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Chapter - 4

Surveys and Investigations

4.0 General

Surveys and Investigations provide field data required for planning and

designing of various components of a Water Resources Development Project. A

project can be designed optimally and economically, only when the necessary

field data of specified standards are available. As such, NWDA has taken up

extensive field surveys and investigations in the project area for collection of the

data required for the preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Wainganga

(Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) Intra State link project of Maharashtra,

during the period from 2013 to 2017, as per the “Guidelines for preparation of

DPRs of Irrigation and Multipurpose Projects, Ministry of Water Resources-

2010.”

Detailed surveys and investigations such as Topographical surveys,

Geological & Geotechnical investigations including foundation investigations i.e.

drilling bore holes at identified major CD/CM structures & at lift points /PHs for

obtaining rock cores; Construction materials investigations; Geotechnical

investigations (soil) including borrow area surveys; Archaeological surveys,

Mineral surveys and Canal-top solar power studies etc., have been undertaken

Departmentally as well as through various specialized Organisations in order to

examine the feasibility of the project.

The Pre-feasibility Report (PFR) of Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga

(Purna Tapi) link project was prepared by NWDA during the year 2009.As per

the PFR, the project proposal comprises the following elements:

1. Head-works at Gosikhurd with FRL +244.00 m.

2. A Link Canal of 478.200 km taking off from the existing Gosikhurd

reservoir to divert 2721 Mm3 of water annually, with FSL of + 243.00 m

upto Nalganga Project on Nalganga River, a tributary of Purna Tapi river.

The canal traverses between 280 and 300 m contours to irrigate 413750 ha

of area in Western Vidarbha region.

Detailed Project Report of Wainganga (Gosikhurd)-Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link project

89

3. Lifting arrangements at RDs 26.00 km, 47.00 km and 293.50 km with static

head of 40 m, 20 m and 20 m respectively i.e. a total lift of 80 m is involved

in three stages.

4. Total pump capacity required is about 224 MW (751 MU).

At PFR stage, no surveys & investigations were taken up.

In light of various surveys and investigation works and other technical studies

that could be carried out as part of DPR, additional component in the form of

canal top solar (PV) power plant is planned. The link project envisages

construction of the following components:

i) Head works at existing Gosikhurd reservoir (FRL 245.5 m) across

Wainganga river for a peak discharge of 347.2 cumec.

ii) Link canal of length 426.54 km from Gosikhurd reservoir to

Nalganga reservoir, comprising of open canal, pipe lines & tunnels

iii) Lifting arrangements through 6 stages of lifting 23.25 m (RD 2.4 to

2.9 km), 23.5 m (RD 20 to 20.9 km), 29.25 m (RD 39.9 to 42.7 km),

28 m ( RD 169.6 to 170.4 km), 30 m ( RD 176.9 to 178.1 km) and

21.25 m ( RD 292.85 to 293.7 km) totaling to 155 m of static lift

iv) Canal falls at two locations at RDs 302.93 km (7 m) and 426.43 km

(6 m) to dissipate the available excess head and reduce quantum of

filling

v) Pipelines for 25.98 km length in 11reaches viz., RD 27.40 km (1210

m ), RD 44 km (553 m), RD 49.65 km (1937 m), RD 60.05 km (9783

m), RD 83.6 km (3485 m), RD 87.7 km (1819 m), RD 93.4 km

(3551 m), RD 112.45 (1111 m), RD 257.1 km (500 m), RD 363.88

km (1698 m) and RD 370.48 km (331 m)

vi) Seven tunnels for a cumulative length of 13.826 km located at RD

73.50 km (3317 m), RD 141.45 km (776 m), RD 150.25 km (6489

m), RD 298.98 km (667 m), RD 371.53 km (781 m), RD 406.08

km (948 m) and RD 411.78 km (848 m)

vii) Out fall structures and Head regulators for integration of existing

reservoirs of Lower Wardha and Katepurna

viii) Raising of six existing storages to accommodate link waters

ix) Construction of 31 new storages along the link alignment to receive

diverted waters

Chapter – 4 Surveys and Investigations

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x) 22 nos. of Feeder canals/Direct sluices for integration of 38 existing/

proposed intermittent storages along the alignment

xi) Subsidiary lift arrangements from main link canal to feeder canals at

RD 115.45 km (7 m), RD 147.55 km (5 m), RD 150.00 km (10 m),

RD 246.30 km (10 m) and RD 377.13 km (8 m)

xii) Cross drainage/cross masonry and regulating works across the link

canal (582 Nos.)

xiii) Command area development of about 371277 ha in Nagpur,

Wardha, Yeotmal, Amravati, Akola and Buldhana districts

xiv) Canal top solar power generation arrangement at appropriate reaches

along the link canal alignment.

xv) Outfall structure at existing Nalganga reservoir on Nalganga river, a

tributary of Purna Tapi with FRL 294.44 m

The surveys & investigations in respect of the link canal, canal structures,

lift points etc., have been undertaken departmentally and through various

specialized organizations at DPR stage. Relevant details in respect of existing

Gosikhurd, Lower Wardha, Katepurna and Nalganga projects and the proposed

enroute storages/tanks are collected from Water Resources Department, Govt. of

Maharashtra and incorporated in the report.

The various surveys & investigation works carried out at DPR stage are

described in the following paragraphs.

4.1 Topographical Surveys

Topographical surveys have been carried out as per the “Guidelines for

Preparation of Detailed Project Reports of Irrigation and Multipurpose Projects”

of Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India, 2010, to the extent applicable.

The Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS) Bench Marks (BMs) of Survey

of India (SOI) located in the vicinity of link canal have been transferred and

connected at various locations along the canal alignment by conducting Double

Tertiary (DT) Leveling of about 179 km. Adequate number of

Permanent/Temporary Bench Marks (PBMs/TBMs) at different locations along

the alignment were established with reference to the above GTS Bench Marks.

The details of various GTS Bench Marks connected to the link alignment are


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furnished in Table-4.1. The details of the TBMs established along the link project

are furnished in Annexure-4.1.1 to 4.1.3.

Table-4.1

GTS Bench Marks connected to the link alignment

Sl.No Description of the GTS Bench

Mark

RD of the

connected

TBM (km)

Surveyed

length (km)

1 GTS BM on cement platform 'N'

end of bridge over Kanhan River

about 800 m ‘N’ of rest house

(PWD), Mauda, (Mathani)

25.15 20.90+20.90

(To & fro)

2 BoM at NE end of NW parapet of

bridge over a nala about 160 m NE

of Borkhedi Railway station, on

Nagpur-Wardha section of

Central railway.

86.12 11.87

3 Type B BM embedded 60 cm

below ground level, on S. Side of

Circuit House, Wardha.

126.20 18.85

4 Type B BM On pillar in the

compound of rest house at

Talegaon*

177.25 18.00

5 On North pilaster cap of E

abutment of bridge, about 3

furlongs east of mile- post No. 426

from Bombay.

195.38 2.38

6 Type B BM at Asra Gram

Panchayat Rest House about 1.4

m E of east wall of rest house.

243.61 29.57

7 Type B BM in the back compound

of Gram Panchayat Office, Palso

271.61 21.63

8 BM (Type P) situated in NE.

corner of compound of Circuit

House, Akola

312.93 27.34

9 Type B BM in the front of S.

compound of PWD Rest House,

Khamgaon

381.21 7.01

(To & fro)

* Connected to the original alignment as per PFR


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Topographical Surveys –Visit to GTS Bench mark near Borkhedi Railway

station on 23.09.2013

The line diagram of GTS BMs connected with the link alignment is shown

at Plate - 4.1.

4.1.1 Rivers

Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link project takes - off

from the existing Gosikhurd reservoir and out-falls into the existing Nalganga

reservoir. Besides, the existing Lower Wardha and Katepurna reservoirs are

planned as balancing reservoirs. No river surveys were carried out at the DPR

stage, since no new dams/storages are proposed across the intermediate rivers that

the link canal crosses. However, 38 intermittent medium storages/tanks (besides

Lower Wardha and Katepurna) are proposed enroute in the command area for

which detailed surveys will be carried by the State at pre-construction stage.

Further, it is planned to drop the canal water at RD 167.90 km into Savangi stream

joining the Lower Wardha reservoir. The river surveys of the stream to assess its

discharge carrying capacity or remodeling/modernisation of the river channel will

be taken up at pre-construction stage.


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4.1.2 Reservoirs

At the DPR stage, no reservoir surveys have been conducted, since no new

dam is proposed across any of the intermediate rivers that the link canal crosses.

