Search

The paper develops a new methodology and RESOOSE model for optimizing operation of multiple reservoirs considering sediment evacuation for multiple objectives consisting of maximization of irrigation, hydropower, storage conservation and minimization of flood damages. The optimization and sediment evacuation modules of the model are based on Genetic Algorithm and Tsinghua equation respectively. According to the criteria developed for selection of reservoirs, three reservoirs on Indus River of Pakistan have been selected. The model has been calibrated and validated for Tarbela and Chashma Reservoirs. The calibrated model has been applied to Diamer Basha (proposed) and Tarbela Reservoirs. Eight scenarios comprising of combined and individual objectives were developed. The optimized results of different scenarios have been compared with existing rule curves. The optimization results reveal that objective function for hydropower, irrigation, and storage conservation benefits would be enhanced by 11, 13 and 84 % respectively while flood damages would reduce by 80 %. Similarly the optimized rule curves will increase the benefits up to 579, 960, 533 and 648 million US$ per year (on 2012 prices) for all the four components respectively. The maximum value of US$ 977 million per year has been found for the scenario 5 which gives equal priority weight to all the four sectors. The developed model can be applied to other two reservoirs (in series) for optimization of rule curves.

Increasing world population requires that crop production from irrigated areas needs to be enhanced by as much as 40% by the year 2025. This necessitates that the canal water management system be revisited and possible improvements suggested and implemented. The daily reference evapotranspiration for the Upper Chenab Canal (UCC) is estimated using the Penmann–Monteith equation 2000. Meteorological data of Sialkot station has been employed on a daily basis for a period of 8 years (1999–2006). The crop water requirements have been estimated using reference evapotranspiration, crop coefficients and cropping periods for different crops cultivated according to existing cropping pattern. Crop staggering has also been incorporated into the study. The comparison of actual canal water supplies and crop water requirements indicated an annual shortage of more than 40%, which may reduce slightly if allocated water supplies according to the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 can be ensured. The maximum deficit is 320 m 3 s � 1 and occurs in the month of August. This shortfall is normally met by pumping lowquality groundwater, which is increasing secondary salinity in the area. Possible options for better water management in the UCC command area to optimize crop yields are presented, and it is recommended to look into demand side management including canal lining and on-farm water management practices. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.