NEPAL COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(Affiliated to Pokhara University)

Balkumari, Lalitpur

A
Report

On
Hydropower Project -PUWA KHOLA 1, Ilam
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TO FULFILL MINOR
PROJECT I REQUIREMENTS
Submitted By: Supervisor:
Ayush Shrestha (161802) Name: Er. Gajendra Bhatta
Ajay Shrestha (161803)
Anurag Joshi (161806) Submitted To:
Rajat Bastola (161831) Department of Civil Engineering
Sachet Parajuli (161837)
Sidhant Gurung (161841)

February 2019

Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
Acknowledgement:..........................................................................................................................2
Introduction:.....................................................................................................................................2
Salient Features:...............................................................................................................................2
Objectives.........................................................................................................................................2
Methodology:...................................................................................................................................2
Components of PKHP:.....................................................................................................................2
1. Diversion Weir and Intake:......................................................................................................2
Headworks:...............................................................................................................................2
Intake:.......................................................................................................................................2
2. Settling Basin and Gravel trap:.................................................................................................2
3. Headrace:..................................................................................................................................2
4. Surge Tank or Forebay:............................................................................................................2
5. Penstock:...................................................................................................................................2
6. Turbine:....................................................................................................................................2
7. Tailrace:....................................................................................................................................2
Result/Discussion:............................................................................................................................2
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................2
References:.......................................................................................................................................2
Abstract
PKHP has concluded its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Nepal Electricity Authority
(NEA) on 9-Magh, 2070 B. S. (January 23, 2014) for the power potential of 4 MW. Based on the
updated feasibility study report (UFSR), the design discharge of the project is 4.5 m3/s at 40% of
exceedance flow. A 35 m long and 8.3 m high trapezoidal shaped diversion weir has been
constructed to divert the design discharge of 4.5 m3/s. The diverted flow passes through three
numbers of intake (1.7 m x 1.3 m each) constructed on the right bank and is conveyed by a 22 m
long approach canal to the two chambered settling basin (65 m long x 4 m wide x 4.6 m deep
each). From the desander, headrace pipe with 1.6 m dia, 6 mm thickness and 3255 m length
conveys water to a simple rectangular surge tank of dimension 5 m x 5 m and 15.4 m height.
After the surge tank, a 1.6 m dia., 8 mm to 14 mm thick and 403 m long penstock carries the
discharge to hit two units of horizontal axis Francis turbines accommodated in a 30 m x 20 m x 9
m (L x B x H) surface powerhouse. The design discharge of 4.5 m3/s has 40% probability of time
exceedance and gross head is 117 m. With the design discharge and the head, an installed
capacity of 4 MW can be achieved thereafter, the water will be discharged back to Puwa Khola
via a 100 m long tailrace canal of width 2.4 m and height 1.9 m. According to the salient features
included in the PPA, the power is evacuated by 6 km long, 33 kV single circuit transmission line
to Godak substation in Ilam district.

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Acknowledgement:
We would like to express our gratitude to the HoD of Civil Engineering at NCIT, Er. Dev Raj
Joshi for providing us this opportunity to work on various projects. We are also grateful to Er.
Gajendra Bhatta for his kind support and motivation in carrying out this case study. Without his
invaluable help we would not have been able to complete this task.

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Introduction:
Puwa Khola-1 Hydropower Project (PKHP) is a Run-of-River (RoR) type project located in
Barbote and Shanti Dada Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Ilam district, Mechi zone,
Eastern Development Region, Nepal. PKHP is being developed by Puwa Khola One Hydropower
Pvt. Ltd. The Developer has completed the Feasibility Study (FS) for the installed capacity of 5
MW on May 2009. Further, the feasibility study was updated on May 2014 downgrading the
installed capacity from 5 MW to 4 MW and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed for
the 4 MW installed capacity. Based on the updated feasibility study report (UFSR), the
Headworks lies in right bank of Puwa Khola about 100 m downstream from the confluence of
Puwa and Jhutre Khola. Desander and initial stretch of headrace pipe lies along the right bank
while the major part of headrace pipe, surge tank, penstock and powerhouse have been
constructed in the left bank. Geographically, the project area is located within the latitude
26°55’02” N to 26°56’58” N and longitude 87°53’46” E to 87°55’00” E (amended coordinates as
per the letter of DoED dated 16 Bhadra 2071). Physiographically, the project area belongs to the
Higher Himalayan region and lies between altitudes of about 900 m amsl to 1000 m amsl.
The project area can be accessed from Kathmandu-Charali, Jhapa in the East-West highway from
where Mechi highway leads up to Chureghati, Ilam. The road distance from Kathmandu to
Chureghati via east west highway is about 685 km. From Chureghati, about 4 km earthen road
connects the project’s site office. The existing road needs to be upgraded and extended to join the
proposed headworks (about 100 m) and the powerhouse site (80 m). Also, access road needs to
be constructed in parallel to the headrace pipe alignment joining the head works and the
powerhouse area (about 4 km) for the ease of construction work.
The headwork’s area lies in the alluvial terrace deposit. The pipe alignment has to pass through
mostly alluvium, colluvial deposit with gentle to moderate slope and about 1.5 km of length
through rock terrain and forest area with steep slope. The major rock types in the area are
quartzite and gneiss. The pipe alignment has to cross Puwa Khola and five Kholsis. The surge
tank area lies in the moderate to steep slope comprising of colluvial deposit. The penstock passes
through moderate to gentle slope comprising of colluvial deposit in most of the area. Powerhouse
area comprises alluvial deposit and boulder zone. The powerhouse foundation may encounter
bedrock at about 4 m depth of excavation which comprises of banded gneiss.

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Salient Features:
Owner Name Puwa Khola-1 Hydropower Pvt. Ltd
Project Name Puwa Khola-1 Hydropower Project
Latitude: 260 56′ 58″N to 260 55′ 02″ N
Longitude: 870 53′ 46″E to 870 55′ 00 “E
VDC: Shanti Danda and Barbote VDCs
District / Development Region: Ilam, Eastern Development Region
Type of power plant: Run off the River (RoR)
Generation Power 4 MW
Total Head 108.09m
Catchment area at intake site 95.00 km2
Long term annual average flow 7.92 m3/s
Design Discharge 4.50 m3/s
Type of weir Permanent concrete weir
Shape of weir Trapezoidal
Intake no. and Type 3 numbers (Side Intake)
Canal Type Rectangular RCC Channel
Type of settling basin RCC Dufore
Headrace Pipe length 3254.48 m
Penstock Length 403.00 m
Surge Pipe Length 30.00 m
Turbine Type Francis (Horizontal Axis)
No of generator units Two
Turbine Rated capacity 2 MW + 10% COL
Length of Tailrace canal 113.00 m
Type of Circuit Single circuit line
Transmission Voltage 33.00 kV
Conductor ACSR (DOG)
Length Arial distance 7 Km Approx.
Type of switch yard Indoor panel, control room, Two pole
Power system 33.00 kV s/s (single circuit) at Ilam
Transformer
No of Transformers One
Type Three phase, ONAN with OLTC
Rated Capacity 5200 kVA
Frequency 50 Hz
Generator
Type Synchronous with brushless excitation
No of Units Two
Rated Speed 1000 rpm
Rated Capacity 2000 KW + 10% COL
Rated Efficiency 95.5%
Power factor 0.85
Frequency 50HZ
Generation voltage 6.6kV
Construction Period 480 man-days (16-Months)

Objectives
 To study the efficiency, effectiveness, impact, relevance, sustainability of Puwa Khola-1
Hydropower Project (PKHP)
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  To study the present condition of PKHP.
 To study about the overall processes that takes place in this hydropower.
 To study about different engineering structures present in PKHP.

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Methodology:
In this project Case Study method was adopted in preparing this report. All the data used herein
the report are secondary data collected from various sources. We analyzed the data from various
sources and studied about different structures present in the hydropower along with their
specifications.
Hydropower Generation Process:

For a run-of-the-river system to be possible in a given location, there needs to be two specific
geographical features. The first is there must be a reasonably substantial flow rate, either from
rainfall or a melting snowpack. In addition, there must be enough of a tilt to the river to speed the
water up significantly. Therefore, run-of-the-river systems are best implemented in bodies of
water with a fairly constant flow rate. If they are built in locations where flow rate is fairly low
for a period of time and then peaks dramatically, there will be a large amount of "wasted" water
during the peak flow periods as the excess water falls through the spillways. This is because
these systems are built to accommodate the lowest flow rate—thus, not be able to handle
significantly larger flow rates.
In run-of-the-river systems, running water from a river is guided down a channel or penstock.
There can be some change in altitude at this point (from a small dam or the natural landscape) so
there may still be some contribution from "falling water." The diverted water is brought to an
electricity generating house. In this house, the running water drives a turbine, running a generator
and generating electricity. After being used, water is fed to the river downstream.

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Components of PKHP:
1. Diversion Weir and Intake:
Weir is a low obstruction that is built across a river or canal to raise the water level, or in parallel
to divert the water. Two types of weirs are used to control flow; an in-stream weir and a
diversion weir.
A weir can be used to raise the water level and ensure a constant supply to the intake. Sometimes
it is possible to avoid building a weir by using natural features of the river. A permanent pool in
de river may provide the same function as a weir. The intake of a hydro scheme is designed to
divert a certain part of the river flow. This part can go up to 100 % as the total flow of the river is
diverted via the hydro installation.
The following points are required for an intake:
 the desired flow must be diverted,
 the peak flow of the river must be able to pass the intake and weir without causing
damage to them,
 as less as possible maintenance and repairs,
 it must prevent large quantities of loose material from entering the channel,
 it must have the possibility to remove piled up sediment.
Headworks:
The proposed headworks area lies at moderately wide and flat area at about 100 m downstream
from the Puwa and Jhutre Khola confluence. The proposed weir is comprised of exposed bedrock
in the right bank and alluvial deposit in the left bank. The right bank is steeper than left bank hill
slope.
The intake structure has been proposed in the bedrock in the right bank which collects the design
discharge to convey to the settling basin via 22 m long approach canal. The intake and gravel trap
requires rock cutting. The approach canal (canal between gravel trap and settling basin), settling
basin and headrace canal are proposed along the cultivable land. A flat cultivated land consisting
colluvial deposit is selected for settling basin. The selected site is suitable for the settling basin
construction. A 35 m long proposed diversion weir is proposed in the alluvial deposit. The rock-
outcrops are exposed at the uphill of both bank and about 2 to 3 m upstream of weir at bottom
part along left bank. The right bank area comprises steep slope resembling resistive rock.
The exposed rock comprises fine-grained, creamy white coloured, slightly weathered, medium
strong to very strong, thinly foliated quartzite with parallel lamination. The lenses of quartz are
common in the area along the joint. The exposed rock upstream of weir indicates possibility of
bed rock along the weir as well.
The alluvial terrace deposit is unconsolidated permeable material predominantly comprises light
grey coloured, gritty, very coarse-grained, angular to sub-rounded, loose with low dry strength
boulder, gravel mixed with silt clay. The soil is poorly graded boulders having gravel mixture
with fines. The boulders size ranges from 20 cm to 2 m in the area.

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Intake:
The proposed intake will be built partially in river terrace (alluvial) deposit (on flat land) and
exposed bedrock along hill-slope. The exposed rock comprises creamy white coloured, fine-
grained, thickly to massive foliated quartzite. Most of the slope is covered with vegetation. The
fresh rock mass strength is strong to very strong while weathered rock mass is weak. It is
recommended to shift the intake slightly towards hill side such that the foundation of proposed
intake shall embed in bed rock. The upstream exposed bedrock checks the velocity of the
sediment forming point-bar deposit along its immediate downstream. Thus, forming river terrace
where intake, gravel trap and settling basin area has been proposed be constructed. The alluvial
terrace is unconsolidated material predominantly composed of boulder to gravely-sand deposit.
The soil is light grey, very coarse-grained, loose with fines deposited by adjoining river. The size
of the boulder ranges from 20 cm to 2 m.
Major issues in head works are:
 Left bank of proposed weir comprises thick loose alluvial deposit
 Dislodge rock mass were observed at the uphill side of proposed weir
 Huge boulder of quartzite and gneiss in settling basin and gravel trap
From these points follow that the positioning and shape of the weir and intake are very important.
In PKHP, the specifications of Intake and Weir are as follows:
Diversion weir
Type Permanent concrete weir
Shape Trapezoidal
Crest level 944.00 amsl
Length 35.00 m
Height 8.30 m from the foundation
Crest Width 2.00m
Base Width 18.90m

Under sluice
Length
Width 3.00 m
Height 2.50 m
Slope 1 in 40

Intake
Intake Type 3 numbers (Side Intake)
Size opening 1.70 m X 1.30m (Clear opening)
Intake Canal Length 1.70 m X 1.30m (Clear opening)
Intake Canal Length 22.00 m

2. Settling Basin and Gravel trap:

The water drawn from the river and fed to the turbine will usually carry a suspension of small
particles. This sediment will be composed of hard abrasive materials such as sand which can
cause expensive damage and rapid wear to turbine runners. To remove this material the water
flow must be slowed down in settling basins so that the silt particles will settle on the basin floor.
The deposit formed is then periodically flushed away.
From the size of the smallest particle allowed into the penstock the maximum speed of the water
in the settling basin can be calculated as the slower the water flows the lower the carrying
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capacity of the water for particles. The water speed in the settling basin can be slowed down by
increasing the cross section area of the channel. For each maximum size of the particles the
optimum size of the settling tank can be calculated.
In PKHP the proposed gravel trap and settling basin area lies at the right bank along the river
terrace deposit. The right bank slope comprises of small talus deposit, which is covered by
vegetation. The terrace deposit comprises unconsolidated material predominantly composed of
boulder to gravely-sand deposit. The soil is dark grey colored, coarse-grained, loose gravel with
fines deposited by adjoining river. The size of the boulder ranges from 20 cm to 2 m which are of
quartzite and gneiss.
The specifications of PKHP Settling basin and Gravel trap are as follows:
Gravel Trap with Flushing Canal
Canal Type Rectangular RCC Channel
Length 4.00 m (excluding transition length)
Width 6.70 m
Height 2.20 m
Flushing Canal Length 69 m
Approach Canal
Length 22.00 m
Width 2.00 m
Height 1.80 m

Settling basin
Type RCC Dufore
No of bays 2.00 nos.
Nominal size of trapped particle 0.20 mm
Trap Efficiency 90.00%
Length 65.00 m
Transition depth 4.60 m
Gate Height 5.80 m
Invert slope 1:50
Width 8.00 m
Normal operating level 944 masl

