INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ROORKEE

Types, Selection Criteria, Layout Planning and Hydraulic Design

of Various Fish Movement Structures

ARUN KUMAR Ph.D.

Professor Alternate Hydro Energy Centre,
Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
aheciitr.ak@gmail.com, akumafah@iitr.ac.in
 INTRODUCTION
• Fishes require different environments for the main phases of their life
cycle which are reproduction, production of juveniles, growth and
sexual maturation.

• Fishes move both upstream and downstream depending upon the

seasonal variations or the phase of their life cycle or the food
requirements.

• The construction of dams, barrages, weirs, or navigation locks for

various uses on a river block or delay fish migration.

• Thus in order to keep the fish migration intact, fish passes are installed
on the obstructing hydraulic structures.
• Impoundments of river flows by dams, barrages, weirs, or navigation locks have drastic effect by exposing
fish to intensive predation, to nitrogen supersaturation and several other hazards such as exposure to
disease organisms and parasites.

• Variable flow regime resulting from operation of hydroelectric power-dams can have significant
consequences for fish fauna. The fluctuations of water-level and velocities due to power demand could
have disastrous effects on fish: spawning behavior could be inhibited, juveniles could be swept downstream
by high flows, and sudden reductions in flow could leave eggs or juveniles stranded.

• Dams or reservoirs can modify thermal and chemical characteristics of river water. Water temperature
changes have often been identified as a cause of reduction in native species, particularly as a result of
spawning success. Water-chemistry changes can also be significant for fish.

• Thus, in order to cope up with the factors cited above, there is an urgent need for better biological
information (e.g. migration period, swimming capacity, migratory behaviour) and to do fish passage
research (upstream and downstream) for the native species.
 FISH PASSES
• Fish pass is a hydraulic structure which is generally built on or around on obstructions
like dams, barrages, weirs, or navigation locks in order to facilitate the natural migration
of the fishes.
• Fishways consists of a series of small steps on which the water flows so that the fishes
can swim and pass around the obstruction.
• The working principle of a fishway is attraction of the migrating species to a particular
location in the river which is on the downstream side of the obstruction and then
enables them to pass upstream.

Fishway at Barrage on
Columbia River
 Early Development of Fish Passage

Augusta Canal Lock and Dam Fishway,

Savannah River, Georgia- South Carolina, 1886.

View of Augusta Dam depicting alteration of

upstream and downstream habitat, 1899.
 Aquatic Fauna
• Fishes require different environments for the main phases
of their life cycle which are reproduction, production of
juveniles, growth and maturation.
• Fishes move both upstream and downstream depending
upon the seasonal variations or the phase of their life
cycle or the food requirements.
• The construction of dams, barrages, weirs, or navigation
locks for various uses on a river block or delay fish
migration.
• Thus in order to keep the fish migration intact, there is an
urgent need for better biological information and to do
fish passage research.
 CLASSIFICATION OF FISHES
Potamodromous:
Entire life cycle
within fresh waters
only.
Anadromous:
Classification of Eg. Salmon
the fish species : • Spawning in
Diadromous:
According to fresh water
Life cycle takes partly
their life cycle in • Growing in sea
in fresh water and
water of water.
partly in marine water
different Catadromous:
for breeding.
salinities. Eg. Eel
• Spawning in the
sea.
• Growing in fresh
Amphidromous:
water.
Life cycle takes
partly in fresh water
and partly in marine
water for feeding/
refuge.
Relevant body dimensions and proportions of fish of different body shapes
Relevant body dimensions of fish

A 70 cm long eel passes a 20 mm-screen

 Adaptation of body form

Adaptations of body forms of fish to different flow velocities

SPEEDS AND DISTANCES OF MIGRATING FISH
Darting swimming speed –
maximum speed a fish can
achieve can be 10 to 12 Lfish/s.

Sustained speed – performance

capabilities of a fish reduces
steady speed can be upto 200
minutes. 40 to 50% of darting
speed.

Curising speed – normal

swimming speed can be 2 Lfish/s
Annual Migration

Downstream
 Temperature
Different Species spawns at different temperature

• Brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) - below 5 oC

• Nase (Chondrostoma nasus) - above 8 oC
• Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) - above 11 oC
• Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Tench (Tinca tinca) -above 20 oC
• Salmon - above 10 oC
Changes in flow characteristics in a river at different discharge conditions
(a) at low water level: slow velocities; the water flows round obstacles
(b) at high water level: high velocities; the water flows over obstacles
Conceptualised
Food Web Of
The Ganga
River
 FISHES OF THE GANGA RIVER
 Ganga river supports a large number of endemic and exotic species of fishes. Vass et al. (2008)
reported the presence of 218 species in inland fresh waters and waters of Hooghly estuary

 The compilation of records from other reports, research papers and dissertations and theses of
academic institutes add up to 358

Categories Species Genus Families

(a) No. of fish from fresh water (UG-1 to LG-3) 189 80 28
(b) No. of fish from brackish waters (LG-4) 156 119 67