Out of the 38 medium enroute storages/tanks proposed in the command area,

detailed surveys will be carried out for 37 storages/tanks (leaving existing Bembla

project) by the State Govt. at pre-construction stage. Based on the topographical

surveys of the Gosikhurd dam carried out by the erstwhile Irrigation Department

(now WRD), Govt. of Maharashtra, the reservoir contour plan is collected and

incorporated at Plate -4.2.

4.1.3 Head Works

Gosikhurd Reservoir

The link canal takes off from the foreshore of the existing Gosikhurd

reservoir from its right flank. A head regulator is proposed to divert the regulated

water from the Gosikhurd reservoir to the link canal. The topographical survey

of the area covering 250 m upstream and 500 m downstream of the dam axis upto

the elevation of MWL + 5 m on both the banks at 10 m x 10 m grid basis was

carried out by the Govt. of Maharashtra.

The total length of Gosikhurd dam is 11.36 km. The length of the central

gated ogee shaped spillway is 903.90 m comprising of 773.90 m of overflow

portion and 130 m of non-overflow portion for passing a flood discharge of 67373

cumec at MWL. Crest of spillway of Gosikhurd dam is at 229 m. The spillway

has 33 gates of size 18.30 m x 16.50 m.

The proposed head regulator is located on the foreshore of reservoir near

village Rajoli. The FRL and MDDL of Gosikhurd reservoir s 245.5 m and 241.29

respectively. The off-take FSL of canal is assumed to be 241.0 m so as to draw

water just above MDDL. The Head regulator with 6 bays, 5.5 m wide each is

proposed. Identical vertical lift type fixed wheel service gate in each bay for

opening size of 5.5 m wide x 9.0 m high, are proposed to control the discharge

into canal. Sill level / Crest level is EL 236.5 m. The gate has been designed for

water head corresponding FRL of 245.50 m. The detailed layout plan of the

Gosikhurd dam axis showing the location of spillway, non-over flow concrete

portion, left and right bank outlets is shown at Plate 4.3.


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D/S view of the Gosikhurd project on Wainganga river

Lower Wardha Reservoir

The W-N link canal outfalls into the Lower Wardha reservoir at RD 167.90

km through Savangi stream joining the reservoir from the left flank. The link

canal takes off from the Lower Wardha reservoir from the right flank with the

same RD i.e., 167.90 km. The length of the ogee shaped spillway of Lower

Wardha project is 580 m comprising of 462.5 m of overflow portion and 117.5

m of non-overflow portion with maximum discharging capacity of 20788 cumec

at MWL. Crest level of spillway of the dam is at 275.8 m. The spillway has

31radial gates of size 12 m x 8 m.

The proposed head regulator is located on the foreshore of reservoir near

village Pimpalkhuta. The FRL and MDDL of Lower Wardha reservoir is 283.80

m and 227.20 m respectively. The canal FSL is considered in such a way that

even it can draw water at 281.50 m of reservoir. The Head regulator with 4 bays,

5.0 m wide each is proposed. Identical vertical lift type fixed wheel service gate

in each bay for opening size of 5 m wide x 5.3 m high, are proposed to control

the discharge in canals. Sill level / Crest level is EL 278.5 m. The gate has been

designed for water head corresponding FRL of 283.80 m.


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Katepurna Reservoir

The link canal out falls into the existing Katepurna project across

Katepurna river at RD 298.63 km from the right side and takes off from the left

flank of the Katepurna reservoir with the same RD. The length of the ogee shaped

spillway of Katepurna project is 145 m. The spillway has a maximum discharging

capacity of 2784 cumec at MWL. The crest level of the spillway is 342.900 m.

The spillway has 10 gates of size 12 m x 5.2 m.

The proposed head regulator is located on the foreshore of reservoir close

to left end of dam axis. The FRL and MDDL of Katepurna reservoir are 347.77

m and 337.41 m respectively. The canal FSL is considered in such a way that

even it can draw water at 343.30 m of reservoir. The Head regulator with 2 bays,

4.25 m wide each is proposed. Identical vertical lift type fixed wheel service gate

in each bay for opening size of 4.25 m wide x 7.8 m high, are proposed to control

the discharge in canals. Sill level / Crest level is EL 340.00 m. The gate has been

designed for water head corresponding FRL of 347.77 m.

4.1.4 Plant and Colony Layout

The Plant and Colony layout survey for the link canal are proposed to be

carried out at pre-construction stage of the project. There are suitable locations

available for installation of various plants and colonies in the vicinity of the link

canal. Suitable provision towards Plant and Colony layout has been made in the

cost estimate.

4.1.5 Canal & Water Conductor System and Canal Structures

i) Link Canal & Water Conductor System

The total length of Wainganga (Gosikhurd) - Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link

canal is about 426.54 km. It is designed to carry 1772 Mm3 from Wainganga river

during monsoon months from July to September to cater to the needy areas in six

districts of Vidarbha region to meet irrigation, domestic & industrial demands.

The topographical surveys have been carried out departmentally as well as

through consultancy services on outsourcing during the period from February,

2013 to May, 2017.


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The topographical survey work in respect of the link canal from its off take

point at Gosikhurd upto its outfall into Lower Wardha project (RD 0 to 167.9 km)

has been carried out departmentally by NWDA. The work for carrying out

topographical surveys from Lower Wardha reservoir upto its outfall into

Nalganga reservoir on Purna Tapi (RD 167.9 to 426.54 km) was outsourced to

private agency. Due to delay in the progress of outsourced surveys by the Agency

and in the interest of timely completion of DPR, the fixing of the link alignment

from Katepurna to Nalganga (RD 298.63 to 426.54 km) has been carried out

departmentally and the ground profile 150 m on either side of the alignment at 50

m interval has been generated from Digital Elevation Model data of NRSA using

Global Mapper software. The details of reach wise surveys carried out are given

in Table-4.2.

Table-4.2

Reach wise Topographical Surveys by NWDA/Outsourcing

S.No. Reach RD Survey done by

1 Gosikhurd reservoir to

Lower Wardha reservoir

0 km to 167.9 km NWDA

2 Lower Wardha reservoir

to Katepurna reservoir

167.9 km to

298.63 km

Outsourcing

(M/s Geo Environs

Private Ltd., Dehradun)

3 Katepurna reservoir to

Nalganga reservoir

298.63 km to

426.54 km

NWDA

(Fixing of link

alignment and

generation of ground

profile with DEM data

using Global Mapper

software)

Alignment of the link canal was fixed on the ground by taking into account

the actual site conditions such that forest patches, developed areas and valuable

lands were avoided as far as possible. R.C.C Temporary Bench Mark (TBM)

pillars of size 0.40 m x 0.40 m x 1.10 m were erected at about 2.0 km interval and

at the turning points along the alignment. The centre line pillars of size 0.15 m x

0.15 m x 0.75 m were embedded at about 200 m interval along the alignment. All

the above pillars were painted white and chainage along with name of the project

were written with red paint. The bearing statement of the canal alignment is given

in Annexure - 4.2.1 to 4.2.3.


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Longitudinal profile surveys of the link canal from Gosikhurd upto

Katepurna have been carried out by Double Tertiary (DT) leveling using auto

levels by taking levels at every 50 m interval and on top of all TBM pillars and

centre line pillars established along the alignment.

Cross sectional profile surveys of the link canal were carried out at every

50 m interval along the alignment by Single Tertiary (ST) leveling using auto

levels/Total station by taking levels at every 50 m (or less as per the requirement)

upto 150 m on either side of the link canal.

Topographical survey of the link alignment near Rengatur at RD. 3.30 km

on 01.03.2013

The maps showing link alignment on toposheets of 1:50000 scale are given

at Plates 4.4.1 to 4.4.21. The strip contour plan and L-section of the link canal

alignment has been prepared with 0.5 m contour interval and appended at Plates

- 4.5.1 to 4.5.173. The condensed L-section of the link canal is appended at Plates

- 4.6.1 to 4.6.3.

ii) Canal structures

The link canal on its way crosses a number of rivers/streams/tributaries/

nallas besides National/State/District highways and village roads/Railway lines.


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In total there are 591 canal structures, consisting of 3 head regulators, 32

aqueducts, 13 super passages, 7 syphon aqueducts, 17 canal syphons, 2 canal

falls, 180 under tunnels, 150 over passes, 10 cross regulators, 18 feeder canal

regulators, 6 canal escapes, 4 under sluices, 3 four lane road bridges (FLRB), 23

double lane road bridges (DLRB), 112 single lane road bridges (SLRB), 5

Railway bridges and 6 lift points. Details of the CD/CM structures across the link

canal are furnished in Annexures-4.3.1 to 4.3.3. Grid Surveys at 50 m x 50 m

interval were carried out at each proposed major canal structure sites to cover an

area upto 300 m on either side of the centre line of the canal, upto 100 m d/s of

the point of exit of water and 100 m u/s of the point of water inlet.

Contour plans were prepared in 1:2000 scale with 0.5 m contour interval

to facilitate the designs of cross drainage structures, as well as refining the final

alignment precisely. Cross sections of the rivers have also been taken along the

centre line of the canal and the same have been plotted to the scale of 1: 2000 H

and 1:100 V. The contour plans, longitudinal section and cross sections of 5

Nos. of major canal structures along the link canal are appended at Plates - 4.7.1

to 4.7.5.

4.1.6 Lift Points

Lifting arrangements comprising pump-house, sump-well and delivery

cistern are proposed at 6 locations along the link canal. Topographical surveys

have been carried out for these arrangements by taking cross sections at 50 m

interval to an extent of 150 m to 250 m on either side of the alignment. The details

of the six lift points are furnished in the Table-4.3.

Table-4.3

Details of lift points

S.No. Location (RD in km) Static head (m)

1 2.4 to 2.9 23.25

2 20 to 20.9 23.50

3 39.9 to 42.7 29.25

4 169.6 to 170.4 28.00

5 176.9 to 178.1 30.00

6 292.85 to 293.7 21.25

Total lift 155.25


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4.1.7 Command Area

Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link project envisages

diversion of 1772 Mm3 of surplus waters of Wainganga river from Gosikhurd

project during monsoon to serve water deficit areas in Vidarbha districts for

irrigation, domestic & industrial purposes. It is planned to provide irrigation to

an extent of 371277 ha in six districts of western Vidarbha in Maharashtra State

viz. Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Yeotmal, Akola and Buldhana in Wainganga &

Wardha sub-basins of Godavari basin and Tapi basin utilising 1286 Mm3 of

water. The command area is mainly proposed under 40 enroute storages/tanks to

be integrated with the link canal. Besides, the link will also provide 32 Mm3 of

drinking water to 11.33 lakh population in the command area. It is also

contemplated to provide 397 Mm3 of water towards industrial requirement in the

vicinity of the project. The estimate for on-farm development works is considered

in the report based on the command area surveys carried out for nearby projects

(Par-Tapi-Narmada). However, the detailed survey in likely command area is

proposed to be carried out at pre-construction stage.

4.2 Other Surveys

4.2.1 Archaeological Survey in the Canal Area

The Archaeological Survey of the project area has been carried out by

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Nagpur in 2014. An area of 5 km on either

side of the canal alignment was surveyed in order to explore the archaeological

remains/sites, ancient temples or their remains, Central/State protected

monuments falling in the area. The Superintending Archaeologist, Pre-history

branch, Nagpur vide letter No.1/1/Gosikhurd Pr/2013-14/642 dated 16-2-2015

have submitted the brief report based on the above archaeological survey. It was

informed that there is no adverse impact on Centrally protected monuments

located in the districts of Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Akola and Buldhana, since

all are more than 3 km away from the canal alignment. State protected

monuments are also unaffected since nearest protected site at Mandal is about 3

km away from the alignment of canal. All other sites bearing ancient remains are

safe from the construction of canal since all are far from the proposed alignment

and are situated between 500 m to 4 km range. A copy of the report on

archaeological survey by ASI is at Appendix- 4.1.1. However, as already

discussed in preceding chapters, the canal alignment beyond Wardha river


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crossing has undergone major changes so as to facilitate storing of water in about

40 en route storages/tanks located at higher elevations for use in non-monsoon

period. In view of change in alignment, the ASI, Nagpur has been requested to

take up Archaeological surveys for the modified alignment. In response, ASI,

Nagpur has carried out the archaeological surveys for the modified alignment

beyond Lower Wardha upto Nalganga during January, April-May, 2017 and

submitted a brief report vide letter no. 1/2/2016/WNCP/Tech-71 dated 7th June,

2017. It was reported by ASI that no major archaeological site has been noticed

directly on the proposed canal alignment and a buffered area of 200 m on both

flanks of the canal is also safe for digging. It was concluded by ASI that the area

marked for the proposed canal is devoid of archaeological sites and monuments

and therefore, Phase II (Excavation) and Phase III (Mitigation) of archaeological

impact assessment are not needed. A copy of the report on archaeological survey

by ASI for the modified alignment is at Appendix- 4.1.2.

4.2.2 Mineral Survey in the Canal Area

GSI, Central region, Nagpur has carried out the mineral survey of the

project area. GSI, Nagpur vide Letter No. 232/8/PSS/GSI/CR/2014 dated 12th

March, 2014 (Annexure-4.4) informed that Rengatur Gold prospect in Bhiwapur

tehsil, Kolari Gold prospect located about 2 km NW of Pular village on Pular-

Dhamna forest road and Ranbori tungsten prospect all in Nagpur district are

found to lie in the vicinity of the link alignment in its initial reach of about 32 km,

but do not fall in the proposed route of the alignment. In the further reaches of

the link canal, only basalt is exposed and no significant mineral deposit/prospect

is reported. Subsequently, GSI, Nagpur has also been requested to take up mineral

surveys for the modified alignment beyond Lower Wardha upto Nalganga. In

response, GSI, Nagpur has carried out the surveys for the modified alignment and

informed vide letter no. 730/NWDA/PSS/GSI/CR/2013 dated 28th July, 2016

(Annexure - 4.5) that the revised alignment proposed by NWDA is mostly on

Deccan Trap terrain and small stretch is proposed over the alluviums and no

significant economic mineral deposit prospect is reported in these areas.

4.2.3 Right of Way Surveys for the Reservoirs

No right of way survey has been carried out since only the existing

reservoirs are planned to be used as head works/balancing reservoirs/outfall


101

points of the proposed link canal. However, in respect of proposed enroute

storages/tanks, this kind of surveys, as required will be carried out at pre-

construction stage.

4.2.4 Communication Surveys

Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link Project is proposed

to pass through Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim, Akola & Buldhana districts

of Maharashtra State. The existing Gosikhurd reservoir functions as the head

works of the link canal. The dam is located at about 10 km from Pauni town in

Bhandara district and is approachable from Nagpur through bituminous roads via

Umred, Bhiwapur & Pauni towns. The off-take point from Gosikhurd reservoir

near entrance of Rajoli village which is situated on the upstream of Gosikhurd

project in Kuhi taluk of Nagpur district is approachable from Nagpur through

Nagpur-Ambhora road. In the initial reach of the link canal, lifting arrangements

in 3 stages are proposed at RD 2.40 km near Rengatur village, at 20.00 km near

Musalgaon village and at RD 39.90 km near Dongargaon village and these are

approachable from Kuhi. The nearest airport in the vicinity of the off take point

of the link canal is located at Nagpur at about 85 km. Also, the link canal crosses

Nagpur-Nagbhid narrow gauge railway line at RD 26.73 km, Nagpur–Hyderabad

road (NH-7) at RD 59.72 km and Nagpur-Wardha South Central Railway line at

RD 60.46 km (20 km from Nagpur railway station), Wardha–Arvi (Anji–

Karangna) road at RD 138.37 km (25 km from Wardha), Rohna-Arvi Road which

is about 6 km from Arvi town in Wardha district.

The link canal is proposed to outfall into the Lower Wardha reservoir at

RD 167.90 km through Savangi stream near Savangi village in Wardha district.

The nearest airport in the vicinity of the existing Lower Wardha reservoir is

located at Nagpur at a distance of about 130 km. Off-taking from Lower Wardha,

the canal crosses Nagpur-Mumbai Central Railway line at RD 197.71 km (25 km

from Amravati), Amravati-Yeotmal road at RD 219.13 km (10 km from

Amravati), Nagpur-Aurangabad (NH-6) road at RD 248.64 km (25 km from

Amravati), Murtizapur-Yeotmal road at RD 260.15 km (10 km from Murtizapur

town) and Akola–Mangrulpir (Mahan – Hatola) road at RD 298.08 km. Lifting

arrangement are proposed in further 3 stages at RD 169.60 km near Anjansingi

village, at RD 176.90 km near Amduri village, both in Amravati district and at

RD 292.85 km near Mahan town in Akola district.


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Thereafter, the link canal joins the existing Katepurna reservoir at RD

298.63 km which is at a distance of 2 km from Mahan town in Akola district.

Off-taking from Katepurna, the link canal crosses Akola-Washim road at RD

319.46 km (30 km from Akola), Patur–Balapur road at RD 327.01 km,

Khamgaon-Buldhana road at RD 391.82 km (3 km from Khamgaon town),

Motala–Nandura road at RD 419.55 km and Buldhana-Malkapur road at RD

425.13 km (5 km from Motala town). Finally, the link outfalls in the existing

Nalganga reservoir at RD 426.54 km about 4 km from Motala town.

