Key points of SMIP

 Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project (SMIP) was initiated as Chatra Canal Project in 1964
A.D under assistance of GOI.
 GOI had constructed a side Intake at Chatra with 53 km long main Canal (CMC), 19
numbers (203 km) of branch/Distributaries canals and 234 km of minor canal.
 The old intake was designed to withdraw 45 m3/s discharge in main canal, had 4 openings
with vertical control gates and sill level of intake was below bed of river.
 But during flood period, the whole profile of sediment including coarse materials were
transported through gates and finally deposited & piled up in the approaching channel.
 In other to overcome those problems, in 1978 AD, a master plan was prepared with the
assistance of IDA and World Bank called Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project (SMIP).
 SMIP has different stages of development. i.e Stage-1, stage-2, SMHP & Stage-3.

 Stage-1( 1978-1985)
 Regulating gates were provided at intake of system.
 Vortex tubes were provided to reduce silt
 Water courses were constructed for 50 ha was with 5 outlets each serving 10 ha area
blocks
 Command area development (CAD) works was initiated.

• Stage-2(1987-1995)
• Excessive ingression of silt water caused difficulties in efficient operation of canal.
• Regulating gates were provided at head of secondary, sub-secondary & tertiary canals.
• CAD in Sitagunj and Ramagunj distributaries covering 16,600 ha area was carried out.

• In 1990 AD, GON seeked advice from International Panel of Experts to solve silt
problem and effective running of the system.
• The panel gave following advices
• Moving old intake structure 1300 m upsteram along koshi river to increase the capacity
of intake 60 m3/s.
• Construction of large capacity of settling basin ( present primary settling basin 900m x
60m).
• Introducing Dredgers for removing silt from the settling basin.
• Construction of a micro-hydropower unit for dredger.
• Erecting 15 km 33 KV long transmission line from hydropower unit to Dharan to
transmit surplus power.
• Introducing hydraulically operated gate system
 • In 1993, to implement the POE advice, Sunsari Morang Hydropower Project(SMHP) was
executed.
• The Continued westward migration of the Koshi river added more problems to ensure
required 60m3/s discharge of water and perennial water availability.
• This had minimized the silt problem & assured the availability of perennial water in the
system.

• But the continued westward migration of the koshi river added more problems to ensure
desired 60 m3/s discharge of water & perennial water availability.

Stage-3, phase-I

• After the assurance of silt free water, it was decided to resume the CAD in the remaining
area of the project. So the Stage-3, Phase-I was initiated in 1997 and terminated in 2007.

• CAD works of Biratnagar and Harinagara-Mahadevkol distributary canals.

• Restortation of Chatara main canal was done.

• Construction of 5.5 km long embankment on left bank of Koshi river completed in this
stage.

• Stage-3, Phase-II is ongoing & Phase-III is yet to be started.

Stage-3, Phase –II

• Proposed the CAD works, mostly concentrated in tail reaches of CMC.

• Most of the structures in CMC were constructed in 1970s, needs urgent rehabilitation &
reconstruction, so restoration of chatara canal is important.

Most of the structures in CMC were constructed in 1970s’ and needs urgent rehabilitation &
reconstruction.

- Shifting of the river course in west ward at the existing intake.

- Temporary river bed materials dams are being built every year making difficult to divert
water.
- At present, level of Koshi river is down by almost a meter below the usual dry period
level.
- During dry season, the flow of silt free water in the main canal is around 10 m3/s.
- Improperly functioning of the existing Dredgers at primary settling basin.
- Lack of sufficient head in primary settling basin for hydraulic flushing.

Further CAD can be possible only if new permanent diversion structure is built.
More silt ingression in the main canal due to improperly functioning of the system.

The recent Impact Evaluation Study (Report-December 2012) of SMIP conducted by NPC
Secretariat, M&E Division, SMES 2, Singhadurbar, Kathmandu has emphasized the need of
barrage-type diversion structure to overcome the shortage of water during dry season.

The Department of Irrigation, Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project decided to prepared a proposal
for the Reconsctruction and Restoration of CMC along with the development of the Stage-3 (
Phase-II and III) which include the restoration of CMC along with the development of the
stages-III.
(1). Hydraulic Model study for river control near chatara.

