waste land
Gullied
Loamy skeletal 140
Loam 130
Clayey skeletal 126
Clay 113

Table 16 Rooting depths of different types of vegetation

81
The water available for vegetation is up to root zone depth and is computed as follows.
Available water capacity (mm) = Available water capacity(% volume) X Rooting depth (mm)

9.6 Irrigation Command Area

The HRUs are further classified based on their location within or outside command
boundary. In case of Kharif only crop, irrigation support(Actual ET= PET) is provided only
crop area located within command boundary and if located outside command no irrigation
support is provided. For double/triple crop, irrigation support is provided whether crop is
located within or outside command boundary. The areal extent under crop categories,
namely, Rabi only and Zaid only is less and also scattered all over the basin with
insignificant area under command jurisdiction. The field statistical data also indicates
cultivation of Gram/Pulses crops during this period which are less water intensive and area
mostly cultivated with residual soil moisture. therefore, irrigation support is not considered for
these crop categories. Fig.48 shows location of irrigation command boundaries in Brahmani-
Baitarani basin. The annual irrigation supplies were computed for the period of 20 years
based on the procedure mentioned in modelling framework.

82
 Fig.48 Irrigation Command Boundaries of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.7 Domestic and Industrial Demand

Fig.49 shows village boundaries layer of Brahmani-Baitarani basin. The population of each
village (2001 census) is provided as an attribute in the layer. The domestic demand is
estimated as described in the modelling frame work chapter. Industrial demand statistics
were not available, it is assumed as 50% of the domestic demand for each year. The total
domestic and Industrial consumption is taken as 15% of demand and remaining 85% is
considered as return flows

83
 Fig.49 Village Boundaries of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.8 Evaporation from Major/Medium Reservoirs

Mandira and Rengali reservoirs on Brahmani river and Salandi reservoir on Salandi river are
the main sources of evaporation losses from surface storage. The following Table 17
provides annual evaporation values from each of the reservoir for the period of 1988-89 to
2007-08 (20 years). The average annual evaporation volume for Mandira, Rengali and
Salandi reservoirs is about 42 MCM, 530 MCM and 50 MCM respectively. The three
reservoirs combined average total evaporation amounts to about 622 MCM annually. These
evaporation quantities are derived from the maximum water spread area of the reservoir.
Generally, the water spread area of the reservoir decreases from maximum at October /
November to minimum at May. In order to account the variations in water spread and hence

84
evaporative losses, 70% of estimated evaporation values are taken as the annual
evaporation losses.

Year Model Estimated Evaporation Volume from

Reservoirs (MCM)
Mandira Rengali Salandi Total
1988-1989 44.8 552.7 52.3 649.8
1989-1990 42.0 502.7 47.8 592.4
1990-1991 44.7 540.0 51.0 635.7
1991-1992 40.9 495.4 48.6 584.9
1992-1993 43.1 514.6 47.4 605.1
1993-1994 42.7 520.3 48.5 611.5
1994-1995 34.9 486.3 46.5 567.7
1995-1996 45.2 547.4 51.3 643.8
1996-1997 41.0 502.8 47.3 591.1
1997-1998 38.2 526.0 48.1 612.4
1998-1999 47.9 585.0 55.2 688.1
1999-2000 38.5 528.7 48.1 615.2
2000-2001 41.7 520.1 50.3 612.2
2001-2002 38.5 532.6 49.8 620.9
2002-2003 44.5 546.6 53.1 644.3
2003-2004 44.5 528.6 52.2 625.2
2004-2005 53.5 603.0 57.5 714.0
2005-2006 45.3 474.9 53.4 573.6
2006-2007 37.6 466.9 48.3 552.9
2007-2008 32.0 618.7 52.1 702.8

Table 17 Evaporation in the Reservoirs in BB Basin

85
9.9 Runoff Estimation
The runoff is estimated using the procedure as mentioned previously in Modelling Frame
work chapter. The runoff that is estimated from each HRU is aggregated within each sub-
basin. The estimated runoff for each sub-basin is calibrated with observed discharge.
Calibrated runoff is estimated as as discussed earlier for each of the sub-basin.
While estimating ground water flux using ground water level fluctuation and specific yield
method, the specific yield is taken as 3% for the entire basin. The ground water flux
computed is negative indicates withdrawal of water from the current year ground water
storage and if it is positive indicates increase in ground water recharge from the current
year.