Thus, the entire link canal traverses in the vicinity of many villages and

towns. The head works, balancing reservoirs, enroute storages/tanks and canal

alignment are well approachable by means of National Highways, State High

ways, major district roads and village roads of bituminous top. The existing road

network can be used during the period of construction activities of the link

project. However, necessary provision is kept in the cost estimate for widening

of some village roads in addition to new approach roads, if any required at the

time of execution of the project.

All the villages/towns in the vicinity of the head works, balancing

reservoirs, enroute storages/tanks, link canal alignment and outfall point are fully

electrified and connected by telephone lines. Further, suitable provision is made

in the project estimate towards electrification and laying telephone lines in the

colony area during the execution of the project.

The map showing the communication network in the vicinity of the link

canal project is appended at Plate - 4.8.

4.2.5 Drainage Surveys

The link project is envisaging transfer of water through lined canal to

extend irrigation benefits in the water short areas of Vidarbha region of

Maharashtra. As such, no water logging/drainage problem is anticipated in the

command area. Suitable provision is, however, made in the cost estimate towards

providing good drainage network.


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4.2.6 Soil Surveys

The Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link project is

mainly an irrigation project. The proposed command area mostly falls in the

Lower Maharashtra region of Deccan Plateau in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati,

Wardha, Yeotmal and Nagpur districts of western Vidarbha region. Based on the

map of ‘Soils of Maharashtra’ published by the National Bureau of Soil Survey

and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), Nagpur, it could be seen that basalt and

alluvium are predominant along the Tapi, Godavari, Purna rivers and their

tributaries. Majority of the area has deep, clayey, cracking soils which have high

water retentive capacity and length of growing period. The area has high

productivity potential due to inherent fertility of soils. Watershed based crop

planning can be adopted to exploit the high potential of the area for agricultural

production. Also, proper water management practices need to be adopted to

prevent the development of salinity and alkalinity. Soil map of the command area

prepared based on the ‘Soil map of Maharashtra’ of NBSS & LUP, Nagpur is

given at Plate - 4.9.

4.2.7 Cadastral Surveys

Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link canal is aligned to

pass through Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim, Akola & Buldhana districts

of Maharashtra State. The taluk wise cadastral maps of seven taluks, four in

Nagpur district (Kuhi, Umred, Nagpur and Hingna) and three in Wardha district

(Arvi, Selu and Dhamangaon Railway) covering the link alignment upto Lower

Wardha and four taluks, two each in Akola district (Barshi Takli, Patur) and

Buldhana district (Khamgaon, Motala) covering the link alignment from

Katepurna upto Nalganga have been collected from the Department of Land

records, Pune for assessing the extent of different types of land acquisition

involved under the link canal. The field surveys along with furnishing cadastral

information for the reach of the link project beyond Wardha river upto its outfall

point at Katepurna river have been carried out by outside agency. In addition, the

land use/land cover maps of the project area along the entire link alignment have

been procured from by WRD, Govt. of Maharashtra from Maharashtra Remote

Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC), Nagpur and supplied to NWDA. Based

on these maps, the land acquisition under the link canal is 7342 ha including


104

agricultural land of 6399 ha, barren land of 548 ha, water body of 39 ha, habitat

land of 202 ha and forest land of 154 ha.

4.2.8 Canal-top Solar Power Potential Studies

Solar Energy generation is a clean technology. In accordance with the

policy initiative taken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Govt. of India, NWDA sought to explore the possibility of implementing the

scheme on canals proposed in Interlinking of Rivers projects and incorporate the

same in the Detailed Project Reports. Accordingly, the study for setting up of grid

connected solar (PV) power plant on canal top/canal banks and to assess possible

solar power potential along the link canal has been assigned to Gujarat Energy,

Research and Management Institute (GERMI), Gandhinagar on consultancy

basis. The firm has identified the stretch of the canal which can hold 1MW canal-

top solar PV plant and carried out techno-commercial feasibility of the project

(solar power component) including Capex and Opex which has been then

extrapolated for the full length of canal. The study also suggested various

probable arrangements viz. ‘E-W portal, N-S truss & Canal bank configurations’

for the proposed canal-top solar PV project. The study assessed the solar potential

of the link project as 1884 MW.

Based on the tentative arrangement for the typical canal section and

dimensions so considered, GERMI prepared nine types of designs. As per the

financial analysis of GERMI, the capital cost of the 1 MW plant is estimated at

Rs. 9.73 crore and the operation and maintenance cost is calculated at Rs. 9.73

lakh for the first year, which is approximately 1.0% of the capital cost. Thereafter,

the O&M cost is considered to escalate @ 5.72% annually. The debt-equity ratio

is taken at 70:30 based on common practice, while the interest on loan is taken at

12.50% per annum. The Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of the plant is

calculated at 17.9% for the first year, thereafter degrading by 1% per year relative

and compared to the previous year. Without Accelerated Depreciation (A.D.),

financial analysis yields project Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and equity Internal

Rate of Return (Equity IRR) at 6.95% and 1.95% respectively and Debt Service

Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of 0.87. Whereas in case of A.D., equity IRR increases

slightly to 2.10% and DSCR increases upto 0.90.

The study report on the canal top/bank solar power (PV) plant prepared by

GERMI, Gandhinagar is furnished as Appendix- 4.2.


105

4.3 Geology and Seismic Investigations

4.3.1 Regional Geology

The entire area of the Maharashtra State (which comprises the project

area), forms a part of the “Peninsular Shield” which is composed of rocks

commencing from the most ancient rocks of diverse origin which have undergone

considerable metamorphism. Over these ancient rocks of Precambrian era lie a

few basins of Proterozoic era and of permo carboniferous periods which are

covered by extensive sheets of horizontally bedded lava flows comprising the

Deccan trap. More than 80% area of the State is covered by the Deccan trap which

has concealed geologically older formations. The Wainganga (Gosikhurd) –

Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link Project area is mostly covered by Deccan trap.

The area around the link canal alignment from Gosikhurd to Lower Wardha

is predominantly occupied with the rock formations ranging in age from

Archaean to Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene age. Granite gneiss and migmatites

belonging to the Tirodi Gneissic Complex, Amgaon Gneissic Complex and

Bengpal Group occupy the major eastern and northern part of the area. They

form the basement for the overlying rocks of Sakoli Group, Sausar Group,

Gondwana Supergroup, Lameta Group and Deccan Trap Supergroup. The project

area beyond Lower Wardha is represented by Quaternary alluvium and Deccan

Trap Basalts.

The broad and tentative succession of the area, as worked out in 1:50000

Geological Map Series (GMS) by Geological Survey of India is given below:

Age Supergroup Group Formation Rock type

Recent Alluvium

Upper

Cretaceous to

Palaeocene

Deccan Trap Satpura Unclassified Basalt Flow 24

Basalt Flow 23

Basalt Flow 22

-------------- Unconformity --------------- ---------------

Upper

Cretaceous

Lameta Cherty and

impure

limestone, cherty

conglomerate,

sandstone,

-------------- Unconformity --------------- ---------------


106

Gondwana

Lower

Gondwana

Kamthi Sandstone

Talchir

Fine grained

sandstone

Neoproterozoi

c

Penganga sandstone, minor

slate and

conglomerate

-------------- -------------- Unconformity --------------- ---------------

Palaeo

proterozoic

Sausar

Chorbaoli Quartzite

Lohangi

calc-silicate rock,

calc-gneiss,

impure marble

Sakoli Pauni Slate , phyllite

meta-arkose ,

quartzite, matrix

supported

conglomerate,

Biwapur Mainly

metapelites with

interbands of

metamorphosed

acid volcanics

/tuffs of rhyolite

Dhabetekri Mainly

metabasalt with

subordinate

meta-pelites,

---------------- --------------- Tectonised contact ----------- ---------------------

Archaean

Tirodi

Gneissic

Complex/Am

gaon Gneissic

Complex/Ben

gpal Gneiss

Granite gneiss,

Gneiss and

migmatites,

meta-ultramafics

and pre-

Sakolisupracrusta

l assemblages of

high grade schist

including

quartzite kyanite

and

sillimaniteschist,

calc-silicate

rock,etc.


107

Economic Minerals

Occurrences of strata bound copper sulphide ores are known in Ranmangli

area. Tungsten mineralization is also noticed in the area. Coal is being mined near

Umred(55P/5). Occurrences of strata bound copper sulphide ores are known from

several places viz., Pular-Parsori, Kosari, Khapri, Thutanbori, Pahungaonetc.,

Presence of gold mineralization with or without copper ores have been noticed in

metarhyollite/tuff of Pular-Parsodi and Kosari areas. Abandoned old-workings

for chromite in ultramafic rocks are noticed in Pauni area (55P/9). From economic

point of view, epigenetic tungsten mineralization i.e. scheelite and wolframite

have been reported and explored from granitoid/ pegmatite greisen zones from

Kuhi-Khobna and Agargaon area (55O/8). Investigation for tungsten lies between

northern end of the Pular ridge in north, Mokabardi in south, Khapri in the east

and Ranbori in the west (55 P/5 and P/9). No minerals of economic importance

have been recorded along canal alignment during geological mapping by GSI.

4.3.2 Local Geology

Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) link canal traverses for

its entire length of 426.54 km through Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim,

Akola and Buldhana districts of Maharashtra. The lithotypes broadly belong to

Amgaon gneissic complex/Tirodi gneissic complex/ Bengpal gneiss and partly

by Sakoli Group (Bhiwapur Formation), Deccan trap Supergroup (Basalt flows)

and granite/pegmatite intrusive and considerable variations are observed in regard

to their mineral assemblage, structural set-up and field relationship along the

proposed link canal alignment.

In the initial reach of about 6 km of the link alignment, Sakoli Group of

rocks are represented by andulasite mica schist and Phyllite of Bhiwapur

Formations intruded by granite/granitised mylonite. Then, major part of the reach

upto about RD 32 km is predominantly covered under thick soil and alluvium, its

thickness varying from 5 to 7 m. For the next 5 km, the canal passes through flat

to undulatory basaltic terrain. Thereafter, from RD 37 km to RD 62 km, the canal

passes through broad open terrain surrounded by isolated dissected hillocks

(Ashokban and Kaldongri) in a vast pediplained area with a gentle slope towards

east. Thereafter, the canal alignment upto Lower Wardha passes through Deccan

Trap basaltic flows belonging to the Satpura Group.


108

Pegmatite/granite exposed Massive basalt exposed in a

on river bed of Amb Nadi quarry section (3rd lift at RD 39.90 km)

4.3.3 Geological and Geotechnical Investigations

The objective of the geological investigations is to find out type of rock,

major joints, shear zones, faults & fractured zones if any, in the project area. The

geological and geo-technical investigations for the link project (i) from take off

at Gosikhurd reservoir upto Wardha river crossing(phase-I) and (ii) from Lower

Wardha to outfall into Nalganga project (Phase-II) were carried out by

Engineering Geology Division, GSI, Nagpur.

The Geological mapping of the proposed canal alignment was carried out

on 1:10,000 scale covering a cumulative area of 133.36 sq. km from RD 0 to RD

426.54 km covering 150 m on either side of alignment. As per the GSI report, the

Granite gneiss of Amgaon Gneissic Complex (Pre-Sakoli Group), Bhiwapur

Formation of Sakoli Group, Basalt flows of Deccan trap Supergroup constitute

the geology at different reaches of the canal. The Sakoli Group of rocks intruded

by pegmatite/granite, show a tectonised contact with underlain granite gneiss,

which is exposed from off take point (0.00 km) to 19.60 km and unconformity is

marked at RD 33.626 km between granite gneiss overlain by basaltic rocks. It is

tentatively estimated that the thickness of overburden soil in granite gneissic

terrain is up to 5 m, whereas, it extends up to 5 to 7 m in Sakoli meta-sediments

and nil to 1.5 m in basaltic terrain.

Major portion of proposed canal alignment beyond Lower Wardha passes

through cultivation area with shallow soil (overburden) cover (~ up to 3m).

Scanty rock exposures comprising massive and at places vesicular basalt

constitutes the geology along proposed canal alignment. Based on surface

geological mapping, it has been interpreted that basalt lava flows of Deccan Trap


109

Supergroup shall be encountered as rock type at different reaches of the canal

alignment and as such no geological uncertainty had been observed.

Reconnaissance survey by Superintending Geologist, GSI at Off-take

point from Gosikhurd on 22.05.2014

In addition, Geotechnical investigations including drilling were carried out

at proposed major cross drainage (CD)/cross masonry (CM) works at the

river/stream, road and railway crossings to evaluate the depth and nature of bed

rock, overburden and bed characteristics. NWDA has carried out sub surface

exploration at 28 nos. of bore holes by double tube barrel diamond core drilling,

through outside drilling agency. Bore logging and assessment of the cores have

been made by GSI, Nagpur for a cumulative depth of 426 m. The rock types

encountered in the mapped reaches include granitic pegmatite, vesicular basalt,

vesicular amygdular basalt, massive basalt, Sericite schist, Quartz, etc.


110

Rock Cores recovered from the Drill hole at Venna river crossing at

RD 63.521 km

The report on the geological mapping & geotechnical investigations of the

link project received from GSI, Nagpur is at Appendix – 4.3.1 (for Phase – I)

and Appendix - 4.3.2 (for Phase-II).

4.3.4 Laboratory Investigations of Rock Samples

CSMRS, New Delhi has been assigned with laboratory investigations of

rock samples for the Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) Link

Project. The core samples collected from exploratory drill holes were got tested

at CSMRS Rock Mechanics Laboratory, New Delhi.


111

Selected Rock Samples for Testing by CSMRS, New Delhi

The recommended design parameters based on the laboratory

investigations of representative samples of three rock types viz. I. Phyllite/Quartz

with Phyllite, II. Vesicular/Massive basalt and III. Vesicular Amygdular basalt as

suggested by CSMRS are presented in Table-4.4.

Table-4.4

Recommended Design Parameters for Rock

Parameter Recommended Parameters

I II III

Bulk Density (dry), Υdry, (kg/m3) 2710 2720 2590

Bulk Density (saturated), Υsat, (kg/m3) 2715 2760 2680

Grain Density (saturated), Υgrain, (kg/m3) 2780 2810 2800

Water Content (at saturation), w.c.(%) 0.3 2.0 5.0

Apparent Porosity, ŋ (%) 0.7 5.8 12

Slake Durability Index, I cycle (%) 99 98.5 98

Slake Durability Index, II cycle (%) 98.5 98 97

Uniaxial Compressive Strength, UCS

(MPa)

45 35 --

Tangent Modulus, E (GPa) 40 35 --

Poisson’s ratio, µ 0.25 0.25 --


112

Apparent Cohesion, c(MPa) 4.0 3.5 --

Angle of Internal Friction, Φ (Degree) 55 50 --

Indirect Tensile Strength (MPa) 6 10 5

Point Load Strength Index (diametral)

(MPa)

4.5 9 1.8

Point Load Strength Index (axial)

(MPa)

-- 11 1.9

The report on Laboratory Investigations of rock samples received from

CSMRS, New Delhi is at Appendix – 4.4.

4. 3.5 Geophysical Investigations

Since no new dams are proposed as head works/balancing

reservoirs/outfall structures of the link project, no Geophysical investigations

were required to be conducted. Such investigations for the proposed enroute

storages/tanks shall be carried out by the Govt. of Maharashtra on finalization

of their locations on the field after carrying out the detailed topographical

surveys. During the discussions with GSI, Nagpur, it was given to understand

that geophysical investigations may not be required for a canal and hence were

not taken up long the link alignment.

4.3.6 Seismic Investigations

The link canal takes off from Gosikhurd reservoir and out falls into

Nalganga project, utilising existing Lower Wardha and Katepurna reservoirs as

balancing reservoirs. Since all the four reservoirs are existing reservoirs and no

new dams/reservoirs are proposed for diversion of water through the link canal,

no site specific seismic studies are conducted at present. From the general

seismology of Vidarbha region, the eastern districts of Bhandara and Nagpur fall

in earthquake zone-I, which is considered the safest in India, while the other

districts fall in zone-II. Gosikhurd project is located in Bhandara district,

Nalganga in Buldhana district, Lower Wardha in Wardha district and Katepurna

in Akola district. The enroute storages/tanks are proposed in Nagpur, Wardha,

Amravati, Yeotmal, Akola and Buldhana districts. Therefore, the existing as well

as proposed storages, which will be part of the link project are in Seismic Zone –

I & II which are considered to be not earthquake prone.


113

4.4 Geotechnical Investigations (Soils) and Borrow Area Survey

The works of Geotechnical investigations (Soils) and borrow area survey

for the Wainganga (Gosikhurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) Link Project have been

carried out by CSMRS, New Delhi.

The scope of the work includes:

(i) Collection of representative disturbed soil samples from borrow areas

in filling reach and undisturbed soil samples from cutting reach from

trial pits along the proposed canal alignment.