Hydraulics Research station

Wallingford

Feburary 1981

- Hydraulic and hydrographic surveys

- Hydraulic model with rigid bed
- Hydraulic model with mobile bed

Hydraulic survey conclusion

1. The concentration of suspended bed material was generally below 2600 mg/l even at the
highest discharge of 6320 m3/s. The concentration of the total suspended load ( ie
including wash load finer than 63 micrometer diameter was below 5670 mg/l.
2. The median particle diameter of this material was generally below 160 micrometers.
Flume tests were made at HRS to demonstrate that the sampling instrument used in the
field should have entrained coarser material if this had been present.

Final Summary

1. From the start of the investigation, it was realized that the Sapta Koshi River near Chatra
is extremely active & unstable, able to exert forces on any engineering works placed in it
that would cause severe structural problems.
2. Model study would aim to demonstrate hydraulic means of ensuring water at all stages of
the river to the Chatara Main canal.
3. Test were made in hydraulic model, both with rigid & mobile bed ,of
a) Spur or revetment works to influence flow towards the east bank, prevent
recession of the west bank and reclaim land there
b) A repelling spur to divert the river channel towards the east bank, associated with
smaller spurs for bank protection as in (a).
c) A crater bar, or sill of gabion work across the western channel to influence the
flow towards east bank.
d) An island of either caisson or pitched stone construction, intended to cause
controlled located scour near itself, thereby holding the channel in a desired
location. Associated with the smaller spurs for bank protection as in (a)
e) An extended intake structure to the canal, to in intercept deep water. Associated
with test of repelling spurs, caisson and pitched stone islands.
f) A dredged channel close to the east bank.
4. Of the categories of structure listed in 3, the repelling spur with the extended canal intake
(b) and (e) appeared to be the most reliable.
5. The pitched stone island (d) was less sure in controlling the river. Unless placed well
upstream of the canal intake the existing shoal continued to develop upstream of it, so
usurping control of the flow division.
6. The dredged channel (f) was quickly filled and lost, while large quantities of bed material
entered the canal.
7. The recommendation from the model tests, on hydraulic performance only, to achieve the
objectives would be for a repelling spur and an extended canal intake, with subsidiary
bank protection.
8. Other methods including a new intake situated further upstream and exfiltration of river
water into the canal were discussed with the World Bank adviser and Coode and Partners,
but not tested in the model.
1. SAPT KOSI RIVER, NEPAL, Hydraulic model study for river control near Chatra,
Report No. EX 955, Feburary 1981, Hydraulic Research Station Wallingford.
2. Design Manual for vortex tube silt extractors, Report No. OD 37, December 1981,
Hydraulic Research Station Wallingford.
3. Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project Stage II, Feasibility Study, Volume 1: Main
Report, June 1885.
4. Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project, Operation & Maintenance Manual, Volume II,
Intake and Headreach, 1985.
5. Sunsari Morang Stage-II Irrigation Project, Design Report, Volume II, Appendix I,
Design Calculation, November 1987. NIPON KOEI-HYUNDAI Joint Venture.
6. Sunsari Morang Headworks Project, Final Design Report, July 1992, NEDECO.
7. Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project, Detailed Design and Construction Supervision for
Headworks and Desilting Facilities and Management,Volume 1: Main Report, August
1998.
8. Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project, Detailed Design and Construction Supervision for
Headworks and Desilting Facilities and Management,Volume-3: Operation and
Maintenance Guide, August 1998.
9. Consulting Services For Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project
Stage-III ( Phase–I), Design R
(2). Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project, Detailed Design and Construction Supervision for
Headworks and Desilting Facilities and Management, Volume 1: Main Report, August
1998.

Project Data

Hydrology
 Koshi River Covers 57,000 km2 catchment area.
 Average annual rainfall in the catchment = 2000 mm, but varies greatly to 750 mm to
3800 mm.
 Maximum 2-years 24-hours rainfall=150mm
 Maximum 100-years 24-hours rainfall=450mm
 Maximum Monthly discharge(Qmax)=7000 m3/s
 Minimum Monthly discharge(Qmin)=250 m3/s
 Peak flood flows=25,000 m3/s, so the water depth at the headworks will increase by 6-8m
above water level
 Maximum water flow velocity is in the excess of 8 m/s in the mid river.

