Diversion Tunnel of Hydropower Projects for Sediment Management

Power potential of Himalayan Rivers is being harnessed with a great effect for last many decades and will be continued in future also. The major problem with these rivers is the enormous amount of sediment they carry with them due to steep slopes and fragile geology. The suspended part of sediment load finds its way into the water conductor system through power intake causing damage to turbines and other underwater parts in the power house. The use of diversion tunnel to deal with this problem is discussed in this paper with the help of a case study conducted at Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune.