Why We Measure River Flow in Chhattisgarh?

1. Where is Chhattisgarh?

Geographical Background

Chhattisgarh is located in the central - eastern region of India, at latitudes 17.7°N - 24.7°N and longitudes 80.1°E - 84.5°E. Geographically, the state consists of plains, plateaus, and hills. The Chota Nagpur Plateau and the Deccan Plateau cover most of Chhattisgarh and possess rolling topography, rock outcrops, and dense forest. Mahanadi River catchment dominates the hydrology of the state, and the river itself and all its numerous tributaries slicing through the landscape, folding and sculpting the landscape contours, and dominating the water resource pattern. The hill region both north and south is dotted with productive plains in the middle, and an uneven landscape provides room for various ecosystems and human endeavors.

Humanities and culture

Chhattisgarh is endowed with a rich diversified culture rooted in tribal tradition. Chhattisgarh possesses numerous aboriginal tribes such as the Gond, Baiga, and Oraon, each with a distinct language, music, art, and dance. Pandwani, which is an impromptu song sung with the accompaniment of musical instruments, and Raut Nacha, a lively dance performed during celebrations, are the classical dances which depict the cultural diversity of the state. Handicraft forms part of the culture of Chhattisgarh, with craftsmen crafting excellent objects like bell metal and bamboo crafts, wooden crafts, and handloom cloths.

The state is religiously a melange of Hinduism, tribal, and other religious ideologies. Numerous ancient temples like the Rajiv Lochan Temple at Raipur are all devoted to Hindu gods and goddesses. Tribal communities also possess religious practices and beliefs of nature worship, and local gods and sacred forests are worshiped. Hareli, the festival of harvest, and Teej, celebrated by women with a very pious spirit, bring together the societies, reflecting that the social fabric of Chhattisgarh is very close to each other.

Hydrology and Overview of River

The Mahanadi River is the lifeline of Chhattisgarh. It originates from the Sihawa hills of the state's Dhamtari district and flows eastward through extensive parts of the state in Chhattisgarh, before it empties into Odisha and further into the Bay of Bengal. Through its path, the Mahanadi is fed by a series of major tributaries, including the Seonath, Jonk, Hasdo, and Mand. These tributaries constitute the entire volume of water in the river and play a crucial role in irrigation for the state, domestic water supply, and industries.

Mahanadi River system is of highest importance to the state of Chhattisgarh. It is in the river as well as the tributaries that the fertile land of the state almost 60% depends upon for irrigation, and thus it is significant for the cultivation of crops like paddy, maize, and sugarcane. The river also provides the primary drinking water for most of the state. In addition, the Mahanadi water is utilized by most of the power industry, mining, and manufacturing industries. The river and the accompanying wetlands are ecologically diverse in plants and animals, and the river supports a myriad of species of fish, birds, and other fauna.

2. How Much is River Flow Near Chhattisgarh?

Factors Affecting

Rainfall and Runoff

Chhattisgarh is a tropical monsoon state. Most of the yearly rainfall happens during the monsoon, typically between June and September, with most of the rainfall constituting up to 80% - 90% of the total. The frequent heavy rainfall at this time generates more runoff and the Mahanadi and tributaries swell at a very fast rate. Rainfall pattern also varies drastically over space in the state, where some areas receive more heavy showers than others, which directly affects river flow regimes. River runoff reduces significantly in the arid months of October to May, and water level goes back, resulting in spasmodic shortages of water supply, more especially in the areas far from the main river courses.

Topography and River Morphology

The diverse relief of Chhattisgarh influences river course considerably. On the steeper slopes where the rivers arise, the highly sloping relief creates swift - flowing streams possessing huge erosive power, carving deep gorges and valleys. When the rivers spread on the relatively more plains, they lose velocity and the process of sedimentation occurs. Mahanadi River, for example, experiences a narrow and fast-flowing channel in the upper end. It becomes broader and broader as it flows across the plains. Meandering stream of the river in the plains influences the flow so that outer bends of the fast-flowing water erode and inner bends of the slow-flowing water deposit sediments.

Reservoir Operations

There are many dams and reservoirs constructed along the Mahanadi River and its tributaries in Chhattisgarh for the purpose of irrigation, generation of hydroelectricity, and flood control. Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River in Odisha but having significant consequences for Chhattisgarh, reservoirs store large volumes of water during monsoon. This water is subsequently released in a controlled quantity round the year for all uses. Although the dam operations do sometimes disrupt the natural flow of the rivers, affecting the downstream environment, fish migration routes, and the river-based community's livelihood pattern based on fisheries and other purposes.