(c) Common fin fishes (Chondriichthys) 13 9 7

Total 358 208 102*
 Exotic Fishes Hooghly Estuary Fishes

Major Carps Cat Fishes

 Fishes In The Upper Ganga
 The sub stretch Gangotri to Gangnani is no Fish zone
 The river continuum is disturbed between Gangnani and Devprayag due to multiple
hydroelectric projects.
 The reach between Gangnani to Devprayag is inhabited by carps. The most typical being
Trouts, Schizothorax (7sp) and Schizothoraichthys (2sp). Other fishes reported are Garra
(3sp), Barillius, Nemachilus, Pseudecheneis sulcatus, Glyptothorax
 From Devprayag to Haridwar a few species of Mahaseer (Tor tor, T. putitora), a few
catfishes and Clupeoides make their appearance. Mahaseer (Tor sp) is the most
characteristic species of the reach
Families UG-2 UG-3 Ganga River at Maneri Bhali I
(Gangnani-DevPrayag) (DevPrayag-Haridwar)
Cyprinidae
Major Carps - 1
Others Carps 24 24
Sissoridae 6 2
Channidae - 1
Clariidae - 1
Scheilbidae 2 1
Belonidae - 2
Mastacemblidae - 1
Bagridae 1 2
Cobitidae - 2
Total Species 33 37
 Fish Passage Barriers and Impediments
• Permanent, abandoned, or temporary dams that block or impede fish migration.
• Hydraulic drop over an artificial instream structure in excess of 0.45m (1.5 feet)
• River channel flow reductions that do not provide a sufficient “zone of passage” (e.g. sufficient depth,
suitable flow characteristics, resting pools, etc.) for target fish species.
• Project flow operations that attract migrant fish to “dead end” impassable routes such as hydropower
tail water, bypassed river reaches below impassable dams, water diversion canals, industrial intake
canals, etc.
• Project flow variations that prevent or delay natural upstream fish movement behavior.
• Water diversions that reduce instream flow in natural migration channels.
• Temperature gradients caused by cold or warm water outfalls from a project operation that may
interfere with upstream migratory behaviour.
• Degraded water quality in riverine migration or spawning habitat reaches.
• Point-source discharges and mixing zones of industrial process water or municipal wastewater, and
potential interference with upstream fish migrations.
• Roadway culverts with characteristics that impede upstream fish migration behavior, including abrupt
transitions in lighting, hanging culverts, lack of natural benthic substrate, extreme length, small
diameter, etc.
 Fish Passage Planning Considerations
US National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102- 486). Section 1701(b) of the Act states: “... the
items which may constitute a “fishway” for the safe and timely upstream and downstream
passage of fish shall be limited to physical structures, facilities, and devices necessary to
maintain all life stages of such fish, and project operations and measures related to such
structures, facilities, or devices which are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of such
structures, facilities, or devices for such fish.”

Safe passage: Facilitating upstream and downstream passage of migrating fish with minimal
injury or mortality resulting from the project barrier or impediment.
Timely passage: Minimal delay of migration movements past the barrier to the extent
needed to achieve restoration goals which otherwise can result in adverse effects on
reproductive potential through many factors.
Effective passage: is achieved when most if not all fish arriving at the barrier successfully
pass to upstream/downstream habitats without impact on their natural biological functions.

However, as with rates of safe passage, project-specific objectives will reflect the details of
restoration goals, site conditions, and project operation limits.
 Site Information for Fishway Design
Understanding the site topography, channel morphology, river hydrology, and characteristics of the dam or barrier is
valuable in planning and designing fishways.
Sources for gathering information at hydropower and non-hydropower facilities.
1. River basin map showing the project location in the watershed and the location of other nearby barriers or dams
and existing or proposed fish passage facilities.
2. A site plan and construction drawings showing existing and proposed project features and the proposed layout of
the fishway.
3. Topographic surveys upstream and downstream of the project and at the proposed locations of fishway entrances
and exits.
4. River or stream flow data including daily and monthly flow data
5. A description of project flood control, navigation lock, diversion flows, and hydropower operations that may
influence fish migrations and movements at the proposed fishway location (load following, peaking, powerhouse flow
capacity, minimum and maximum operational flows, operational period, special operations such as flash board
replacement, etc.).
6. Upstream and downstream river morphology in the vicinity of the project, including a discussion sand/sediment
movements that could influence fishway performance characteristics.
7. A description of nuisance aquatic vegetation, ice, or debris accumulation problems that may influence fishway
design or performance.
8. Site access for construction equipment, operations, maintenance, and biological study, trapping, trucking, etc.
9. Other information based on site specific biological assessments.
Biological Information for Design
Understanding the biological needs of target species will influence the parameters of the fishway,
including the type of fishway, siting, and operation.
Information useful for the design of a fishway.
1. Target fish species, spawning or migratory run size (design population), migration periods, spawning
location, and estimated timing of each life stage arriving at the barrier and fishway during upstream and
downstream migration.
2. Estimated periods of upstream and downstream migration and estimated numbers of other migrant
fish that may influence fishway performance and capacity.
3. Predator species expected to be present, including fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
4. Design passage flows for upstream and downstream passage for each target species across life stages
during both high flow and low flow conditions.
5. Fishery management plans or comprehensive water resource plans.
6. Proposed security plans and facility features to guard against unauthorized human activity, poaching,
vandalism, etc.
7. Special fish passage management or monitoring objectives related to operation of the fishway (e.g.
counting, trapping, or exclusion of certain species).
 Fish Passage Design Flows
Low Flow Range: design low flow range is the mean daily average river flow that is
exceeded 95% of the time
High Flow Range: design high flow range is the mean daily average river flow exceeded
5% of the time during periods
Swimming Speed Considerations in Fishway Design
Cruising speed: Normal “over the ground” swimming speed utilized by a fish species
during upstream migration through natural river and stream channel conditions. A
cruising speed of 2 to 4 feet per second.
Sustained Speed: Increased speed maintained by a fish during a channel riffle, run, or a
series of fishway pools. For example, for an American shad 12 to 14 inches long,
sustained speed is 4 to 7 feet per second.
Burst Speed or Darting Speed: Burst speed is defined as the maximum speed capability
demonstrated by fish during a short upstream movement challenge, such as escape from
a predator, or a short high velocity current. As an example, the burst speed of American
shad has been reported as 7 to 15 feet per second.
Fishway Entrance
Location at the Barrier: Located at the
most upstream point of fish migration,
typically at the base of a dam, or where
flow patterns cause fish to collect.
Entrance Orientation: Low flow
entrances generally are oriented 45 to
90 degrees to the tail water flow, and
high flow entrances generally are
oriented from 45 degrees to parallel
with the flow.
Operation considerations: Entrance
gates are designed to provide effective
entrance characteristics at the full range
of design flows and hydropower
operations.
Fishway Exit
The fishway exit is designed to allow for timely and safe movement of fish to open water above the passage
barrier and to allow them to continue upstream migration.
Location of the fishway exit should include consideration of upstream channel configuration, flow patterns,
proximity of shorelines, and location of powerhouse intakes.

Additional Fishway Design Considerations

Safety and Security
Lighting: Natural
Protection from Predation: Fishway designs may incorporate features to prevent predation by birds and
other species. Typical features may include screening, aerial wires, and automatic water spray devices to
keep birds away from the downstream passage exit.
Operation and Maintenance Access: Personnel access for maintenance, repair, and fishway monitoring
should be provided in all sections of the fishway.
Fishway Component Edges and Surface Finish
Obstructions and Protrusions
Water Quality
 UPSTREAM PASSAGE TECHNOLOGIES
Seven basic fishway types:
• pool and weir ladders,
• pool and orifice ladders,
• vertical slot ladders,
• Denil ladders,
• rock ramp fishways;
• natural channels; and
• mechanized fish elevators and locks.

All fishways have an entrance located below a dam or barrier and exit located above
the dam. The location of the entrance is a critical design parameter for successful fish
passage
Even if not very high, sudden drops like the one shown present impassable
obstacles to migration for small fish
Field Site Coanda Screen, Rocky mountain
Arsenal, Denver, Colorado

Horizontal flat plate screen, East Fork Ditch

Company, East Fork, Weiser River, Idaho
8. Location of Fish Passes

General view of Ice Harbor dam on the Columbia river showing the first fish pass and
the collection gallery at the powerhouse and the second fish pass at the spillway.
 NATURAL FISH PASSES
Bottom Ramps Bypass Channels Fish Ramps
and Slopes

Rough surfaced sill

which extends over
the entire width of An artificial channel Incorporated in
the river with least having features existing weirs such
possible slope in similar to that of that they cover the
order to overcome natural stream partial width of the
the obstruction. bypassing the dam. river and provided
with least possible
slope.
Bypass
Fishway
for
upstrea
m
migrati
on
Bottom slope as rockfill construction
Construction of bottom ramps and slopes
 Bypass channel.
Bypass around a dam:
example of common
design
A small fish ladder on the River Otter, North America
Floor baffles fish pass on the river Thames (UK)

Pool fish pass with triangular weirs at Sarrancolin dam

on the Neste River (France)
 TECHNICAL FISH PASSES
Pool Passes Vertical Slot Pass Denil Pass Eel Ladders

• Channel from • These kinds of fish • Use backflows for Main Components:
headwater to the passes are a energy dissipation Eel ascending ramp
tailwater is variation of pool to allow steeper Supporting Structure
divided into a passes. slopes than other Water feeding system
number of • The cross-walls in fish passes. Side gutter
successive pools slot passes are • Baffles placed at
by installing cross- notched over their relatively short
walls. entire height intervals bent
• Orifices and unlike pool against the flow
notches in cross- passes. direction.
walls are • Installed generally
employed to pass by retrofitting of
the discharge the existing
hydraulic
structures
2. Pool-type Fish Passes

Vertical slot fishpass at Mauzac dam on the The fishpass at the Iffezheim Dam on the Rhine vertical
Dordogne River (France) slot fishpasses constructed in Europe.
3. Denil Fish Passes

Floor baffles fish pass on the river Thames (UK)

6. Fish Lifts

The fish lift at Golfech Dam (h = 17 m) passes thousands of Allis shad (Alosa alsosa) each
year and has thus helped to restore the shad population of the Garonne River (France).
POOL PASSES
POOL PASSES
 POOL PASSES – RECOMMENDED DIMENSIONS

Remarks
1) The larger pool dimensions correspond to larger submerged orifices.
2) hs – clear orifice height above bottom substrate.
3) If a pass with both top notches and submerged orifices is planned, the larger pool dimensions should be applied.
4) The discharge rates were determined for h = 0.2 m by using the formulae shown in section 5.1.3. The lower value
relates to the smaller dimensions of submerged orifices in pools without top notches; the higher discharge is obtained
for the larger submerged orifices plus top notches ( = 0.65).
5) Pool dimensions for the sturgeon are taken from SNiP (1987).
6) The difference in water level refers to the difference in level between pools.
SLOT FISH PASS
SLOT PASSES
DENIL FISH PASS
MECHANISED FISH PASSING STRUCTURES FOR
HIGH HEAD (H>20m)
FISH LOCKS FISH LIFTS
 Travelling Screen
(US Filter, A Siemens Business)
TUILIÈRES FISH LIFT - FRANCE
Lift height: h = 10 m
Transport trough volume: V = 3.5 m3
Guide current: Q = 4 m3/s
Link to headwater: Slot pass, l tot = 70 m
h = 2.0 m, Q = 1.0 m3/s
Year of construction: 1990
Flow: Q = 285 m3/s
Fall head: hF = 12 m
• Little space is required, and large height differences
can be overcome with such fish lifts, Structural
expenditure is considerable.
• Since the fish are conveyed upstream passively, fish
lifts are suitable for species with low swimming
performance as well as for the transportation of
large fishes.
• Fish lifts are not suited for the upstream migration
of invertebrates and the downstream migration of
fish.
• Large variations in the tailwater always mean design
problems in providing an adequate guide current.
• The expenditure on maintenance for fish lifts is
higher than for traditional fish passes.
 Downstream Technology
Technology Mode of Action System/Technology
Category
Fish Diversion Divert fish to a downstream  Angled screens  Inclined plane screens
Systems bypass system  Louvers / Angled bar racks  Submerged traveling
 Eicher screens screens
 Modular Inclined Screens (MIS)  Guidance walls
 Angled rotary drum screens
Physical Physically block fish passage  Infiltration intakes  Traveling screens
Barriers (usually in combination with low  Porous dikes  Stationary screens
water velocity)  Wedge-wire screens  Rotary drum screens
 Barrier nets
 Bar racks
Collection Actively or passively collect fish  Modified traveling screens  Spill
Systems for transport through a  Fish pumps  Other bypasses
downstream bypass system  Surface collectors
Behavioral Alter or take advantage of natural  Strobe lights  Electrical systems
Guidance behavior patterns to repel or  Mercury lights  Water jet
Devices attract fish  Other light sources curtains/turbulent water
 Air bubble curtains  Visual keys
 Acoustic transducer systems  Hybrid Barriers
 Infrasound
METHODOLOGY FOR PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

1. Fish counting methods: Based on the actual count of fishes

approaching and passing through fishway.
• Fish Traps
• Blocking method
• Marking the fishes
• Automatic Video Counters

2. Model study methods: Small scale models of the fishways

to be installed and their hydraulic behaviour is studied.

3. Theoretical methods: Used for existing structures having

fishways when fish details are not available.
 HYDRAULIC CONDITIONS FOR THE PERFORMANCE
ANALYSIS

In order to determine the performance of fish passes it becomes essential to lay down
certain hydraulic criterion against which the performance of the fish passage may be
analysed. The basic criterions in order to evaluate the performance of a fish passage
are:

• V < 2m/s
The velocity of water in the fish passage must not exceed 2m/s keeping in view the
general burst speed of fishes.

• E < 200 W/m3

The amount of energy dissipated per pool/ step/ baffle should not exceed 200W/m3
keeping in view the amount of stress on fishes while climbing up the passage.
 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS BY FISH COUNTING METHODS
DENIL PASS ON BARRAGES ON MAHANADI AND KATHAJURI RIVER

Item Mahanadi Barrage Kathajuri Barrage

Channel width 2m 2m
No. of Rest Pools 5 7
Maximum Velocity 1.65 m/s 1.8 m/s

 Survey by the Directorate of Fisheries, Orissa in 2000, migration of the following fish
species were restored :
 Catla Catla (Indian major carps)
 Macrobrachium Species
 Tenualosa Ilisha (Ilish)

 Three species were declining in number earlier and after the installation of the fish
passes their population restored.

 Performance of the Denil pass at Mahanadi and Kathajuri Barrage is acceptable.

 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS BY MODEL TESTING
VERTICAL SLOT FISH PASS FOR SAINJ HP

 A 1:15 scale model of Vertical slot fish pass for Sainj HP made by Irrigation and Power
Research Institute, Amritsar.

 Entry of water into fish pass controlled through an orifice.

 Two entrances to take care of diel (diurnal) variation in water level.

Laboratory Model of Sainj Fish Ladder Entry of water through orifice into the
Sainj Fish Ladder
 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS BY MODEL TESTING
VERTICAL SLOT FISH PASS AT HP
Discharge through the fish pass = 0.35 m3/s (Constant)
Full gate opening = 0.60 m

Reservoir Gate Opening Velocity at the fish pass exit or start of the
Level (m) (m) transition (m/s)

Top Centre Bottom

1739 0.505 -0.55 1.67 1.82
1740 0.220 -0.67 2.12 4.57
1741 0.175 -0.95 2.47 6.47
1742 0.150 -1.13 3.88 7.68
1743 0.140 -1.24 5.14 8.57
1744 0.130 -1.45 6.18 9.76
1745 0.115 -1.67 7.02 10.78
 METHODOLOGY FOR THE THEORITICAL
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF FISH PASSES

Fish Pass
Item
Pool Pass Slot Pass Denil Pass

Velocity through
V=Q/A=Q/(s.ho)
the fish pass V= √(2gΔh) V=Q/A=Q/( ba h*)

Qs = Ψ As√(2gΔh)
As= hs bs
Discharge
Qa= 2 3 µ 𝞼ba√(2g) hweirhead3/2
through the fish . Q= 2 3 µ𝑟 s√(2g) h o3/2 Q = 1.35 ba 2.5 √(gI
𝞼 = (1 – ( 1- ℎ 𝛥ℎ )^ 1 5 ) 0.385
pass 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑟ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 )(h*/ba)1.584
Q = Qs + Qa

Energy dissipated
through the fish E= 𝜌 𝑔 𝛥ℎ 𝑄
E= 𝜌 𝑔 𝛥ℎ 𝑄
𝑙𝑏−𝑑 𝑏 ℎ𝑚 𝑙𝑏−𝑑 𝑏 ℎ𝑚 Erp = (𝜌QV2)/(2Arp.hm)
pass
 METHODOLOGY FOR THE THEORITICAL
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF FISH PASSES

→ Coefficient of Discharge

Ratio of water depth at the starting of the pool to the water depth at the end of the pool →
Variation of coefficient of discharge with (hu/ho) for slot fish pass
 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS BY MODEL TESTING
VERTICAL SLOT FISH PASS AT SAINJ HP
Gate Opening
0.6

Gate Opening (m)→

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2 Gate Opening

0.1

0
1738 1739 1740 1741 1742 1743 1744 1745 1746
Reservoir Level (m)→

Variation of gate opening with reservoir level to pass constant discharge  Velocity is beyond the
Velocity at the exit of fish pass maximum permissible
12 limit, hence the
Top
10 design of vertical slot
Velocity (m/s) →

8 Centre fish pass at Sainj HP

6
Bottom
needs modifications.
4
Maximum
2 Permissible Limit

0
1738 1739 1740 1741 1742 1743 1744 1745 1746
-2
Reservoir Level (m)→

Variation of gate opening with reservoir level to pass constant discharge

 METHODOLOGY FOR THE DESIGN OF POOL
PASS
• Design of pools and cross-walls.
Dimensions of
Dimensions of the
Pool Dimensions (m) submerged
Fish notches(m)
orifice(m)
Species
Water Height
Length Width Width Height Width
Depth

Sturgeon 5.0 – 6.0 2.5 – 3.0 1.5 – 2.0 1.5 1 - -

Salmon,
Sea trout, 2.5 – 3.0 1.6 – 2.0 0.8 -1.0 0.4-0.5 0.3-0.4 0.3 0.3
Huchen
Grayling,
Chub,
Bream, 1.4 – 2.0 1.0- 1.5 0.6 – 0.8 0.25-0.35 0.25-0.35 0.25 0.25
others
Upper
Trout Zone >1.0 >0.8 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
 METHODOLOGY FOR THE DESIGN OF SLOT
PASS
• Design of pools and cross-walls.

Pool Dimensions (m) Dimensions of cross-wall (m)

Fish Species Deflecting Minimum

Length of Stagger
Length Width Slot width projection block depth of
distance
width water

Brown
Trout 1.9 1.2 0.15 – 0.17 0.16 0.06 – 0.10 0.16 0.50
Grayling,
Salmon, Chub,
Sea Bream,
others 2.75 – 3.0 1.8 0.30 0.18 0.14 0.40 0.75
trout,
Huchen

Sturgeon 5.0 3.0 0.60 0.40 0.30 0.84 1.30

 METHODOLOGY FOR THE DESIGN OF DENIL
PASS

• Design of longitudinal section and channel.

Channel Width Recommended Slope Values

Fish Species (meter)
(b) Percentage 1:n

0.6 20.0 1:5

Brown Trout, 0.7 17.0 1:5.88
Cyprinds and others 0.8 15.0 1:6.67
0.9 13.5 1:7.4
0.8 20.0 1:5
Salmon, Sea trout, 0.9 17.5 1:5.7
Huchen 1.0 16.0 1:6.25
1.2 13.0 1:7.7
METHODOLOGY FOR THE DESIGN OF DENIL
PASS
• Design of cross-channel structures

Recommended
Ratio with Channel width Tolerance Range
guide values

Baffle width (ba/b) 0.50 – 0.60 0.58

Baffle spacing (a/b) 0.50 – 0.90 0.66

Distance between the lowest point of

0.23 – 0.32 0.25
the cutout and the bottom (c1/b)

Depth of the triangular section (c2/c1) 2.00 2.00

 METHODOLOGY FOR THE DESIGN OF DENIL
PASS
• Design of resting pools.
 The level of the lower edge of the first upstream baffle i.e. h0 is related to the
depth of water in the fishway perpendicular to the channel bottom i.e. h* as
given in fig. below.

Relation of h*=f (h0)

 Min h* =0.35 m
 (h*/ba) =1.5 to 1.8
 Resting pools at every 6 to 8 meters for small fishes and 10-12 metres for larger
fishes.
 METHODOLOGY FOR THE DESIGN OF FISH
PASS
• The bottom of the pools is covered with the river bed material substrate upto
0.2m .

• All the dimensions of the fish pass are fixed by identifying the fishes at the site.

• Hydraulic calculations are done to find the velocity and energy dissipated
through the fish pass.

• If the values of velocity and energy dissipation are within the critical limits,
then the design is accepted else the exercise is done with more suitable
dimensions.

• If the recommended pool, crosswall or baffle dimensions are not able to satisfy
the hydraulic criterion conditions then alternative kind of fishway must be
adopted.
 DESIGN OF FISH PASS AT VIRBHADRA
BARRAGE
• The main fish present species present at the Virbhadra Barrage site in Ganges River is
Mahseer ( Tor Tor) and Green Mahaseer (Tor Putitora).
• Tor Tor has been declared nearly threatened by the International Union of Conservation of
Nature.

Name of the Average Maximum Average Width Maximum

Fish Length (cm) Length (cm) (cm) Width (cm)

Tor Tor 70 - 110 175 3-6 12

Tor Putitora 33-70 105 - -

• The sizes of Tor Tor and Tor Putitora correspond to the sizes of Salmon from
American countries. Thus while designing the fish passes at Virbhadra Barrage the
dimensions are to be taken by considering the salmon sizes.
DESIGN OF POOL FISH PASS AT VIRBHADRA
BARRAGE
AS PER THE FISH SIZE IDENTIFIED AT THE SITE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS ARE FIXED:
• Width of the Pool = b = 2 m
• Width of the submerged orifice = bs= 0.5 m
• Height of the submerged orifice = hs = 0.4 m
• Water Level Difference across the pool = Δh = 0.2m
• Height of the pool = hw = 1.5 m
• Pool Length = lb = 2.5 m
• h = Depth of water at the starting of the pool = 1 m
• ho= Depth of water at the end of the pool = 1.2 m
• hm= (h + ho)/2 = Mean depth of water in the pool

Discharge through the fish Velocity through the fish pass Energy Dissipation
pass (m3/s) (m/s) (W/m3)
Q= 𝟐 𝟑 µ𝒓 s√(2g) ho3/2 V= √(2gh)
E= ρ 𝒈 Δ𝒉 𝑸
lb−𝒅 𝒃 hm
0.34 1.98 167.97
 DETAILS OF POOL FISH PASSAGE FOR VIRBHADRA
BARRAGE

A A
 DESIGN OF POOL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE
• Adopt Δh = 0.20 m for design.

• Virbhadra Barrage has a Maximum Pond Level of 336.5 m and minimum Pond
Level of 333.15m.

• Two entrances provided at 335.5 m and 333.5 m.

• The entrances can be controlled by the operation of gate provided at the entrance of
fish ladder.

• The downstream river bed level is 321m.

• 14.5m of head is to be dissipated.

• 72 pools required.

• To provide fish passage at Virbhadra Barrage, retrofitting is required. The fish ladder
would be attached to the divide wall on the Main Weir side such that:
 Length of one main weir bay and gate will get reduced to 12.5 m ( earlier 18m.)
 The entry to fish passage is controlled by means of a 300 mm wide gate.
DESIGN OF POOL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

SECTION A-A

A A

(All dimensions are in mm)

DESIGN OF POOL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

Alignment of pool fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage.

 DESIGN OF POOL PASS AT VARIOUS SITES

Characteristic Dimensions Virbhadra Dakpathar Asan Barrage

Barrage Barrage
Pool Width (m) 2 1.5 1.5
Width of submerged orifice (m) 0.5 0.3 0.3
Height of submerged orifice (m) 0.4 0.3 0.3
Pool Length (m) 2.5 1.5 1.5
Pool Height (m) 1.2 1.2 1.2
Water level difference across the pool (m) 0.2 0.2 0.2

Number of pools 72 50 96
Number of entrances 2 1 1
Entry (RL m) 335.5 and 333.5 455 401
Exit (RL m) 321 444.85 381.70
Maximum Discharge (m3/s) 0.3366 0.15 0.15
Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.98 1.98 1.98
Maximum Energy Dissipation (W/m3) 144.14 157.97 157.97
 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

AS PER THE FISH SIZE IDENTIFIED AT THE SITE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS ARE
FIXED:
• Slot Width = s = 0.30 m
• Pool Width = b = 1.80 m
• Pool Length = lb = 3 m
• Length of Projection= c = 0.18 m
• Width of projection = d = 0.12 m
• Stagger distance = a = 0.14 m
• Width of the deflecting Block = f = 0.40 m
• I = Slope of the Fish Passage (All Dimensions in mm)

• Minimum depth of water in the pool = 0.75 m

• Δh = Water Level Difference between adjacent pools= 0.10 – 0.20 m
• hu = Depth of water at the starting of the pool
• ho= Depth of water at the end of the pool
• hm= (hu + ho)/2 = Mean depth of water in the pool
 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

For Δh=0.20m
Water Depth Coefficient of Discharge through the fish pass Velocity through the fish pass (m/s) Energy Dissipation
(ho) Discharge (µr) (m3/s) V= Q/A=Q(ho*s) (W/m3)
Q= 𝟑 µ𝒓 s√(2g) ho3/2
𝟐
E= ρ 𝒈 Δ𝒉 𝑸
(m)
lb−𝒅 𝒃 hm

