Integrated Reservoir Simulation and Hydrological Modelling for Optimised Reservoir Operations in Kerala, India

River systems globally face challenges of excessive flooding and prolonged droughts, impacting socio-economic and environmental conditions. Kerala state in India, characterized by wet climate, experienced dry spells and heavy rainfall events leading to devastating consequences. To manage extreme events, reservoir operations play a crucial role by diverting the water during monsoons. This study focuses on the Kakki and Pamba reservoirs in Pamba basin in Kerala. The HEC-HMS and HEC-ResSim models were employed together, simulating reservoir inflow and operational decisions of reservoir operators. The efficiency of the models was verified by comparing simulated and observed discharge data, yielding satisfactory Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values. Results demonstrated the potential of the integrated approach to predict reservoir elevations under different hydrological scenarios, aiding decision-makers in developing sustainable reservoir operation plans for release of water for flood control and hydropower generation.