On Brahmani River Tilga, Jaraikela, Panposh, Gomlai and Jenapur discharge sites are
located and the model estimated runoff is calibrated against the observed discharge at all
the locations. Similarly, on Baitarani River, Champua and Anandpur discharge sites are
located and the model estimated runoff is calibrated against the observed discharge at these
2 locations. For the combined Brahmani-Baitarani deltaic region observed discharge data is
not available. Hence, for entire Brahmani-Baitarani basin, runoff is computed by adding
model estimated runoff at Jenapur(entire upstream), Anandpur (entire upstream) and Delta
region(exclusive) and computing calibrated runoff as mentioned above. The following
Tables. 18 to 24 give calibrated discharge along with observed discharge during 20 years for
the 7 discharge stations. The Figs.52 to 56 show comparative graphs of calibrated runoff
and observed discharge at Tilga on Sank river, Jariakela on Keol River, Panposh, Gomali
and Jenapur on Brahmani River and Champua & Anandpur on Baitarani River.

86
Tilga (Catchment Area = 3,060 sq.km.)
S.No Year Observed Calibrated Rainfall % of 100*(Obs-
Discharge Runoff Obs.Q/Rainfall Comp)/Obs
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 1,998 2,228 4,086 48.9 -11
2 1989-1990 1,240 1,259 3,604 34.4 -1
3 1990-1991 1,867 2,118 4,287 43.5 -13
4 1991-1992 2,150 2,613 4,570 47.1 -22
5 1992-1993 988 1,137 3,089 32.0 -15
6 1993-1994 1,881 2,152 4,270 44.1 -14
7 1994-1995 3,428 4,015 6,176 55.5 -17
8 1995-1996 1,831 2,202 4,400 41.6 -20
9 1996-1997 2,638 3,083 4,969 53.1 -17
10 1997-1998 2,789 3,275 5,816 48.0 -17
11 1998-1999 2,455 2,584 4,966 49.4 -5
12 1999-2000 2,776 2,724 4,759 58.3 2
13 2000-2001 1,195 1,531 3,340 35.8 -28
14 2001-2002 2,590 1,772 3,772 68.7 32
15 2002-2003 1,556 1,264 3,460 45.0 19
16 2003-2004 2,236 3,022 5,218 42.8 -35
17 2004-2005 1,684 991 2,524 66.7 41
18 2005-2006 1,768 1,780 4,133 42.8 -1
19 2006-2007 1,588 2,870 5,049 31.4 -81
20 2007-2008 1,864 1,651 3,830 48.7 11

Table 18 Calibrated runoff along with observed discharge at Tilga

Fig.50 Calibrated runoff at Tilga on Sank River

87
Jaraikela (Catchment Area = 10,201 sq.km.)
S.No Year Observed Calibrated Rainfall % of 100*(Obs-
Discharge Runoff Obs.Q/Rainfall Comp)/Obs
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 4,925 5,505 11,954 41.2 -12
2 1989-1990 3,665 6,132 14,016 26.2 -67
3 1990-1991 5,748 6,433 14,080 40.8 -12
4 1991-1992 4,515 5,932 12,987 34.8 -31
5 1992-1993 1,903 3,232 9,949 19.1 -70
6 1993-1994 3,777 5,491 12,899 29.3 -45
7 1994-1995 7,992 11,979 19,158 41.7 -50
8 1995-1996 4,749 5,334 12,699 37.4 -12
9 1996-1997 6,867 5,516 11,588 59.3 20
10 1997-1998 7,692 9,259 17,587 43.7 -20
11 1998-1999 4,279 4,961 12,246 34.9 -16
12 1999-2000 6,228 8,300 15,992 38.9 -33
13 2000-2001 3,729 6,169 12,375 30.1 -65
14 2001-2002 5,397 5,921 12,161 44.4 -10
15 2002-2003 3,075 3,969 11,234 27.4 -29
16 2003-2004 4,239 5,447 13,191 32.1 -28
17 2004-2005 3,540 3,784 8,627 41.0 -7
18 2005-2006 2,592 3,953 11,303 22.9 -52
19 2006-2007 4,347 7,388 15,224 28.6 -70
20 2007-2008 5,801 7,806 15,029 38.6 -35