(ii) Conducting in-situ permeability tests in the cutting portion of the canal,

and

(iii) Conducting various laboratory tests on the collected soil samples for

ascertaining their suitability as construction material in filling portion

and for assessing competency of foundation in cutting portion of the

canal.

4.4.1 Soil Investigations along the Canal Alignment

The soil investigation along the canal alignment involves collection of

undisturbed / disturbed soil samples from the trial pits of size 3 m x 3 m x 3 m

excavated at the regular intervals of four to five km along the canal alignment. A

total of 66 soil samples were collected along the canal alignment from Gosikhurd

upto Nalganga. Representative disturbed soil samples were collected from

borrow areas in the filling portion of canal alignment and undisturbed soil

samples were collected using core cutters from the cutting reaches of the canal

alignment. Out of 66 samples, 47 samples have been collected from filling

potions and 17 samples from cutting reaches and 2 samples from level (balanced)

reaches where much cutting and filling is not involved.


114

Soil Investigations by CSMRS and Logging of pits by GSI at RD 86.115 km

on 25.02.2015

4.4.2 Laboratory Investigations on Soil Samples from the Canal

Alignment including Borrow Area

To ascertain the suitability of the borrow area material as construction

material in filling reaches of canal alignment together with soil characteristics in

cutting reaches of the canal, representative soil samples have been collected and

laboratory investigations conducted by CSMRS, New Delhi.

The following laboratory investigations were carried out on the soil

samples collected from cutting and filling reaches as per the Bureau of Indian

Standards and other standard procedures:

- Mechanical Analysis

- Atterberg Limits

- Standard Proctor Compaction

- Insitu density and Natural Moisture Content

- Triaxial Shear (CU )

- Specific Gravity

- One Dimensional Consolidation

- Laboratory Permeability

- Free Swell Index

- Chemical Analysis


115

pH

CaCo3

TSS

Organic Matter

Water Soluble Sulphates

Water Soluble Chloride

- Dispersivity of Soil

Classification of these soil samples was done as per IS: 1498.

Based on the findings of the laboratory investigations carried out on soil

samples collected from the borrow areas along the canal alignment, following

conclusions have been arrived at.

The grain size analysis of soil samples indicate that soil samples in the

reach upto Lower Wardha in general possess predominantly silt sizes

followed by fine sand and clay. Whereas in the reach beyond Lower

Wardha, it is gravel followed by silt and clay.

The liquid limits of samples vary from 26.1 to 76.3 which indicate that the

tested soil samples possess low to high compressibility characteristics.

The plasticity index values of the tested soil samples vary from 4.7 to 41.4

indicating that the materials in general possess low to high plasticity

characteristics except eight soil samples which exhibit non-plastic

characteristics.

Based on the results of grain size distribution and Atterberg limits tests, out

of 66 soil samples , 17 soil samples fall under SM (silty sand) group , 9 soil

samples fall under SC (clayey sand) group, 8 soil samples fall under GC

(clayey gravel) group, 4 soil samples fall under MI (silt of intermediate

compressibility) group, 4 soil samples each fall under CH (clay of high

compressibility) group and 7 samples fall under MH (silt of high

compressibility) group and 2 soil samples each falls under CI (clay of

intermediate compressibility) group and 13 soil samples fall under GM


116

(silty gravel) group, one each under ML (silt of low compressibility) and

GP-GM (poorly graded silty gravel) as per BIS soil classification system.

The results of In-situ dry density tests carried out on soil samples from the

foundation pits show that material has low to good In-situ dry densities.

The results of Standard Proctor tests show that materials are capable of

achieving low to good compaction densities.

The values of specific gravity of samples from all borrow area vary from

2.56 to 2.94.

The total and effective cohesion (c & c’) and angle of shearing resistance

values(Ø& Ø’) of the tested soil samples from cutting reaches were found

to vary from (0.25 to 0.468 kg/cm2 & 0.12 to 0.385 kg/cm2) and (13.110 to

19.50 & 24.350 to 27.80) respectively. The same in respect of tested samples

from filling reaches were found to vary from (0.15 to 0.256 & 0.06 to

0.214) and (16.360 to 25.20& 25.070 to 31.60). The test results indicate that

soil in both cutting and filling reaches in general are likely to exhibit very

good shear strength characteristics.

The compressibility values of all tested soil samples indicate that soil

samples are likely to exhibit low to high compressibility characteristics

depending upon variability of soil in different stretches.

The results of Laboratory Permeability test indicate that the soil samples in

general are impervious to semi- pervious in nature.

The results of free swell index conducted on 3 soil samples indicate

moderate degree of expansion.

On the basis of chemical analysis done on 2 samples, the conductivity

values in terms of total dissolved salts (TDS) are below 1.0 milli mho/cm

indicating normal behavior of foundation soil.


117

The consensus arrived at based on the Soil Dispersivity identification tests

indicates that the tested soil samples possess non-dispersive to intermediate

characteristics.

CSMRS recommended that based on geotechnical investigations carried

out, the link canal can be taken up along the proposed route. However, in reaches

where very weak soil such as soil of MH and CH group are present, it was

suggested to deviate route slightly based on the soil availability or else the

designers may design the canal based on investigated data.

The recommended design parameters by CSMRS in the phases I & II of

the link alignment are given in Tables 4.5 & 4.6 respectively.

Table-4.5

Recommended Design Parameters for Soil in the reach from Gosikhurd to

Lower Wardha (Phase-I)

S.No. Name of the tests Average

Average

minimum

I Filling reaches of canal

1.

Standard Proctor Compaction

i. Maximum Dry Density (Υd), g/cc 1.70 1.66

ii. Optimum Moisture Content,% 17.64 16.27

iii. Specific Gravity 2.76 2.73

2. Triaxial Shear Test

i. Total Cohesion (c), kg/cm2 0.18 0.17

ii. Effective Cohesion(c’), kg/cm2 0.08 0.07

iii. Total angle of shearing resistance, (ø) 21.3o 21.0o

iv. Effective angle of shearing

resistance, (ø)

30.6o 30.0o

3. Consolidation Test

i. Compression index 0.103 0.103

ii. Swelling index 0.019 0.019

4. Permeability Test

Coefficient of Permeability ‘K’ Impervious to

semi-pervious

5. Dispersivity Test

Consensus of four dispersivity tests Non Dispersive to

Intermediate

II Cutting reaches of canal

1. i. Insitu Dry Density (Υd) g/cc 1.55 1.52


118

ii. Insitu Permeability cm/sec Semi-

impervious

Impervious

2.

Triaxial Shear Test

i. Total Cohesion (c) kg/cm2 0.20 0.20

ii. Effective Cohesion(c’) kg/cm2 0.09 0.09

iii. Total angle of shearing resistance,

(ø)

19.5o 19.5o


resistance, (ø)

27.8o 27.8o

3.

Consolidation Test



Table-4.6

Recommended Design Parameters for Soil in the reach from Lower

Wardha to Nalganga (Phase-II)

S.No. Name of the tests Average

Average

minimum

1.

Standard Proctor Compaction

i. Maximum Dry Density (Υd) g/cc 1.66 1.59

ii. Optimum Moisture Content,% 20.55 18.70

iii. Specific Gravity 2.82 2.79

2.

Triaxial Shear Test

Filling Section


ii. Effective Cohesion (c’) kg/cm2 0.05 0.05


(ø)

16.4o 16.4o


resistance, (ø)

25.4o 25.2o

Cutting Section of the Canal


ii. Effective Cohesion(c’) kg/cm2 0.10 0.10


(ø)

18.0o 18.0o


resistance, (ø)

26.7o 26.5o

3.

Consolidation Test

Filling Section of the Canal




119

Cutting Section of the Canal



4.

Permeability Test

Type of Permeability Drainage Characteristic

Field Permeability Test (cutting

section)

Good drainage

Coefficient of Laboratory

Permeability ‘k’ (filling section)

Impervious

5. Dispersivity Test

Consensus of four dispersivity tests Non Dispersive to Dispersive

The reports on laboratory investigations on soil samples from borrow area

along the canal alignment received from CSMRS, New Delhi for phases I & II

are at Appendix – 4.5.1 and 4.5.2. The map showing the location of soil samples

collected is at Plate-4.10.

4.4.3 Foundation Investigations of CD/CM Structures

Foundation investigations at Major CD/CM structures & lift points involve

drilling the drill holes at each side of CD/CM structures and conducting the

Standard Penetration tests (SPT) and In-situ permeability tests alternatively at

every 1.50 m interval, besides, collection of undisturbed soil samples in shelby

tubes and SPT samples from the drill holes. A total of 28 boreholes were drilled

at 15 different locations, viz. at two lift points at RD 3.30 km & RD 176.90 km

and 13 CD/CM structures sites along the canal alignment upto Nalganga .


