Influence of Reservoir Joint Operation on Performance of the Pong-Bhakra Multipurpose, Multireservoir System in Northern India

This work assessed the effects of joint operation on the performance of multipurpose, multireservoir systems vis-à-vis standalone operation. The analysis used the multipurpose Pong and Bhakra reservoirs in northern India. Zone-based rule curves with or without hedging optimized using genetic algorithms were used for operating the reservoirs. The results showed that standalone configurations without hedging produced irrigation water reliability exceeding 90%, but the vulnerability indices (40% for Pong and 58% for Bhakra) were also high. Hedging tempered the standalone vulnerability; however, integrated operation also caused the vulnerability to reduce without hedging. Flood control was also enhanced during the flood season, with flood freeboard increasing by 12 and 3 m, respectively, at Bhakra and Pong reservoirs, relative to nonoptimized operation. Hydropower generation was lower than installed capacity at both reservoirs for both standalone and joint operations. The main conclusion of the study is that although hedging will moderate the vulnerability of standalone systems, the same outcome can be achieved without the deliberate water rationing of hedging if reservoirs are operated jointly.