3. Headrace:
It starts from the end of the settling basin and the initial stretch of about 160 m lies in the flat
cultivated terrace in the right bank of the Puwa Khola. After that it crosses Puwa Khola and rest
of the total of 3255 m long pipe lies in the left bank. Most of the alignment is buried and passes
through the cultivated land. It crosses five major Kholsis and several minor Kholsis. Saddle
supports have been proposed on the exposed part to support the pipe.
The proposed headrace pipe alignment crosses numbers of Kholsis, alluvium, colluviums deposit,
spurs, valleys and even Puwa Khola in one section.
Settling basin to Puwa Khola Crossing
Alignment starts from the end of settling basin passing along the right bank of Puwa Khola and
bend at CH 0+290 which lies in the Shanti Dada VDC ward no.9 immediate downstream to the
newly constructed suspension bridge at Puwa Khola. The right bank comprises flat to very gentle
slope. The most of alignment passes along the alluvium deposit comprising boulders, pebbles,
cobbles on matrix of sand and silt. This is an old terrace buried with thin cover of slope wash-out
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materials. The area was considered as loose and fragile ground, which could be eroded during
flooding.
The proposed headrace alignment crosses Puwa Khola in between bend 1 and 2, comprising in
the alluvium deposit at the downstream of newly constructed suspension bridge of Barbote and
Shanti Dada VDC. The deposit is recent alluvium.
Puwa Khola crossing to Simle Kholsi
The first stretch from the crossing comprises alluvial deposit, which is a flood plain deposit. The
rock mass comprising creamy white colored, fine-grained, thickly foliated and weathered rock of
quartzite was encountered at the steep slope from CH 580 to CH 600. Numbers of bends were
proposed until the Simle Kholsi crossing, which comprises alluvial terrace deposit. The stretch is
covered with loamy soil, which was cultivated.
Headrace pipe alignment crosses the Simle Kholsi at CH 1+400 which is the geological boundary
between quartzite and gneiss. Morphology of the Kholsi comprises V-shape valley with stable
steep (75-80o C) slope. Grey, fine to coarse-grained, thick to massively foliated,
Simle Kholsi crossing to surge tank
The headrace pipe alignment from Simle Kholsi to the surge tank has to cross number of Kholsi
and spurs. Minor discharge was noticed in the most of Kholsi and slope of all Kholsi were stable
comprising banded gneiss. The landform mostly comprises thin deposit of colluviums along the
slope, which is covered by vegetation. Most of slope along the alignment seems stable beside few
minor instability due to wet land. Debris deposits of different kholsi comprising of boulder,
gravel, and sand with silty clay. The soil is light grey to dark grey coloured, gritty, very coarse-
grained, angular to sub-rounded, loose with low dry strength.
The colluvial deposits comprises of gritty, dense, sticky, medium to stiff, silty gravel with clay
mixed with boulders which are angular in shape. The soils in these area are mainly light grey to
dark grey coloured, moist to saturated clayey to sandy silt with relatively high percentage of
organic matter in the uppermost part and there may comprise bedrock at depth of about 50 cm to
2 m (estimation). Most of the pipe alignment has to pass along the moderate to steep slope, which
comprises forest land and rocky terrain.
Toribari is a major Kholsi in the alignment and rocks are well exposed in and around the area.
The alignment passes through overhang rocky outcrop toward surge tank from the Kholsi. The
area comprises of intercalation of quartzite and gneiss covered with thin sheet of colluviums and
vegetation. Colluvial deposit comprises of light brownish red colored silt clay with some small
angular rock fragments. Some slope failures are also encountered in this section.
Finally the headrace pipe alignment is connected with surge tank that is proposed in rock
outcrops. This stretch is stable as it is comprises rock outcrops with very thin colluvial deposits.
On surface, sparse vegetation is present. This section consists of grey to dark grey, slightly to
moderately weathered, medium to thick foliated, medium to coarse- grained banded gneiss.

4. Surge Tank or Forebay:

The surge chamber will be made at the downstream end of headrace Pipe. Both Electrical
Resistivity Tomography and test pitting has been done to know more on the ground condition of
this area. The test pitting, a direct method to observe the below ground material has shown that
the proposed location is occupied by thin to medium foliated, slightly to moderately weathered

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quartzite rock. Only about 0.5 to 5m top layer is loose colluvial deposit in that area. Thus, after
removing this top soil the surge chamber can be housed in the rock mass.
The proposed Surge Tank area comprises thin colluviums deposit (1-3 m estimation) above the
bed rock of gneiss interaction with quartzite with gentle to moderate slope (about 20º – 35º). The
colluvial soil is brownish grey colored, moist, silty clayey and rock fragments of quartzite and
gneiss with relatively high percentage of organic matter in the uppermost part which is used for
cultivation. The estimated thickness of the soil is about 5 m.