Table 19 Calibrated runoff along with observed discharge at Jaraikela

Fig.51 Calibrated runoff at Jaraikela on Keol River

88
Panposh (Catchment Area = 18,589 sq.km.)
S.No Year Observed Calibrated Rainfall % of 100*(Obs-
Discharge Runoff Obs.Q/Rainfall Comp)/Obs
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 - 13,738 25,401 - -
2 1989-1990 - 11,394 25,812 - -
3 1990-1991 - 13,709 27,434 - -
4 1991-1992 - 13,252 25,927 - -
5 1992-1993 - 7,804 19,882 - -
6 1993-1994 - 12,621 25,849 - -
7 1994-1995 - 25,635 38,838 - -
8 1995-1996 - 10,407 23,713 - -
9 1996-1997 12,968 12,630 23,721 54.7 3
10 1997-1998 14,251 17,166 32,339 44.1 -20
11 1998-1999 11,260 10,835 24,704 45.6 4
12 1999-2000 13,123 15,671 28,987 45.3 -19
13 2000-2001 6,700 9,654 20,817 32.2 -44
14 2001-2002 13,621 12,915 24,510 55.6 5
15 2002-2003 7,804 7,980 21,291 36.7 -2
16 2003-2004 9,519 11,396 25,438 37.4 -20
17 2004-2005 7,598 6,337 15,343 49.5 17
18 2005-2006 7,083 9,474 23,224 30.5 -34
19 2006-2007 9,879 14,964 28,985 34.1 -51
20 2007-2008 13,580 14,068 27,158 50.0 -4

Table 20 Calibrated runoff along with observed discharge at Panposh

Fig.52 Calibrated runoff at Panposh on Brahmani River

89
Gomlai (Catchment Area = 20,819 sq.km.)
S.No Year Observed Calibrated Rainfall % of 100*(Obs-
Discharge Runoff Obs.Q/Rainfall Comp)/Obs
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 11,583 14,971 28,235 41.0 -29
2 1989-1990 8,879 12,724 29,078 30.5 -43
3 1990-1991 12,862 14,747 30,375 42.3 -15
4 1991-1992 12,051 14,510 28,809 41.8 -20
5 1992-1993 5,056 8,459 22,192 22.8 -67
6 1993-1994 9,088 13,840 28,930 31.4 -52
7 1994-1995 22,967 28,878 44,032 52.2 -26
8 1995-1996 10,170 11,571 26,699 38.1 -14
9 1996-1997 13,291 13,933 26,581 50.0 -5
10 1997-1998 14,502 18,508 35,986 40.3 -28
11 1998-1999 10,155 11,886 27,796 36.5 -17
12 1999-2000 14,735 17,498 32,659 45.1 -19
13 2000-2001 7,227 10,569 23,327 31.0 -46
14 2001-2002 16,006 15,486 28,688 55.8 3
15 2002-2003 7,735 8,588 23,723 32.6 -11
16 2003-2004 10,306 12,152 28,215 36.5 -18
17 2004-2005 8,169 7,149 17,423 46.9 12
18 2005-2006 6,821 10,791 26,576 25.7 -58
19 2006-2007 10,788 17,611 33,572 32.1 -63
20 2007-2008 16,113 15,930 30,932 52.1 1