0.75 0.52 0.30 1.33 174.22

1 0.49 0.43 1.45 182.54
1.25 0.45 0.56 1.49 183.35
1.5 0.43 0.70 1.56 189.19
1.75 0.41 0.84 1.60 192.87
2 0.39 0.98 1.63 194.66
For Δh=0.15m
Water Depth Coefficient of Discharge through the fish pass Velocity through the fish pass (m/s) Energy Dissipation
(ho) Discharge (µr) (m3/s) V= Q/A=Q(ho*s) (W/m3)
Q= 𝟐 𝟑 µ𝒓 s√(2g) ho3/2
E= ρ 𝒈 Δ𝒉 𝑸
(m)
lb−𝒅 𝒃 hm
0.75 0.49 0.28 1.25 118.57
1 0.45 0.34 1.33 122.33
1.25 0.41 0.51 1.35 122.63
1.5 0.39 0.64 1.41 126.43
1.75 0.37 0.76 1.45 128.59
2 0.36 0.90 1.50 133.01
For Δh=0.10m
Water Depth Coefficient of Discharge through the fish pass Velocity through the fish pass (m/s) Energy Dissipation
(ho) Discharge (µr) (m3/s) V= Q/A=Q(ho*s) (W/m3)
Q= 𝟑 µ𝐫 s√(2g) ho3/2
𝟐
E= ρ 𝐠 Δ𝐡 𝑸
(m)
lb−𝒅 𝐛 hm
0.75 0.42 0.24 1.07 65.33
1 0.39 0.35 1.15 68.82
1.25 0.37 0.46 1.22 72.24
1.5 0.35 0.57 1.27 74.34
1.75 0.34 0.70 1.33 77.62
2 0.33 0.83 1.38 80.24
 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

Coefficient of Discharge (µr)

0.6 Variation of Coefficient of Discharge with depth of
water in Fish Ladder.

Coefficient of Discharge (µr)-->

0.5

0.4

0.3 Δh=0.20m
Δh=0.15m
0.2
Δh=0.10m
0.1

0
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
Depth of water in fish pass (m) -->

Discharge through the fish pass (m3/s)

1.2
Variation of Discharge with of depth of water in
Discharge through the fish pass (m3/s) -->

1
Fish Ladder.

0.8

0.6 Δh=0.20m
Δh=0.15m
0.4
Δh=0.10m
0.2

0
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
Depth of water in fish pass (m) -->
 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE
Velocity through the fish pass (m3/s)
Variation of Velocity in Fish
2.4 Ladder with of depth of

Velocity through the fish pass (m/s) -->

water in Fish Ladder.
2

1.6

1.2 Δh=0.20m
Δh=0.15m
0.8
Δh=0.10m
0.4 Max
Permissible
0 Velocity
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
Depth of water in fish pass (m) -->

Energy Dissipation
(W/m3)
Variation of Energy
240
Dissipated in Fish Ladder
200 with of depth of water in
Energy Dissipation

Fish Ladder.
160
(W/m3) -->

120 Δh=0.20m

80 Δh=0.15m
Δh=0.10m
40
Max
0 Permissible
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Energy
Depth of water in fish pass (m) --> Dissipation
 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE
• Adopt Δh = 0.20 m for design.

• Virbhadra Barrage has a Maximum Pond Level of 336.5 m and minimum Pond
Level of 333.15m.

• Two entrances provided at 335.5 m and 333.5 m.

• The entrances can be controlled by the operation of gate provided at the entrance of
fish ladder.

• The downstream river bed level is 321m.

• 14.5m of head is to be dissipated.

• 72 pools required.

• To provide fish passage at Virbhadra Barrage, retrofitting is required. The fish ladder
would be attached to the divide wall on the Main Weir side such that:
 Length of one main weir bay and gate will get reduced to 12.5 m ( earlier 18m.)
 The entry to fish passage is controlled by means of a 300 mm wide gate.
 DETAILS OF SLOT FISH PASSAGE FOR VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

FREE SLOT

A A
DIVIDE
WALL

Gravel 200 mm

SECTION A-A

DIVIDE
WALL

REST
POOL

(All Dimensions in mm)

 DETAILS OF VIRBHADRA BARRAGE AT PRESENT

DIVIDE
WALL

DIVIDE
WALL
A A

GATE MAIN WEIR PIER UNDERSLUICE

PIER
GATES
MAIN UNDERSLUICE
WEIR PIER
PIER

(All Dimensions in mm)

 DETAILS OF VIRBHADRA BARRAGE AFTER RETROFITTING

FISH PASSAGE GATE CONTROL FOR FISH PASSS ENTRY

DIVIDE
WALL
DIVIDE
A A WALL

MAIN WEIR PIER UNDERSLUICE

PIER
GATES
MAIN
UNDERSLUICE
WEIR
PIER
PIER

(All Dimensions in mm)

FISH PASSAGE
DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

Alignment of slot fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage.

 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VARIOUS SITES

Characteristic Dimensions Virbhadra Dakpathar Asan Barrage

Barrage Barrage
Slot Width (m) 0.3 0.15 0.15
Pool Width (m) 1.8 1.2 1.2
Pool Length (m) 3 1.9 1.9
Pool Height (m) 2 2 2
Water level difference across the pool (m) 0.2 0.15 0.15
Length of the projection (m) 0.18 0.16 0.16
Width of the projection (m) 0.12 0.12 0.12
Stagger Distance (m) 0.14 0.10 0.10
Number of pools 72 67 128
Number of entrances 2 1 1
Entry (RL m) 335.5 and 331.50 455 401
Exit (RL m) 321 444.85 381.70
Maximum Discharge (m3/s) 0.997 0.451 0.451
Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.629 1.501 1.501
Maximum Energy Dissipation (W/m3) 194.66 159.61 159.61
 DESIGN OF DENIL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

AS PER THE FISH SIZE IDENTIFIED AT THE SITE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS ARE FIXED:
• Channel width, b= 0.8 m

• Slope of the channel, I = 1:5

• Baffle width (ba/b) =0.58

• Baffle spacing (a/b) = 0.66

• Distance between the lowest point of the cutout and the bottom (c1/b) =0.25

• Depth of the triangular section (c2/c1) = 2

• Thus, ba= 0.47m

• a= 0.53m
• c1= 0.2m
• c2= 0.4m

(All dimensions are in mm)

 DESIGN OF DENIL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

Baffle arrangement of Denil fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage (All dimensions are in mm)

Dimensions of the resting pools = 5m X 4.5 m

Resting pools are provided at every 9.54 metres.