5. Penstock:
The penstock is the pipe which conveys water under pressure from the forebay tank to the
turbine. The penstock often constitutes a major expense in the total micro hydro budget, as much
as 40 % is not uncommon in high head installations, and it is therefore worthwhile optimizing the
design. The trade-off is between head loss and capital cost. Head loss due to friction in the pipe
decrease dramatically with increasing pipe diameter. Conversely, pipe costs increase steeply with
diameter. Therefore, a compromise between cost and performance is required.
The design philosophy is first to identify available pipe options, then to select a target head loss,
5 % of the gross head being a good starting point. The details of the pipes with losses close to
this target are then tabulated and compared for cost effectiveness. A smaller penstock may save
on capital costs, but the extra head loss may account for lost revenue from generated electricity
each year.
In PKHP the penstock alignment proposed along the left bank slope of the Puwa Khola-One will
be located partly on boulder and partly on colluvial soil. The purpose penstock alignment can be
divided into two sections on the basis of geological and geomorphologic condition.
First half section of the penstock lies in the moderate slope (around 30-45º) cover with thin sheet
of colluvium deposit and fragment rock of quartzite. Deposit is brownish gray in color of silty
clayey, moist. Rock may encounter at about 1-3 m depth of excavation.
Second half section of penstock pipe lies in the gentle slope (20-30º), comprises of about 1-3 m
thick colluvial deposit. The colluvial deposit comprises light grey to brownish colored, moist
clayey to sandy silt with relatively high percentage of organic matter in the uppermost part. The
saddles of penstock lie in the spurs of colluviums deposit on the cultivated land. The Y- section
of the penstock lies in the alluvium colluviums deposit comprising large size boulder of gneiss
and quartzite.
The specifications of penstock of PKHP are as follows:
Headrace Pipe length 3254.48 m
Penstock Length 403.00 m
Surge Pipe Length 30.00 m
Bifurcation Length 4.40 m
Diameter 1.60 m
Maximum shell thickness 6.00 mm to 14.00 mm

6. Turbine:
A turbine converts energy in the form of falling water into rotating shaft power. The selection of
the best turbine for any particular hydro site depends on the site characteristics, the dominant
ones being the head and flow available. Selection also depends on the desired running speed of
the generator or other device loading the turbine. Other considerations such as whether the

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turbine is expected to produce power under part-flow conditions, also play an important role in
the selection. All turbines have a power-speed characteristic. They will tend to run most
efficiently at a particular speed, head and flow combination.

A turbine design speed is largely determined by the head under which it operates. Turbines can
be classified as high head, medium head or low head machines. Turbines are also divided by their
principle way of operating and can be either impulse or reaction turbines. 

  high head medium head low head

impulse Pelton cross-flow cross-flow
turbines
Turgo multi-jet Pelton

Turgo
reaction   Francis propeller
turbines
Kaplan

The rotating element (called `runner') of a reaction turbine is fully immersed in water and is
enclosed in a pressure casing. The runner blades are profiled so that pressure differences across
them impose lift forces, like those on aircraft wings, which cause the runner to rotate rotating the
generator and producing electricity.

Powerhouse and tailrace canal are proposed along the plain of Puwa Khola upstream of the
confluence of Sarki Kholsi and Puwa Khola. Thus, flood protection wall extended in the
upstream side as well so as to protect structures from the possible threat of flood. The proposed
tailrace passes along the cut bank of alluvium deposit just upstream from the confluence between
Puwa Khola and Sarki Kholsi.

The proposed powerhouse lies at the left bank of Puwa Khola at the cut bank. It will be founded
on the flat and old alluvial terrace (it is mentioned as colluvial in the provided report). The flat
terrace comprises scattered huge (ranging from 1-4 m) angular to sub rounded boulder of gneiss
and quartzite. The deposits composed of boulders with sands and silt matrix. The thickness of
alluvial deposits at the area of the powerhouse foundation is expected to be 5-6 m. The rock mass
in the area are exposed in both banks and along the channel, which are light to dark grey colored,
thinly to thickly foliated, fine grained, slightly to moderately weathered, weak to strong rock
mass of gneiss. Three set of discontinuities are present which are tight. Attitude of foliation plane
in the area is 160º/35º.