Table 21 Calibrated runoff along with observed discharge at Gomlai

Fig.53 Calibrated runoff at Gomlai on Brahmani River

90
Jenapur (Catchment Area = 34,574 sq.km.)
S.No Year Observed Calibrated Rainfall % of 100*(Obs-
Discharge Runoff Obs.Q/Rainfall Comp)/Obs
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 17,178 22,313 46,779 36.7 -30
2 1989-1990 15,111 22,786 52,439 28.8 -51
3 1990-1991 19,798 24,963 53,518 37.0 -26
4 1991-1992 21,669 27,195 52,819 41.0 -26
5 1992-1993 11,136 15,969 41,482 26.8 -43
6 1993-1994 16,382 21,857 48,873 33.5 -33
7 1994-1995 30,991 43,509 71,104 43.6 -40
8 1995-1996 15,709 18,797 46,159 34.0 -20
9 1996-1997 16,685 19,000 43,650 38.2 -14
10 1997-1998 20,606 27,069 58,361 35.3 -31
11 1998-1999 15,226 17,566 46,849 32.5 -15
12 1999-2000 22,755 28,934 56,832 40.0 -27
13 2000-2001 10,608 13,994 38,101 27.8 -32
14 2001-2002 28,461 30,447 55,629 51.2 -7
15 2002-2003 10,785 11,337 39,074 27.6 -5
16 2003-2004 21,413 22,550 51,299 41.7 -5
17 2004-2005 12,544 9,883 28,848 43.5 21
18 2005-2006 16,546 19,520 48,688 34.0 -18
19 2006-2007 14,810 29,120 57,252 25.9 -97
20 2007-2008 22,536 26,766 52,881 42.6 -19

Table 22 Calibrated runoff along with observed discharge at Jenapur

Fig.54 Calibrated runoff at Jenapur on Brahmani River

91
Champua (Catchment Area = 1,735 sq.km.)
S.No Year Observed Calibrated Rainfall % of 100*(Obs-
Discharge Runoff Obs.Q/Rainfall Comp)/Obs
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 - 741 2,149 - -
2 1989-1990 - 1,288 2,680 - -
3 1990-1991 1,191 1,204 2,621 45.5 -1
4 1991-1992 1,116 1,050 2,331 47.9 6
5 1992-1993 420 686 2,020 20.8 -63
6 1993-1994 976 883 2,208 44.2 9
7 1994-1995 1,672 1,752 3,093 54.1 -5
8 1995-1996 886 1,085 2,444 36.3 -22
9 1996-1997 1,004 1,313 2,622 38.3 -31
10 1997-1998 1,170 1,379 3,063 38.2 -18
11 1998-1999 772 971 2,426 31.8 -26
12 1999-2000 1,951 1,626 3,065 63.7 17
13 2000-2001 770 1,437 2,694 28.6 -87
14 2001-2002 1,302 1,394 2,619 49.7 -7
15 2002-2003 478 641 1,948 24.5 -34
16 2003-2004 930 786 2,197 42.3 15
17 2004-2005 891 540 1,519 58.7 39
18 2005-2006 1,144 1,277 2,614 43.8 -12
19 2006-2007 1,179 1,678 2,966 39.7 -42
20 2007-2008 1,730 1,648 2,994 57.8 5

Table 23 Calibrated runoff along with observed discharge at Champua

Fig.55 Calibrated runoff at Champua on Baitarani River

92
Anandpur (Catchment Area = 8,307 sq.km.)
S.No Year Observed Calibrated Rainfall % of 100*(Obs-
Discharge Runoff Obs.Q/Rainfall Comp)/Obs
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 4,263 4,397 11,056 38.6 -3
2 1989-1990 6,091 6,035 13,916 43.8 1
3 1990-1991 6,521 6,330 13,885 47.0 3
4 1991-1992 6,002 6,323 13,199 45.5 -5
5 1992-1993 2,732 3,557 10,704 25.5 -30
6 1993-1994 4,593 4,761 12,005 38.3 -4
7 1994-1995 7,920 8,295 15,332 51.7 -5
8 1995-1996 5,253 4,707 11,898 44.2 10
9 1996-1997 4,683 4,310 11,474 40.8 8
10 1997-1998 6,342 7,029 15,351 41.3 -11
11 1998-1999 2,942 3,178 10,542 27.9 -8
12 1999-2000 9,599 6,707 14,413 66.6 30
13 2000-2001 3,500 4,530 11,143 31.4 -29
14 2001-2002 4,885 6,692 13,355 36.6 -37
15 2002-2003 1,923 2,392 9,293 20.7 -24
16 2003-2004 4,693 4,474 12,169 38.6 5
17 2004-2005 3,446 1,757 6,927 49.8 49
18 2005-2006 5,288 5,452 13,012 40.6 -3
19 2006-2007 5,474 7,911 14,600 37.5 -45
20 2007-2008 8,601 8,515 15,592 55.2 1