120

Foundation Investigations at Left Bank of Venna river (Bore-Hole No.1) at

RD 63.439 km on 09.02.2016

Water Permeability Test at Left Bank of Venna river(Bore-Hole No.1)

at RD 63.439 km on 10.02.2016.

11 SPT samples and 7 UD samples collected from 12 bore holes in the link

canal reach up to Wardha crossing (Phase-I) were sent to CSMRS, New Delhi.

The foundation investigations of soil were not carried out for the phase-II (from

Lower Wardha to Nalganga) of the link alignment in consultation with CSMRS


121

as the soil depth in the drill holes was very shallow and no representative SPT

and UD soil samples could be collected from any of the bore holes. The following

laboratory tests were conducted by CSMRS for ascertaining the suitability of

foundation soil:

Mechanical Analysis

Atterberg limits

In-situ Density and Moisture Content

Specific Gravity

Triaxial Shear

Direct Shear

One Dimensional Consolidation

All the above tests were carried out in accordance with the

recommendations of the relevant Indian Standard codes and other standard

procedures. The recommended design parameters are given in Table-4.7.

Table-4.7

The Recommended Design Parameters on Foundation Investigations

Suggested by CSMRS

Parameter Average Average

minimum

In-situ Density

In-situ Dry Density (γd), g/cc 1.75 1.70

Tri-axial Shear

Total Cohesion ( c ), kg/cm2 0.31 0.26

Total angle of shearing resistance (ø) 16.8o 14.1o

Effective Cohesion (c), kg/cm2 0.17 0.14

Effective angle of shearing resistance (ø) 22.3o 19.7o

The report on Foundation investigations of cross drainage/cross masonry

structures and at deep cut/lift point (RD 3.3 km) received from CSMRS, New

Delhi is at Appendix – 4.6. The map showing the location of drill holes at

CD/CM structures and at lift point is at Plate-4.11.


122

4.5 Construction Materials Survey

The CSMRS, New Delhi has carried out the construction materials

survey of coarse and fine aggregates for the link alignment (Phases -I&II) in the

vicinity of the project area along with laboratory investigations for assessing their

suitability to use as coarse and fine aggregates in concrete during construction of

the project.

4.5.1 Rock and Aggregates

The CSMRS team inspected the rock quarry sites which are located in

the vicinity of the proposed project (upto Lower Wardha) during 18th - 20th March,

2015.

Following 6 probable rock quarry sites have been identified by CSMRS

team in Nagpur & Wardha districts for coarse aggregate.

1. Surgaon rock quarry adjacent to the canal alignment and 22 km from

Nagpur

2. Sawangi-Deoli rock quarry 5 km right of the canal alignment

3. Haladgaon rock quarry just right side of the Nagpur-Wardha road

and about 4 km left of the canal alignment

4. Keljhar rock quarry1 km away from the Nagpur-Wardha road and 5

km left of the canal alignment

5. Yelakeli rock quarry about 7 km from Wardha district and 20 km

left of the canal alignment

6. Sorta rock quarry left side of the Arvi-Pulgaon road and 25 km left

of the canal alignment

Further, CSMRS, New Delhi visited the project area from Lower Wardha

upto Nalganga (Phase-II) during 19-23, June, 2016 and finalised the following

rock quarries in Amravati, Akola and Buldhana districts.

1. Sonegaon rock quarry 1.5 km from Chandur railway and 4 km left

of the canal alignment

2. Palaskhed rock quarry 2 km from Chandur railway and 5 km left of

the link alignment

3. Masood rock quarry about 16 km right of the canal alignment

4. Borgaon Manju rock quarry about 20 km right of the canal


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alignment

5. Mathni rock quarry about 2 km right of the canal alignment

6. Tembhurna rock quarry on Khamgaon–Akola road and adjacent to

the canal alignment

7. Yeota rock quarry on Akola-Malkapur to Kumbhari road about 16

km right of the canal alignment

All these quarries located in the proximity of the link alignment have

sufficient quantity of rock for use as coarse aggregate for the construction of the

link project.

Construction Materials Survey (C.A) by CSMRS at Surgaon Quarry Site

(Nagpur district) on 18.02.2015

The samples from the above thirteen rock quarries were collected and the

physical and chemical tests viz., water absorption, specific gravity, aggregate

impact value, aggregate abrasion loss, aggregate crushing value, soundness loss

(5 cycles of Na2 So4), alkali aggregate reactivity and Petrographic analysis were

conducted on the representative rock samples (as per IS: 2386-1963) for assessing

their suitability as per IS: 383-2002 for use in concrete.

Based on physical & chemical tests and ASR test conducted, it is found

that all the coarse aggregates samples (barring sample from Sorta quarry) are

conforming to the codal requirements for use as coarse aggregate in concrete for


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both wearing as well as non- wearing surfaces as per IS: 383-2002/2016. The

sample from Sorta quarry is also suitable as per physical test results for use as

coarse aggregate in concrete for both wearing as well as non-wearing surfaces,

but it is found to be potentially deleterious in the alkali aggregate reactivity test.

Also, the sample from Mathni quarry shows higher expansion and reactive to

ASR test . Hence, CSMRS recommended that rock material from Sorta and

Mathni quarries may be used as coarse aggregate in concrete for both wearing as

well as non-wearing surfaces with suitable remedial measures like mineral

additives such as fly ash, slag, silica fume, rice husk, GGBS, triple blended

cement etc. to prevent the ASR in concrete.

4.5.2 Sand

The CSMRS, New Delhi after visiting the project area in the vicinity of

the proposed project (upto Lower Wardha) during 18th - 20th March, 2015 have

finalized the following sand quarries for fine aggregate in Nagpur and Wardha

districts

1. Binaghat sand quarry at confluence point of Kanhan and Pench

river about 57 km from the canal alignment

2. Wadhona sand quarry near Wadhona village on the left bank of the

Kanhan river about 17 km from the canal alignment

3. Saikheda sand quarry on left bank of Wardha river about 3.5 km d/s

of Lower Wardha dam and about 6 km from the canal alignment

Further, CSMRS, New Delhi visited the project area from Lower

Wardha upto Nalganga (Phase-II) during 19-23, June, 2016 and finalized the

following sand quarries in the Amravati, Akola and Buldhana districts.

1. Bhatkuli sand quarry near the Bhatkuli village on bank of Pedhi

river and 16 km right side of the canal alignment

2. Hivrakorde sand quarry near Hivra korde village on the bank of

Pedhi river and 12 km right side of the canal alignment

3. Bhastan sand quarry on the bank of Purna river and 30 km right

side of the canal alignment

4. Yerli sand quarry near Yerli village on the bank of Purna river and


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30 km right of the canal alignment.

One natural sand sample from each sand quarry have been collected for

ascertaining the suitability for use as fine aggregate in concrete for the proposed

project.

Construction Materials Survey by CSMRS (FA) at Kanhan river near

Wadhona village (Nagpur district) on 18.02.2015

The physical and chemical tests viz., specific gravity, grading and fineness

modulus, organic impurities, silt and clay content, soundness loss (5 cycles of Na2

So4), Alkali aggregates reactivity and Petrographic analysis were conducted on

the representative sand samples as per BIS (IS: 2386-1963) for assessing their

suitability for use in concrete as fine aggregate.

Based on physical & chemical tests and ASR tests, it is found that the sand

samples from Binaghat & Wadhona are suitable for use in concrete works. The

sand sample from Saikheda which is slightly coarse with FM of 3.46 is also

conforming to grading zone-I and the same may be used in the construction work

with proportionately blending of fine sand to make the FM 2.5 to 3.0. As per the

ASR test results, this sample is found to be of deleterious behaviour and the same

may be used with suitable remedial measures like mineral additives such as fly

ash, slag, silica fume, rice husk etc. to prevent the ASR.

As regards to the samples from the four quarries located in the phase-II

reach of the link alignment, based on physical tests conducted, it is found by

CSMRS that the entire natural sand are very coarser in nature and FM is varying


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between 3.45 to 3.88 and may require blending with fine sand to achieve FM in

the range of 2.6-2.8. As per petrographic report of these samples, it is found that

all sand samples are having mica content in free form which would result in

reduction of compressive strength of concrete. Therefore, CSMRS concluded that

trial mixes shall have to be conducted and ensured that it meets the required

technical specification requirements.