Arrangement of resting pools in Denil fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage. (All dimensions are in mm)
 DESIGN OF DENIL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

A A SECTION A-A

(All dimensions are in mm)

 DESIGN OF DENIL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

Entrance level
335.5m RL

Exit level
335.5m RL

Alignment of Denil fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage.

 DESIGN OF DENIL PASS AT VARIOUS SITES

Characteristic Dimensions Virbhadra Dakpathar Asan Barrage

Barrage Barrage
Channel Width (m) 0.8 0.6 0.6
Baffle Width (m) 0.47 0.35 0.35
Baffle Spacing (m) 0.53 0.4 0.4
Number of Baffles 134 130 248
Depth of the Triangular Section (m) 0.2 0.15 0.15
Size of the Resting Pool (m X m) 5 X 4.5 3X3 3X3
Number of entrances 1 1 1
Entry (RL m) 335 445 401
Exit (RL m) 321 444.85 381.70
Maximum Discharge (m3/s) 0.60 0.270 0.270
Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.70 1.414 1.414
Maximum Energy Dissipation (W/m3) 32.11 25 25
 DESIGN OF FISH PASSES AT THE SITES
The pool pass, slot pass and Denil pass were designed for each site. Actual design must be
taken upon the detailed study of fish migrating population, availability of space and the
availability of economic resources. In order to guide the selection of any type of particular fish
pass relative advantages and disadvantages have been tabulated in Table below:

S. No. Assessment Issues Pool fish pass Vertical slot fish Denil fish pass
pass
1 Space requirements High Very High Low
2 Cost Low High Very High
3 Maintenance High Low Very High
4 Slope Low Medium High
5 Effect of variable head race Low No High
water level
6 Effect of variable tail race water Low No No
level
7 Ease of construction on existing Difficult Very Difficult Easy
structures
8 Prefabrication of channel No No Yes
elements
9 Discharge requirements Low Variable High
10 Swimming capability Low Medium High
requirements
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS BY THEORITICAL METHODS
SLOT FISH PASS ON HUSSAINIWALA BARRAGE ON RIVER SUTLEJ

Table 2: Performance Analysis of the slot fish pass at Hussainiwala Barrage.

S. Water Coefficient of Discharge through Velocity Energy

No. Depth Discharge (µr) the fish pass (m3/s) through the Dissipation
(ho) µr=f(hu/ho) Q= 𝟐 𝟑 µ𝐫 s√(2g) ho3/2 fish pass (m/s) (W/m3)
(m) (Refer Fig 7) V= Q/(s. ho) E=
𝛒 𝐠 𝚫𝐡 𝐐
𝐥𝐛−𝐝 𝐛 𝐡𝐦

1 0.61 0.54 0.46 1.24 199.03

2 0.91 0.5 0.79 1.41 214.79
3 1.22 0.45 1.09 1.47 217.28
4 1.52 0.41 1.39 1.50 220.03
5 1.83 0.39 1.73 1.56 224.53
 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS BY THEORITICAL METHODS
SLOT FISH PASS ON HUSSAINIWALA BARRAGE ON RIVER SUTLEJ

Velocity through the fish pass (m/s) • As per the results it is evident

Velocity through the fish pass

2.2
2
that the energy dissipation is
1.8
1.6
not within the critical limit,
(m/s)→
1.4 hence the performance of the
1.2
1 slot fish passage at
0.8 Velocity (m/s)
0.6
Maximum
Hussainiwala Barrage is not
0.4
0.2
Permissible within the acceptable limit and
Limit
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
thereby, it requires
Depth of water in fish pass (Metre) → modifications.
Fig 16: Variation of velocity at slot fish pass at Hussainiwala Barrage

Energy Dissipation through the fish pass

(W/m3)
Energy Dissipation through
the fish pass (W/m3) →

230
225
220
215
210
205 Energy Dissipation
200
195 Maximum
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Permissble
Depth of water in fish pass (Metre) → Limit

Fig 17 :Variation of energy dissipation at slot fish pass at Hussainiwala Barrage

 Fish Passes Under Study
Fish Pass Type of Fish River Agency Method Used Status
Location Pass
Cuttack Denil Mahanadi Directorate of Fish Counting Working
(Odisha) Fisheries, Methods Satisfactorily
Orissa
Naraj Denil Kathajuri Directorate of Fish Counting Working
(Odisha) Fisheries, Methods Satisfactorily
Orissa
Kullu Vertical Slot Sainj Irrigation and Model Studies Design needs
(Himachal Power Modifications.
Pradesh) Research
Institute
Ferozepur Slot Sutlej Authors Theoretical Design needs
(Punjab) methods Modifications.

Taran Taaran Slot Sutlej Authors Theoretical Working

(Punjab) methods Satisfactorily
DESIGN OF POOL FISH PASS AT VIRBHADRA
BARRAGE
• Maximum velocity through the orifice, V = 1.98 m/s
• Discharge through the fish pass, Q = 0.3366 m3/s
• Energy dissipated per unit volume of the fish pass,E = 144.14 W/m3
 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

• Water Level Difference across the

projection (Δh) is 0.20m
 DESIGN OF SLOT PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

2.5
Velocity through the fish pass

1.5
(m/s)→

1 Δh= 0.20m • From the plots it is evident that the

velocity and the energy dissipation
0.5
Maximum
Permissible
are within the maximum
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Limit permissible limits and hence the
Depth of water in fish pass (m) → designs are acceptable.