Sediment
 Sediment concentration, the average concentration of sand fraction (diameter > 0.063
mm) during the flood season= 0.8 g/l to 1.0 g/l.
 Actual concentration may exceed 3.0 g/l. over long period.
 The concentration of Silt and clay fraction is very variable and known as 20.0 g/l.

Seismicity
 Recent Tectonic deformation, intermittent uplift & seismic activity has created intensely
folded, faulted & crushed rock conditions in the catchment area.
 Combined with hot monsoon climate has resulted in varying amounts of landslide
activity, rockslides, debris slides and debris flow.
 All debris arrives in main river valleys, accordingly filled with sediment deposits
containing everything from silt to large boulders, sometimes over 2m in diameter.
 Koshi River is noted for its instability & expect to continue to change both its course &
its bed levels in future.

Measures
1. Original wheel gates of free intake had been replaced by smaller sliding gates to reduce
entry of the coarse sediment.
2. Just downstream of intake, 2 sets of vortex tube sediment ejectors had been installed to
remove sand fraction from canal flows.
3. Just downstream of intake, a settling reach for coarse sand and gravel had been
constructed in order to clear sediment deposits mechanically by excavator & truck
transport.

These measures proved inadequate to prevent significant further siltation in canal works.
The main focus of the feasibility study assigned to NEDCEO was to formulate alternative
approaches both to maintain adequate flow into the free intake during low flow periods in the
river and to remove sediment from the diverted flows during the flood season.

- To ensure an adequate flow in the flow season, the consultant recommended that the river
intake be moved 1300 m upstream of the existing intake on the east bank of the river.
The basic idea of the NEDECO concept was to remove sediment from the settling basin
not only through the flushing sluice but also by means of sediment removal system with
the aid of the stationary very reliable water jet system.
- A reservoir lake in the hills (some 100m above the level of existing canal intake) would
be filled by means of pumps directly coupled to hydro-turbines.
- Once a day, water would be released from the high reservoir into a pipe leading to a
settling basin with 3 compartments, downstream of the new canal intake & culvert.
- The pipe would end in a nozzle by which a very high velocity ( 50 m/s) water jet would
be released into a venture pipe connected to a discharge pipe.
- The under-pressure generated in the pipe would allow it to suck some 25 m3/s sediment
laden water from the bottom of one of the 3 compartments of the settling basin, lift it
about 4m and convey it to the river.

This system may be extremely reliable and very simple in operation & maintenance. The
difference of water levels in upstream and downstream of regulating structure (about 3 m or
more) would be amply sufficient to drive the turbines.

But PoE, consider this system not feasible. Moreover the PoE was in opinion that difference

In the water level at the regulating structure would be insufficient. The Panel came up with
the alternative solution that included major modifications to the NEDCECO concept. Cutter
suction dredgers were proposed, driven by electricity generated in a hydropower plant.

It was expected that volume of deposits to be removed from the settling basin would vary
between 2,000 m3 and 10,000 m3 per day. The method of removal originally preferred by
hydraulic flushing was considered by PoE as impractical because of insufficient fall between
water level in headworks system and in the river. So, the solution selection was to provide
two cutter suction dredgers in the settling basin. The basin volume would be large enough to
ensure all sand fractions would settle, and to provide about a year’s storage capacity. So, the
size and capacity of the dredgers could be reduced.
(3). Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project, Detailed Design and Construction Supervision for
Headwork and Desilting Facilities and Management, Volume-3: Operation and
Maintenance Guide, August 1998.

- This operation and maintenance guide provides background information as well as

rules and regulations for the operation and maintenance of the SMHP.

 The main purpose of SMHP is to ensure sufficient discharge that can be supplied from
Koshi River to SMIP.

 Irrigation water requirement are as follows:

December – October is 60 m3/s.
November is 20 m3/s
 Particles considered to be harmful to SMIP are:
I. All coarse sand particles, gravel, cobbles & coarser bed materials
II. Fine sand fractions( grain sizes of fine sand between 0.062mm -0.250 mm) in
excess of 50 ppm
III. Excessive concentration of silt & clay( concentration of particles between 0.062
mm in excess of 10,000 ppm)
 Except under extreme conditions, as mud flow in Koshi River, it will not be necessary to
reduce discharge into the irrigation canal system before August.
 From August onwards, regulating structure should be closed as the concentration of sand
fractions (grain sizes of sediment particles between 0.062 mm & 2.00 mm) exceeds
4000ppm in front of RS.

Purpose of this operation and maintenance guide is:

- To provide basic information about SMHP

- To provide a description of the functions of the major project components and their
interrelations
- To provide instructions for the operation and maintenance
- To outline trouble shooting procedure in case of problems
 This report consist of the Brief description of the major project components, function
of the major project components and operational sequence &maintenance.
(4). Design Manual for vortex tube silt extractors, Report No. OD 37, December 1981,
Hydraulic Research Station Wallingford.

- Vortex tube silt extractors are efficient, convenient and simple devices.
- Its design is a more complicated matter
- The design method has been developed at the hydraulic Research Station.
- This report is intended to engineers to design vortex tubes and to predict their
performance quickly and reliably.

The most reliable way to design sediment control structures is through the use of model
studies. (model studies are often expensive and time consuming, relatively small sized
structures)

The work on the vortex tubr silt extractor carried out in the Hydraulics Research station, UK
(HRS).

This report contains the data requirement and design methods, procedures is illustrated and
amplified through examples. A computer is required for proper analysis of trapping efficieny.
The full procedure is set out in a computer program.

This report or any of the proceeding work does not suggest that vortex tube silt extractors are
universally applicable. The efficiency of the trapping sediment will be high (90%). In other
often with the finer sediment, the efficiency would be low (30%).

The determination of the various dimensions of the tube for adequate performance is Number
of tubes that will extract the maximum amount of sediment at the expense of an allowable
quantity of the abstracted water.

The tube should be self-cleansing and the head drop across the tube should be minimal to
assist easy disposal of the extracted sediments.

The parameters that could be controlled by design values are:

1. Water extraction which is dependent on the pressure head available, which can be varied
by head in the canal or sluice gate at the end of the vortex tube.
2. Velocities, both along the tube and vortex velocities vary along the tube, with the
minimum velocity occurring at the closed end. In considering this friction is neglected.

These design considerations are dependent on channel flow and tube geometry and so it is
with some idea of these quantities that the design is started.
 Salient Features
Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project
Project Location
Region : Eastern
Zone : Koshi
District : Sunsari and Morang

Hydrology
Catchment area up to intake : 57,800 km2
Design Discharge : 60 m3/s

Command Area
Sunsari (Existing) : 40,000 ha
Morang (Existing) : 28,000 ha
Eastern Bank (Proposed) : 20,000 ha
Western Bank (Proposed) : 30,000 ha

Chatara Main Canal

Total Length : 53 km
Super passage (Number) : 8
Aqueduct (Number) : 36
Syphon (Number) : 2
Control Cross Regulator : 16 nos.

Branch Canal
Total length : 332 km
Number of Canal : 12
Secondary Canal : 222 km
Tertiary Canal : 185 km
Drop Structure : 185 nos.
Drop Structure with Bridge : 74 nos.
Number of Bridge : 32
Aqueduct Number : 36

Drainage System
Total Length : 825 km

Discharge at Main canal

Starting : 45.3 cumecs
Present : 60.0 cumecs
Pre-settling basin : 300 m
Regulating Structure : 1
Settling Basin : 950 m × 60 m
Sediment Dredgers : 2 nos

Hydro Power Plant : 3.2 MW

Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project

 Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project (SMIP) was initiated as Chatra Canal Project in 1964
A.D under assistance of GOI.
 GOI had constructed a side Intake at Chatra with 53 km long main Canal (CMC), 19
numbers (203 km) of branch/Distributaries canals and 234 km of minor canal.
 The old intake was designed to withdraw 45 m3/s discharge in main canal, had 4 openings
with vertical control gates and sill level of intake was below bed of river.
 But during flood period, the whole profile of sediment including coarse materials were
transported through gates and finally deposited & piled up in the approaching channel.
 In other to overcome those problems, in 1978 AD, a master plan was prepared with the
assistance of IDA and World Bank called Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project (SMIP).
 SMIP has different stages of development. i.e Stage-1, stage-2, SMHP & Stage-3.
Objectives of the Consulting Services
• The main objective of the consulting service is to provide the detailed engineering design
and procurement documents of Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project (SMIP) head works at
Chatra.
• Specific Objectives are to:
1. Assess the appropriate type of diversion headworks.
2. Conduct Prefeasibility studies of the area in the Eastern and Western bank of
Koshi River.
3. Conduct detailed topographical survey of headwork sites.
4. Conduct detailed geo-technical investigation of the headwork and associated
structures with necessary sub-surface explorations and tests.
5. Conduct hydrological survey and water resources assessment of Koshi river with
sediment transport and management studies.
6. Conduct detailed investigation of the existing infrastructure of SMIP up to
hydropower at 8.5 RD with possibility of hydraulic flushing of settling basin.
7. Conduct prefeasibility study of utilizing the drop crossing at 52 RD of CMC.
 8. Prepare detailed engineering design of headworks including regulating system.
9. Prepare ICB procurement documents