In PKHP Francis turbine is used. Francis turbines can either be volute-cased or open-flume
machines. The spiral casing is tapered to distribute water uniformly around the entire perimeter
of the runner and the guide vanes feed the water into the runner at the correct angle. The runner
blades are profiled in a complex manner and direct the water so that it exits axially from centre of
the runner. In doing so the water imparts most of its pressure energy to the runner before leaving
the turbine via a draft tube.
The Francis turbine is generally fitted with adjustable guide vanes. These regulate the water flow
as it enters the runner and are usually linked to a governing system which matches flow to
turbine loading in the same way as a spear valve or deflector plate in a Pelton turbine. When the
flow is reduced the efficiency of the turbine falls away.

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The specification of Turbine used in PKHP are as follows:
Type Francis (Horizontal Axis)
No of generator units Two
Turbine Rated capacity 2 MW + 10% COL
Turbine Discharge 2.25 m3/s per unit @ design dischrge
Speed Governor Electro-Hydraulic
Runner speed 1000 rpm

7. Tailrace:
Tailrace is generally an open channel made up of reinforced concrete to carry water. It can also
be a pipeline. Its function is to carry away the water discharged from turbine after power is
produced from the water. Even after discharging from turbine water has kinetic energy. Tailrace
can be used to guide this water away from dam for irrigation purpose to a canal or some other
activity where this water is needed.
The function of tailrace is to discharge water after it has been used to produce energy in the
hydropower plant. It generally guides the water away from the plant to any water body or to
fields or other open channels. There will be a wide difference in head between
the reservoir and tailrace, and this potential energy difference is utilized by the turbines to
produce (kinetic>electrical) energy.
In PKHP the proposed tailrace passes along the cut bank of alluvium deposit end just upstream
from the confluence between Puwa Khola and small stream flowing from left side. The outlet is
just upstream from the confluence along the start of point bar deposit. The area comprises of
huge boulders zone covering river terrace deposit like sand (less) gravelly material mixed with
fines. Rock mass of gneiss is exposed to the river side at tailrace.
The length of Tailrace canal in PKHP is 113.00 m.

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Result/Discussion:
PKHP is a micro hydro project having a total capacity of 4MW. It started its regular operation
from 2016. It is generally accepted that Run off the River(RoR) hydropowers are more
sustainable than reservoir type of hydropower projects. Hence it is more effective and sustainable
type of hydropower. It has an immense impact in socio economic sector of the local community
as well as has provided with numerous infrastructures to the local community.
Presently the hydropower is in good condition operating regularly interrupted only between
regular mentainance. It consists of the following major components:
 Diversion Weir and Intake
 Settling Basin and Gravel trap
 Headrace
 Surge chamber or Forebay
 Penstock
 Turbine
 Tailrace
The generated electricity is evacuated by 6 km long, 33 kV single circuit transmission line to
National Grid, Godak substation in Ilam district.

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Conclusion:
PKHP is a micro hydro project having a total capacity of 4MW. It is situated in Illam district of
Nepal. Although not a major hydropower project it adds to the total power generation of the
country and is one of the eight microhydro projects situated around Illam district. Its construction
period was 16 months and its construction was funded by various commercial banks of Nepal
like Siddhartha Bank Ltd. and Asian Development Bank. Its construction has not only increased
the total power capacity of the country but has also aided in the development of various
infrastructures like road and electricity to the local community because during its construction 4
km access road from Chureghati to Puwa khola was rehabilitated. The local community has
benefited immensely from the construction of this hydropower because prior to its construction
there was no provision of electricity in the local community. Its construction used local
manpower and labors according to their qualification and capabilities. Construction of such small
hydropower in Nepal plays a crucial role in eliminating the power crisis prevalent in our country.

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References:
 B. C. Punmia (1969). Irrigation and Water Power Engineering. Laxmi Publications, New
Delhi
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