Table 24 Calibrated runoff along with observed discharge at Anandpur

Fig.56 Calibrated runoff at Anandpur on Baitarani River

93
Table 25 gives calibrated runoff of Brahmani-Baitarani basin for 20 years. The average
calibrated runoff is about 33,469 MCM annually. The maximum annual calibrated runoff is
60,429 MCM during 1994-95 which is wettest year in the 20 years. The minimum annual
calibrated runoff is 12,003 MCM during 2004-05 which is the driest year in the 20 years. The
average irrigation supplies is about 1,146 MCM annually. The maximum annual irrigation
supplies is about 2,591 MCM during 2004-05 which is driest year in the 20 years. The
minimum annual irrigation supplies is about 610 MCM.

S.No Year Model Reservoir Ground Domestic & Calibrated

Runoff Flux water Industrial Runoff
Flux consumption
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM)
1 1988-1989 30,804 35 -1039 46 31,762
2 1989-1990 35,032 297 959 47 33,729
3 1990-1991 36,923 -84 74 48 36,885
4 1991-1992 39,714 -223 -610 49 40,498
5 1992-1993 24,288 -107 297 50 24,048
6 1993-1994 33,565 -24 58 50 33,481
7 1994-1995 60,913 245 188 51 60,429
8 1995-1996 28,401 187 463 52 27,699
9 1996-1997 26,102 98 -298 53 26,249
10 1997-1998 41,528 308 402 53 40,765
11 1998-1999 23,677 -550 -536 54 24,709
12 1999-2000 44,458 14 297 55 44,092
13 2000-2001 19,525 -56 -594 56 20,119
14 2001-2002 44,074 179 -365 57 44,203
15 2002-2003 16,209 196 364 58 15,591
16 2003-2004 34,926 72 402 58 34,394
17 2004-2005 11,330 -412 -320 59 12,003
18 2005-2006 33,046 118 563 60 32,305
19 2006-2007 46,511 585 91 61 45,774
20 2007-2008 39,915 -659 -120 62 40,632

Table 25 Water balance components of Brahmani-Baitarani basin

9.10 Water Resources Assessment of the Basin

Water resources of the basin comprises of flow in the river at final outlet, upstream effective
utilisations for irrigation, domestic and Industrial, change in storage of groundwater, change
in storage of reservoirs and evaporation from reservoirs.

9.10.1 Annual Water Resources Availability of the Basin

Table 26 shows the different components that are required to estimate the basin level water
resources of Brahmani-Baitarani for 20 years. The maximum annual water resources is
62,417 MCM during 1994-95 which is wettest year in the 20 years. The minimum annual
water resources is 14,421 MCM during 2004-05 which is the driest year in the 20 years. The

94
wettest and driest years are identified based on the amount of annual rainfall volume within
the 20 years. The average annual available basin water resources is 35,129 MCM. The
average available water resources of Brahmani-Baitarani basin accounts about 47% of
mean annual rainfall.