250

200
Energy Dissipation through the

150
fish pass (W/m3)→

100 Δh= 0.20m

50

0
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Maximum
Permissible
Depth of water in fish pass (m) →
Limit
 DESIGN OF DENIL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

The values so found are as follows:

• Maximum velocity through the orifice, V = 1.70 m/s
• Discharge through the fish pass, Q = 0.60 m3/s
• Energy dissipated per unit volume in the resting pool, Erp = 32.11 W/m3
Since, velocity and energy dissipation values are found to be within the hydraulic
criterion conditions and hence the design is accepted

Baffle details of Denil fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage

DESIGN OF DENIL PASS AT VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

Baffle arrangement of Denil fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage (All dimensions are in mm)

Arrangement of resting pools in Denil fish pass at Virbhadra Barrage

 COMPARISON OF DESIGN OF FISH PASS AT VARIOUS SITES
Comparison of designs of fish passes at various sites.
Type of Fish Pass Characteristic Dimensions Virbhadra Barrage Dakpathar Asan Barrage
Barrage
Pool Width (m) 2 1.5 1.5
Width of submerged orifice (m) 0.5 0.3 0.3
Height of submerged orifice (m) 0.4 0.3 0.3
Pool Length (m) 2.5 1.5 1.5
Pool Height (m) 1.2 1.2 1.2
Water level difference across the pool (m) 0.2 0.2 0.2
Pool Fish Pass
Number of pools 72 50 96
Number of entrances 2 1 1
Entry (RL m) 335.5 and 333.5 455 401
Exit (RL m) 321 444.85 381.70
Maximum Discharge (m3/s) 0.3366 0.15 0.15
Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.98 1.98 1.98
Maximum Energy Dissipation (W/m3) 144.14 157.97 157.97
Slot Width (m) 0.3 0.15 0.15
Pool Width (m) 1.8 1.2 1.2
Pool Length (m) 3 1.9 1.9
Pool Height (m) 2 2 2
Water level difference across the pool (m) 0.2 0.15 0.15
Length of the projection (m) 0.18 0.16 0.16
Width of the projection (m) 0.12 0.12 0.12
Vertical Slot Fish Pass
Stagger Distance (m) 0.14 0.10 0.10
Number of pools 72 67 128
Number of entrances 2 1 1
Entry (RL m) 335.5 and 331.50 455 401
Exit (RL m) 321 444.85 381.70
Maximum Discharge (m3/s) 0.997 0.451 0.451
Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.629 1.501 1.501
Maximum Energy Dissipation (W/m3) 194.66 159.61 159.61
COMPARISON OF DESIGN OF FISH PASS AT VARIOUS SITES

Type of Fish Pass Characteristic Dimensions Virbhadra Dakpathar Asan Barrage

Barrage Barrage
Channel Width (m) 0.8 0.6 0.6
Baffle Width (m) 0.47 0.35 0.35
Baffle Spacing (m) 0.53 0.4 0.4
Number of Baffles 134 130 248
Depth of the Triangular Section (m) 0.2 0.15 0.15
Denil Fish Pass
Size of the Resting Pool (m X m) 5 X 4.5 3X3 3X3
Number of entrances 1 1 1
Entry (RL m) 335 445 401
Exit (RL m) 321 444.85 381.70
Maximum Discharge (m3/s) 0.60 0.270 0.270
Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.70 1.414 1.414
Maximum Energy Dissipation (W/m3) 32.11 25 25
Conclusions of Performance analysis of few fish ladders in Indian Barrages
• Excessive discharge is passed through the fish passes due to either ignorance or release required
environmental flow.
• Fishes are not able to pass through the fish passes when the level of water on the upstream of the hydraulic
structure is lower than the level of entrance to the fish pass.
• High velocities occur through the orifice which connects fish pass to the reservoirs.
• There are very limited fish studies on the fish passes especially in India.
• Predation of fishes occurs in fish passes causing them to act as fish traps.
• Fish passes have been made on high head hydraulic structures inducing excessive stress on the fishes
passing through them.
• Denil fish pass located on Mahanadi Barrage and Naraj Barrage are working satisfactorily as they have
restored fish migration.
• Vertical slot fish pass on Sainj hydro power project requires modifications as it has high velocities in the
pools as the water is passes through orifice to enter into the pools.
• Vertical slot fish pass at Hussainiwala barrage needs modification as the volumetric energy dissipation is
beyond the critical limit for it.
• The pool pass, slot pass and denil pass were designed for the Virbhadra barrage site and found acceptable.
 RECOMMENDATIONS
• Environmental flow should not always be incorporated with fish passes as the water requirement of fish passes
may be lower or higher than the environmental flow. Higher environmental flow through fish passes leads to
higher velocity requiring higher level of energy dissipation leading to possible fish killing.

• A provision of multiple entrances (multi-level entrances) in the fish passes to take care of the diel variation in
water level on the upstream of hydraulic structure is recommended.

• Flow in the fish passes must not be through the orifice as it induces a great pressure on the fish species while
passing through them

• Fish sizes should always be incorporated while designing the fish passes. For this primary studies on fish passing
at the site be carried out.

• Minimum depth of water through the fish passes must always be maintained in order to avoid siltation.

• Regular cleaning and maintenance should be done to avoid clogging of the fish passes.

• Regular inspection of fish passes must be done to control predation of fishes.

• When the height of the obstructing hydraulic structure is more than 20 m then fish locks or fish lifts be
employed.
 REFERENCES
[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Deutscher Verbandfür Wasserwirtschaft
und Kulturbaue.V. (DVWK) Rome, 2002, “Fish Passes- Design, dimensions and monitoring.”
[2] Indian Standards IS : 13877, 1993. “Planning and design of Fish Passes Guidelines.”, Bureau of
Indian Standards, New Delhi.
[3] German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA), 2005, “Fish Protection Technologies
and Downstream Fishways: Dimensioning, Design, Effectiveness Inspection.”
[4] Tomar N and Kumar A, 2015, “Performance Analysis of fish passes at hydraulic structures
constructed on River Sutlej.”, Water and Energy International, Published by Central Board of
Irrigation and Power, India. pp 51-61.
[5] U. S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). 2006. Fish protection at water diversions: a guide for planning
and designing fish exclusion facilities. Water Resources Technical Publication. 480 pp.
[6] U.S. Department of commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, Diadromous Fish Passage: A
Primer on Technology, Planning, and Design for the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Oct. 2015.
[7] Upstream and Downstream Fish Passage and Protection Technologies for Hydroelectric Application:
A Fish Passage and Protection Manual, EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: 2002. 1005392
[8] CWC, Guidelines For Maintaining Longitudinal Connectivity Through Dams, Sept 2017