Aavishkar 2020

Abstract:

Groundwater is the water which occupies the voids in the saturated zone of earth’s crust (rocks). The uncertainty about the occurrence, distribution and quality aspect of groundwater and the energy requirement for its withdrawal impose restriction on exploitation of groundwater. Sustainable management and planning of the groundwater resources become essential and urgent given the impact of the global climate change. Groundwater model has become an essential tool for hydro geologists to perform various tasks including the assessment and prediction of groundwater, the detection of groundwater pollution etc. The aim of this study is to develop a 3D groundwater model of Kadungalloor Panchayath using Visual MODFLOW, to calibrate the model using suitable boundary and initial conditions and to predict the future possible groundwater fluctuations in the area. The model involved a transient-state hydrogeological simulation of the two-layered aquifer. The model domain was delineated based on digital elevation model extracted from digital elevation model of Ernakulam district. Aquifer parameters were assigned based on given data by CGWB, which were then adjusted during the model calibration. The main recharge mechanism considered was direct recharge from rainfall and the recharge was assumed to be 10% of the rainfall values obtained from IMD. The model was calibrated to water levels during 2010 to 2016. The overall model results are comparable with the observation well data. The model was validated to water levels during 2017 to 2019. The variation of predicted water level with respect to time was almost same with that of variation of water level in the field. Thus, the model is suitable to be used for future groundwater flow predictions. The groundwater flow prediction for the year 2030 was done for three scenarios and the results were presented.

Abstract:

This project involves understanding drainage system design. Urban flooding is modern day problem faced by many towns and cities when the prevailing drainage system isn’t sufficient to withstand a heavy continuous rain. Under extreme weather conditions the current drainage isn’t able to provide adequate water flow and thus leads to water logging of road pavements. A study on Kochi is done by collecting the geographical data such as road and drainage lines. Base map of the Kochi giving idea of the region under study. Existing layout of town and drainage works are collected. Next collection of data about the weather report of Kochi is done. The rainfall data and storm hydrographs are procured from IMD. A total area mapping is done by Arc GIS software giving details of the landscape including the DEM is procured. The area under study is mapped digitally giving clear details of Kochi showing the location of road, buildings, drainage works, water bodies. An urban catchment area is modelled using a hybrid modelling technique involving Arc GIS and SWMM. Using the software Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) simulations of water runoff quantity and quality in the chosen area is done. It contains a flexible set of hydraulic modeling capabilities used to route runoff and external inflows through the drainage system network of pipes, channels, storage/treatment units and diversion structures. By this, design of drainage system for Kochi is done for reducing the urban flooding. Designing and sizing of new drainage system components is done for flood control. Designing control strategies for minimizing combined sewer overflows.

Abstract:

Energy has always been a deciding factor in progress of mankind. Small hydropower projects(SHP) are emerging as a solution for sustainable, green, environment friendly and long term, cost effective source of renewable energy in India for the future. Small hydropower projects are much more advantageous than conventional medium or large hydropower projects. Small hydropower plant requires very less flow or head compared to conventional hydropower plants. Reservoir is also not required for small hydroelectric projects. Environmental and social impacts of small hydropower projects are negligible. Most mid- sized and large hydro resources in developed countries have been exploited but opportunities for additional rational utilization of small hydropower plants exist in all countries especially in the developing world. Kerala has a significant potential for small hydro power generation in the 41 west flowing and 3 east flowing rivers. Small hydropower can be used to serve remote regions. Though small hydro itself will not solve all the energy problems around the globe, through proper and careful planning and implementation involving the recipient communities, it can serve as an excellent decentralized electricity generation grid or as a secondary power generating unit, making the grid more robust.