95
 Year Rainfall Calibrated Irrigation Domestic & Reservoir Change in Change in Basin level Water
Runoff Supplies Industrial Evaporati Reservoir Ground water Water Resources
Consumption on Losses Storage Storage Resources % out of
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) Rainfall
1988-89 70,218 31,762 1,218 46 455 35 -1,039 32,477 46
1989-90 79,260 33,729 1,202 47 415 297 959 36,649 46
1990-01 80,656 36,885 842 48 445 -84 74 38,210 47
1991-92 80,198 40,498 610 49 409 -223 -610 40,733 51
1992-93 63,897 24,048 717 50 424 -107 297 25,429 40
1993-94 75,360 33,481 937 50 428 -24 58 34,930 46
1994-95 1,01,932 60,429 1,107 51 397 245 188 62,417 61
1995-96 70,034 27,699 811 52 451 187 463 29,663 42
1996-97 64,910 26,249 1,785 53 414 98 -298 28,301 44
1997-98 88,128 40,765 1,018 53 429 308 402 42,975 49
1998-99 69,101 24,709 1,259 54 482 -550 -536 25,418 37
1999-00 87,433 44,092 922 55 431 14 297 45,811 52
2000-01 57,755 20,119 1,740 56 429 -56 -594 21,694 38
2001-02 83,555 44,203 809 57 435 179 -365 45,318 54
2002-03 57,352 15,591 1,668 58 451 196 364 18,328 32
2003-04 79,086 34,394 626 58 438 72 402 35,990 46
2004-05 42,599 12,003 2,591 59 500 -412 -320 14,421 34
2005-06 76,713 32,305 1,043 60 401 118 563 34,490 45
2006-07 87,765 45,774 798 61 387 585 91 47,696 54
2007-08 81,892 40,632 1,220 62 492 -659 -120 41,627 51
Table 26 Water Resources Availability in the Brahmani & Baitarani Basins
9.10.2 Annual Water Resources of the Basin during Extreme Rainfall Conditions
Year Rainfall Calibrated Irrigation Domestic & Reservoir Change in Change in Basin level Water
Runoff Supplies Industrial Evaporation Reservoir Ground water
Water Resource Resources %
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM) Consumption Losses Storage Storage
(MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) (MCM) out of Rainfall
1994-95 1,01,932 60,429 1,107 51 397 245 188 62,417 61
2004-05 42,599 12,003 2,591 59 500 -412 -320 14,421 34

Table 27 Water Resources Availability in the Brahmani & Baitarani Basins During Extreme Rainfall Conditions
Out of the total 37 years of meteorological data base available, during the years 1994_95
and 2004_05, extreme wet and dry rainfall conditions occurred in Brahmani-Baitarani river
basins. The annual water resources of Brahmani-Baitarani basin during these two extreme
rainfall conditions are 62,417 MCM and 14,421 MCM, respectively. The water balance
components during these are presented in the Figures 57 and 58.

115000
1,01,932
105000
95000
85000
75000 62,417
65000 60,429
MCM

55000
45000
35000
25000
15000
5000 1,107 188 51 397
-5000
-245

Fig.57 Water Balance components of Brahmani-Baitarani basin during

extreme high rainfall (1994-95) year
 115000
105000
95000
85000
75000
65000
MCM

55000
42,599
45000
35000
25000 14,421
12,003
15000
2,591 412 59 500
5000
-5000 -320

Fig. 58 Water Balance components of Brahmani-Baitarani basin during extreme low rainfall
(2004-05) year

9.10.3 Mean Water Resources of the Basin

The mean water resources of the basin is computed by taking mean of the 20 years water
balance components such as flow in the river at final outlet, upstream effective utilisations for
irrigation, domestic and Industrial, change in storage of groundwater, change in storage of
reservoirs and evaporation from reservoirs.
Mean water resources = Mean of (Calibrated Runoff + Irrigation supplies + D&I consumption
+ Change in groundwater storage + change in storage of reservoirs + Evaporation)

= 33,469+1,146+53+14+11+436 = 35,129 MCM

The mean available annual water resources of the Brahmani-Baitarani basin is 35,129 MCM.
Fig.59 shows the various water balance components averaged over a period of 20 years
during 1988-89 to 2007-08. The previous CWC (1993)estimate of available water resources
of the basin is 28,477 MCM.

98
 115000
105000
95000
85000 74,892
75000
65000
MCM

55000
45000 33,469 35,129
35000
25000
15000
5000 1,146 14 53 436
-5000 -11

Fig.59 Water Balance components of Brahmani-Baitarani basin (mean of 20 years)

The following points need to be considered while comparing the present estimate with
previous estimate of CWC:
• The mean annual rainfall during 1988-2008 is 6.6% more than the mean annual
rainfall during the period 1971-85 which was considered for 1993 estimate.
• In 1993 estimate, the river discharge data was available only at Jenapur on Brahmani
river and at Birdi on Baitarani river. Discharge data at the outlet of the composite
basin was not available. Hence, area proportionate approach was adopted to
estimate composite delta water resources. While using this approach, the composite
delta area was estimated as 3,595* sq.km as against the delta area estimated from
present study is 7,887 sq.km (which is based on geo-spatial data sets). As a result of
this, the water resources estimate of composite delta was 2,050 MCM during 1993 as
against present estimate of 4,780 MCM.
• In 1949, using Khosla's empirical formula basin-wise water resources assessment of
the Brahmani-Baitarani basin was estimated as 39,225 MCM.
• In 1960, the Central Water and Power Commission, while conducting irrigation
potential studies, assessed the total annual runoff of the basin as 28,691 MCM on
the basis of Strange's rainfall-runoff coefficients.