Historical Hydrological Events

Chhattisgarh too has witnessed its own fair share of floods and droughts. Heavily monsoon rains in 2019 led to large-scale inundation in huge areas of the state, particularly along the river Mahanadi and its tributaries. The floods, as per information provided by the Chhattisgarh State Disaster Management Authority, had displaced thousands of individuals, ruined crops and infrastructure, and led to a disruption of normal life. Droughts, however, have also been the usual thing. In the years of below - average rainfall, the reduced river flows and ground water levels have affected farm yields, leading to crop losses and shortages in water for household use. These events need to be tracked in order to develop effective flood - control and drought - management measures to safeguard the water resources of the state and the well-being of its citizens.

3. How is the River Flow in Chhattisgarh Monitored?

Traditional Methods

Surface Drift Float Method

Surface drift float method is a minor method of measuring river flow. A float, either a wooden object or a buoy, is used on the surface of the river. The time elapsed for the float to cover a specific distance is recorded, and by dividing the distance covered with the time elapsed, the river's surface velocity is calculated. But this method provides us with surface flow data only, and forces like wind may distort the result, and thus the velocities are gauged incorrectly.

Anchored Boat Method (Staff Gauge / Current Meter)

A boat is moored at a point in the river in the anchored boat method. A current meter is then placed in the river at a number of different depths to record the velocity of the water, and the water level is recorded using a staff gauge. The river discharge can then be calculated by taking some velocity readings across the river cross-section and computing the cross-sectional area. This method offers more accurate data but is labor - intensive, time - consuming, and unsafe in rapid - flowing rivers.

ADCP Introduction: Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP)

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) is an important technological advance in the measurement of river flow. Unlike the traditional approaches, ADCP current profiler is a non - invasive method that uses sound waves to monitor water velocity at different levels. It can create continuous river flow profiles from bed to surface within a short time, which is highly appropriate for observation of the complex and variable river flows in Chhattisgarh. It provides more comprehensive and accurate data collection, which is inevitable for proper water resource management in the state.

4. How Does ADCP Function on the Basis of the Doppler Principle?

ADCPTM operates on the basis of the Doppler principle. It emits sound waves of a specific frequency into the water. Upon striking moving particles in the water, such as sediment, plankton, or water molecules, the frequency of returning sound waves is altered. Since the particles are approaching the ADCP when the frequency of the oncoming waves is greater, and when they are moving away from it, the frequency is less. By precisely measuring the shift in frequency (the Doppler shift), the ADCP can calculate the velocity of the water at various levels. Several transducers in the ADCP current meter sense velocities at different directions so that from them, one can obtain the three-dimensional river flow structure, which is very helpful in understanding the flow properties of the river.

5. What is Needed for High-Quality Measurement of River Flow in Chhattisgarh?

Equipment Requirements

To provide appropriate ADCP measurements of the rivers of Chhattisgarh, there are some characteristics of the equipment required. Because of potential sediment presence, variability in water chemistry, and occasionally tough environments, long material life is desirable. Resistant ADCPs made of stainless steel or titanium would be welcomed in an effort to ensure long-term performance. Compact and light structure is also desirable because it ensures easy deployment and transportation, especially to remote or inaccessible locations. It is cost-effective since it enables one to implement the technology extensively for mass observation of the rivers across the state.

6. How to Choose the Appropriate Current Measurement Instrument?

Method of Deployment

• Ship - Borne (Moving Boat) ADCP: Appropriately used for conducting extensive river surveys, measuring discharge over long distances, and rapidly mapping river flow patterns. Can map large portions of rivers in Chhattisgarh as the boat is moved and provide an elaborate overview of the flow patterns.
• Bottom - Fixed ADCP: Specially suited for long - term monitoring over a period, a bottom - mounted ADCP can be fixed on the bed of a river to collect data for prolonged periods. This helps in understanding long - term flow trends, seasonal variations, and the impact of varied influences on the river's flow.
• Cable - Way ADCP: In river reaches where cable - way facilities are available, a cable - way ADCP can be suspended and traveled over the river to sample flow at more than one point. It is beneficial in areas where boat - based surveys would be difficult, e.g., in shallow or narrow river reaches.

Working Frequency

• 600 kHz ADCP: A 600 kHz ADCP offers the best range-resolution combination, with a capacity for measuring a horizontal range of 70 meters. It is suitable for the majority of Chhattisgarh river reaches, providing accurate values of the flow parameters.
• 300 kHz ADCP: More in the range of 110 meters, a 300 kHz ADCP is more suitable for deeper and broader sections of the rivers like sections of the Mahanadi River.

Recommended Brands

Popular worldwide ADCP manufacturers are Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and SonTek, known for their high - quality, dependable instruments employed in numerous hydrological studies and monitoring campaigns. As a budget-friendly alternative, the ADCP supplier Chinese brand’s "China Sonar Panda ADCP" is a great option. Made from all-titanium alloy, it boasts better durability and reliability, making it more than capable of withstanding the rigorous river condition in and around Jammu. As an "affordable ADCP", it provides high-class performance at a low cost. Find out more at https://china-sonar.com/.

Here is a table with some well known ADCP instrument brands and models.