Scope of Services
To fulfill the above mentioned objectives of the consulting services, the scope of the services are
as follows:
1. Selection of suitable headwork site: (Shall be dictated by the existing infrastructures of
SMIP, river morphology, Koshi Bridge, proposed Koshi dam, etc. However,
geological/geotechnical investigation results shall also dictate the positioning of the
barrage.)
2. Detailed Topographical survey: ( Area in stretch of 12 km in length and 1.25 km in
breadth, covering area up to existing hydropower station, longitudinal profile and river
cross section at given scale)
3. Hydrological and Meteorological data: ( Review, collect, update hydrological records,
determine Irrigation water requirement, flood frequency analysis, etc)
4. Sediment data and Suspended Load sampling: ( Sampling of 3 months especially during
monsoon, petrographic analysis, etc )
5. Geological and Geotechnical Investigation: ( Geological mapping, sampling, testing, core
drilling, etc)
6. Seismicity: ( Review of available seismological data & seismic activity, seismic design
criteria of structures)
7. Construction Material Survey:(Location of potential quarries for concrete aggregate, rock
fill material & rip rap, impervious materials, filter material, collection & testing of
samples, etc)
8. Logistic Survey: (Gather information on existing infrastructures such as transportation,
camping facilities, water supply ,etc)
9. Interpretation of Field and Laboratory Test Data: ( Topographical data, hydrological &
Meteorological data, Engineering Geological & Geotechnical data, River Morphology &
Sediment Data)
10. Prefeasibility study of possible Extension of Eastern and Western areas: (Possible area
extension is 20,000 ha in Sunsari & Morang and 30,000 ha in Saptari & Siraha)
11. Optimization of project layout and design: ( Optimal use of existing SMIP infrastructure)
12. Prepare detailed engineering design and tender documents: (Preparation of suitable
design criteria for hydraulic and structural design of headwork, preparation of design
estimates for final tender document with drawings.)
The Need of the Present Study
 Most of the structures in CMC were constructed in 1970s’ and need urgent rehabilitation
& reconstruction.
 Shifting of the river course west ward at the existing intake.
 Temporary river bed material dams are being built every year making difficult to divert
water.
 At present, level of Koshi River is down by almost a meter below the usual dry period
level.
 During dry season, the flow of silt free water in the main canal is around 10 m3/s
 Improper functioning of the existing dredgers at primary settling basin.
 Lack of sufficient head in primary settling basin for hydraulic flushing.
 Further CAD can be possible only if new permanent diversion structure is built.
 More silt ingression in the main canal due to improper functioning of the system.

Proposed Permanent Structures

 To provide year round sufficient water for irrigation.
 To improve the flow into the intake.
 To provide silt free water by utilizing hydraulic flushing.
 Considering site observation by the team of professionals, identified three alternatives for
the permanent diversion structures.
1. Option-1
2. Option-2
3. Option-3
 And another three alternatives for improving water conveyance at Chatra.
1. Alternative-1
2. Alternative-2
3. Alternative-3

WORK METHODOLOGY
 Field study and selection of suitable headwork site
 Preparation of topographical maps, river profile and cross sections
 Detailed geological/geotechnical Investigation and Studies
 Hydrological, Meteorological and Sedimentological investigation and Studies
 Optimization of project layout and design
 Detailed design of the project components
 Pre- feasibility study of command area to be extended
 Preparation of drawings/maps
 Construction planning, cost estimate, financial and economic analysis
 Tender document preparation
 Design Report preparation