The Reports on the Construction Materials Survey and Laboratory

investigations of coarse and fine aggregate samples for assessing their suitability

for use as Coarse and Fine Aggregate in Concrete for Wainganga–Nalganga link

Canal Project received from the CSMRS, New Delhi for phases-I & II are given

at Appendix-4.7.1 and Appendix - 4.7.2 respectively. The map showing the

location of quarry sites visited by CSMRS in respect of coarse and fine aggregates

is at Plate-4.12.

4.5.3 Bricks and Tiles

Cement Bricks/hollow concrete bricks/Red Bricks and tiles are

available locally in the vicinity of the Project area.

4.5.4 Pozzolana

The pozzolana materials are not considered to be used in the

construction of the project.

4.5.5 Cement

A no. of Cement Industries are located in Vidarbha region at Nagpur,

Chandrapur, Amravati, Akola etc. To name a few, ‘Ambuja cement industries’,

‘Chanda ACC cement plant’ and ‘Ultra-tech cement limited’ are some of the

cement companies located in the vicinity of the project area. Thus, the required

cement for construction of the project is available in project area.

4.5.6 Steel

The steel required for the Project construction can be procured from the

plants located in Vidarbha region such as ‘Factor Steel’, ‘Vidarbha Iron & Steel

Corporation Ltd., Bajaj Steel Industries Ltd. etc.


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4.5.7 Scarce Material

No scarce materials are anticipated to be used in the project which may

cause hindrance to the construction of the project.

4.5.8 Any other Material

Apart from the above, there will be many other items such as iron rods

/pillars, iron asbestos sheets, CGI sheets, coal tar, wood, paint, coir ropes etc.,

which are required for construction of temporary rooms/sheds etc. All such items

are available at Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Akola and Buldhana districts within

the vicinity of project area.

4.6 Hydrological and Meteorological Investigations

4.6.1 Rainfall and Run-off

4.6.1.1 Rainfall

There are 30 rain gauge stations in the catchment of Wainganga upto

Gosikhurd dam site. There is no snowfall occurrence in Wainganga/Pranhita sub-

basin. The precipitation is in the form of rainfall and the intensity of rainfall varies

fairly in time and space as observed from the data. The sub-basin receives more

than 80% of the annual rainfall during monsoon period from June to October. The

available rainfall data for the period from 1970-2014 has been considered in the

hydrological studies upto Gosikhurd dam site. The list of 30 rain gauge stations

in Wainganga catchment up to Gosikhurd dam site with corresponding average

annual rainfall (mm) for the period from 1970 to 2014 is given in Table-4.8.

Table-4.8

Rain-gauge Stations in Wainganga catchment up to Gosikhurd Dam Site

Sl.

No.

Name of the Rain

gauge Station

Average Annual

Rainfall (mm)

(1970-2014)

1. Amla 1039

2. Multai 925

3. Mokhed 980

4. Junnardeo 1109

5. Sausar 893

6. Katol 856


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7. Saoner 844

8. Khindsi 1023

9. Umred 1084

10. Chhindwada 911

11. Seoni 1098

12. Tamiya 1563

13. Chaurai 1007

14. Amarwada 973

15. Parseoni 967

16. Ramtek 1089

17. Deolapar 1025

18. Harai 1078

19. Lakhnadaun 1047

20. Mandla 1214

21. Rumal 1188

22. Waraseoni 1162

23. Gondia 1212

24. Bhandara 1192

25. Balaghat 1437

26. Baihar 1243

27. Chuikhadan 840

28. AmbagarhChowki 1140

29. Sakoli 1444

30. Khairbanda 1004

4.6.1.2 Run-off

The catchment of Wainganga river upto Gosikhurd has been divided into

four sub-catchments namely Kanhan, Pench, Bagh & Wainganga for hydrological

studies. The Central Water Commission (CWC) is maintaining a no. of G&D sites

on Wainganga/Pranhita river and its major tributaries. The data of two sites

namely Ramakona on Kanhan river and Rajegaon on Bagh river have been used

in the present hydrological study. Also, the Gauge data being observed by

Hydrology Project, Govt. of Maharashtra at one site viz. Kardha across

Wainganga river and the tank gauge data at Pench pick up weir are used for the

yield assessment in the present study. The details of these G&D sites/Pick up weir


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in the catchment of Wainganga upto Gosikhurd dam site along with some major

G&D sites on main Wainganga/Pranhita river are given in Table-4.9.

Table-4.9

Gauge & Discharge Sites in the Wainganga/Pranhita sub-basin

Sl.

No.

Name of Gauge

& discharge site

Maintained

by

River /

Tributary

Catchment

area (km2)

Year from

which

data is

available

1. Ramakona CWC Kanhan 2500 1986

2. Pench pickup weir WRD Pench 4662 1994

3. Rajegaon CWC Bagh 5380 1986

4. Kardha Hydrology

Project,

GOM

Wainganga 13706 1994

5. Pauni CWC -do- 35520 1965

6. Asthi CWC -do- 50990 1965

7. Tekra CWC Pranhita 108780 1965

4.6.2 Sunshine, Cloud Cover and Visibility

There are four IMD observatories located within the Wainganga/Pranhita

sub-basin at Seoni, Chhindwara, Gondia and Nagpur. Three more observatories

at Mandla, Chandrapur and Betul are located close to the sub-basin. As per the

climatological data of these IMD stations for the period from 1980-2010, the

normal maximum cloud cover is 7.1 oktas during the month of August, where as

the normal minimum cloud cover is 0.6 oktas during the month of April.

4.6.3 Wind Velocity

As per the climatological data of the above IMD stations for the period

from 1980-2010, the normal maximum and minimum wind velocities are 13.1

km/hr in June and 1.9 km/hr in December respectively.


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4.6.4 Relative Humidity

As per the climatological data of the IMD stations for the period from

1980-2010, the normal maximum and minimum relative humidity are observed

to be 93% and 19% in the months of August and April respectively.

4.6.5 Temperature

As per the climatological data of the IMD stations for the period from

1980-2010, the normal daily maximum and minimum temperature are found to

be 42.9o C and 8oC in the months of May and December respectively.

4.6.6 Sedimentation

In the Pranhita sub-basin, sediment analysis is being carried out by Central

Water Commission (CWC) at Kumhari, Pauni & Asthi G&D sites on Wainganga

river, at Tekra on Pranhita river, at Bhatpalli on Peddavagu, at Satrapur on

Kanhan and at Rajegaon on Bagh. The Pauni G&D site (35520 km2) is located

just 10 km downstream of the Gosikhurd dam (34862 km2) for which the data on

sediment inflow is available for the period from 1969-70 to 2004-05. As per the

available sediment data, the rate of average annual sediment inflow at the site

works out to 13173764 M.T, out of which 13084669 M.T is during the monsoon

period.

4.6.7 Water Quality

Different chemical and physio-chemical parameters of water quality of

Wainganga river at Gosikhurd dam are observed on a regular basis. The Govt. of

Maharashtra under Hydrology Project collects the water samples from Gosikhurd

reservoir during all the months in a year. These samples are tested at Water

Quality Testing lab (a level-II Lab certified by ISO 9001-2008) under Hydrology

Project Division, Nagpur for ascertaining the water quality status. The water

samples are tested for General parameters (pH, Electron Conductivity, Total

Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity etc.), Nutrients, Organic

matter (BoD, DoD), Alkalinity, Hardness, Major Ions, Coliforms etc. The latest

data pertaining to the years 2015 to 2018 on laboratory test results of the water


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samples of Gosikhurd reservoir have been collected and are presented in Table-

7.2 of Chapter-7 ‘Reservoirs & Enroute Storages’.

In the DPR of Gosikhurd project (1982), it was reported that the river water

in the Wainganga at the dam site is quite fit for use on masonry/concrete or any

other construction work without any special treatment. For drinking purpose, the

water can be used with normal treatment of chlorine and alum dose.

4.6.8 Evaporation

The designed utilisation of Gosikhurd project including supplementation

of Asolamendha tank is 1634 Mm3. Out of this, 265.97 Mm3 is provided towards

evaporation losses in the reservoir which accounts for 16.3% of the annual

utilisation and 23.2% of the gross storage of the reservoir. The monthly

evaporation depths at Gosikhurd are in the range of 0.075 m (Nov.) to 0.362 m

(May). The monthly pan evaporation depths considered for the Gosikhurd project

in the DPR are furnished in Table-4.10.

Table-4.10

Monthly Evaporation depths at Gosikhurd

S.No. Month Evaporation Depth (m)

1 June 0.236

2 July 0.133

3 August 0.109

4 September 0.103

5 October 0.113

6 November 0.100

7 December 0.075

8 January 0.085

9 February 0.135

10 March 0.200

11 April 0.248

12 May 0.362

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