99
 • In 1988, CWC reported 36,227 MCM as average water resources of the Brahmani-
Baitarani basin using Khosla's formula.
• 1993 CWC estimate considered only irrigation supplies for assessing basin level
water resources while not making any mention of ground water irrigation, as it has
been done in other river basin studies.

* As per 1993 estimate, the total Brahmani-Baitarani basin area was 50,015 sq.km which is
the sum of Brahmani basin area (39,023 sq.km) and Baitarani basin area (10,982 sq. km).
The sum of independent basin areas of Brahmani up to Jenapur (36,300 sq.km) and for
Baitarani up to Bridi (10,120 sq.km) was 46,420 sq.km. The difference between 50,015
sq.km and 46,420 sq.km is 3,595 sq.km which is the composite delta area.

10.0 Limitations of the Study

The assumptions and limitations of the study in Godavari, Brahmani-Baitarani Basins are;
• The model is setup at annual time-step, monthly calibrations are not carried out.
• Kharif crop outside of the command area boundary is assumed as rain-fed and rest
is assumed as irrigated agriculture.
• In irrigated agriculture land AET is calculated by assuming 100% water requirements
are met from the rainfall and irrigation supplies together (AET=PET condition).
• landuse/landcover maps of the period 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 are used
for runoff calculations in the study. For runoff computations prior to 2004-05, landuse
map of 2004-05 is used during the year in which rainfall is less than 1000mm, and
landuse map of 2006-07 is used when the annual rainfall is more than 1000mm.
Landuse maps of 1995 and 1985 were also obtained (source: IGBP project: ISRO)
and analysed. In these landuse grids, agricultural area has been classified as a
single unit and number of classes also less than the recent landuse grids hence
these landuse maps are not used in runoff computation.
• Considering the availability of meteorological data in spatial environment,
Thornthwaite method with suitable landuse coefficients is considered for PET
calculations
• As the specific yield map of the Brahmani-Baitarani is not available, uniform yield is
assumed in groundwater flux computations.
• The water utilization due to irrigation has been indirectly estimated through the help
of Thornwaite & Mather method and other available literature in absence of the
withdrawal data uniformly throughout the basin.

100
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 ANNEXURE

Study on impact of cropping patterns information on sub-basin level water resources

assessment

Manair sub-basin under Godavari basin was chosen for studying the influence of multiple
crop type information on sub-basin scale water balance components and water resources
estimates. The study was carried out for the year 2007-08.
In the first approach, water balance computations were carried out using NRC LULC data
wherein agricultural classess are presented as season specfic classes, namely, kharif only,
rabi only, zaid only and double/triple crops. In the second approach, water balance
computations were carried out using detailed agricultural classes along with other classes of
NRC LULC.
The total PET was lower by 7.7% when detailed agricultural crop classes were adopted
when compared with NRC LULC based approach and similarly AET was lower by 9.9%. The
differences in PET and AET resulted in changes water balance components. The runoff
estimate using detailed agricultural classes was 5,707 MCM, while it was 4,497 MCM when
NRC LULC was used, indicating 1,210 MCM (at 26.9%) increase in runoff when detailed
agricultural classes were considered. However, the Basin level Water Resources (BWR) did
not show significant deviation between the two approaches with a difference of 1.1%.
Table Comparison of Water Balance components of two approaches in Manair sub-basin
LULC with
Detailed
Water Balance NRC LULC % of variation
Agriculture
Components (MCM) of WBC
classes
(MCM)
Rain Fall 16,656
PET 14,001 12,924 7.7
Total AET 12,159 10,949 10.0
Irrigation Support 2,878 1,642 43.0
Crop AET 8029 7018 12.6
Runoff 4,497 5,707 -26.9
D&I Consumption 21 21 0.0
ET Reservoirs 216 216 0.0
BWR 7,626 7,703 -1.0

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Figure Comparison of Water Balance components of two approaches

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