Government of India

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

GUIDELINES FOR INVESTIGATIONS AND EXPLORATIONS REQUIRED AT

DETAILED PROJECT REPORT (DPR) STAGE OF PROPOSED HYDROELECTRIC
PROJECTS IN HILLY TERRAIN

1.0.0.0 INTRODUCTION
1.0.0.1 The Engineering Project Evaluation (EPE) Division of Geological Survey of
India carries out technical evaluation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of
proposed hydroelectric projects in India and neighboring countries that are
received through Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The work includes
geotechnical evaluation of DPR and accordingly recommends to make DPR
realistic/bankable to minimize geological challenges as well as time and cost
overruns. The most important aspect for preparation of bankable DPR is quality
work, such as, (a) quality ground survey with the help of instruments, (b)
faithful recording of geological data (c) quality drilling (d) holistic geophysical
survey (e) interpretation of data under supervision of experts etc. The
observations are site specific and DPRs are assessed based on results of
investigations/explorations and studies carried out at specific project site. As
every project is unique and different from each other in terms of geology,
geological setup, structural features, seismic status etc., DPRs prepared are
reviewed with the aim not only to assess geology and geotechnical features but
also to affirm the presence/absence of any adverse geological features likely to
be intercepted during construction stage. While preparing Guidelines, an
attempt has been made to generalize minimum requirements to formulate a
dependable DPR. At the same time, certain restraint is also exercised to
minimise avoidable and unmanageable requirements at the time of initial stages
of project formulation and preparation of DPR. The real purpose of the
guidelines is to facilitate preparation of quality and dependable DPR and not to
unduly discourage any proposal.
1.0.0.2 In today’s scenario most of the upcoming projects are located in inaccessible
areas or in gap areas of hilly terrain where geological information is scarce. At
many of these areas either outcrops are not present or scarcely present or
covered under thick vegetation / weathering / sliding or quite big size boulders.
Therefore, project authorities / developers face problems and require guidance
for studies to be carried out during DPR stage. In order to suggest type of
investigations require at this stage, CEA and CWC developed certain guidelines
and BIS formulated certain Codes so that, the project developers broadly follow
the same. CEA guidelines mentioned geology under survey and investigations
and no specific component wise investigations are suggested. CEA normally
request GSI for geological assessment of project site and hence component wise
separate guidelines on geology are not furnished in their Guidelines. In case of
CWC, hydropower projects are mentioned in Part-1: “Guidelines for
preparation of DPR’s of Irrigation and Multipurpose Projects” whereas BIS has

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 developed specific Codes and may not be called as guidelines as guidelines are
to guide and not always mandatory for each case.
1.0.0.3 It is not uncommon that project developers raise certain points and sought
clarifications where they face practical difficulty in carrying out geotechnical
investigations while following guidelines formulated by CEA and CWC.
Sometimes, it was noticed that it needs clarification for the project developers
that which one to follow. As each organisation has its own mandate specific to
its field of study, they focus on their relevant subject. CWC and CEA mainly
deal with hydrology, design and execution of project and hence their Guidelines
also mainly deal with the same subjects of projects. As Geology and
Geotechnical assessment is the mandate and subject concerned to the
department, GSI takes particular care and concern on the particular subject
while dealing with DPRs. As it is neither possible nor practicable to combine
all departments and prepare a single set of guidelines in conformity, the
situation demand the need of Guidelines specifically dealing with geotechnical
issues. The Guidelines are general in nature and not differentiated for various
types of dams like earth, rock fill, concrete, barrage, weir, CFRD, RCC etc.
Relevant BIS Codes may be referred for specific requirements.
Background information.
1.0.0.4 In one of the review DPR meetings during September, 2012 at CEA, Principal
Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh suggested the Director, EPE Division,
GSI to develop suitable guidelines for ready reference to assess geological and
geotechnical aspects of DPRs. It was also mentioned that instead of referring to
a number of guidelines on geological aspects it would be convenient for
developers to follow a single guideline. He also mentioned that Arunachal
Pradesh has the highest hydro power potential and many upcoming projects are
located in their state.
1.0.0.5 As a follow up of the meeting and the request from Principal Secretary, Govt. of
Arunachal Pradesh, Engineering Project Evaluation Division, Geological
Survey of India, New Delhi prepared a draft of “Guidelines for investigations
and explorations required at Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage of proposed
hydroelectric projects in Himalayan terrain” and the same was posted in GSI
portal on 06.10.2012 inviting comments. It was kept with a view that the
document may be taken as base line document and it can be improved on
receiving comments and suggestions from stakeholders.
1.0.0.6 Subsequently, during the recent 53rd CGPB Meeting held on 6-7 February 2014
at New Delhi, representative from the NHPC Ltd., put an agenda point stating
that the DPR Guidelines need updation. In response, it was informed in the
meeting, GSI to organize a meeting with concerned stakeholders and finalize
the guidelines. Accordingly, a meeting was conducted with stakeholders under
the Chairmanship of Deputy Director General, GSI at DGCO, GSI, New Delhi
on 24th April, 2014. On receiving suggestions from several agencies, those
were discussed and incorporated certain suggestions in guidelines to give more
clarity and to avoid any ambiguity and brought out the modified version of
Guidelines, as detailed below.
2.0.0.0 FEASIBILITY REPORT
2.0.0.1 Central Electricity Authority, vide their letter dated on 09.09.2013 stated that
before carrying out studies for preparation of Detailed Project Report for any
hydroelectric project, a ‘Feasibility Report’ of the projects has to be prepared
with the following aspects to be investigated: (a) Hydrological studies from

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 CWC, (b) Power potential studies from CEA, (c) Geological aspects from GSI,
(d) Construction Material aspects from CSMRS, (e) General layout from
CWC/CEA, and (f) Foundation Engineering from CWC.
2.0.0.2 After clearance by concerned departments for above aspects, developer will be
provided clearance by CEA for preparation and submission of DPR. In view of
this, it is attempted to include minimum geological investigations required to be
carried out to get above clearance from GSI. In this ‘Feasibility Report’, the
project developer will propose work plan of detailed geological investigations
to be carried out during DPR stage keeping in view the requirement of that
particular project. This work plan may be approved to take up subsequently
during DPR stage to avoid any ambiguity at later stage.
2.0.0.3 The Feasibility Report may contain proposed layout of the scheme, alternative
proposals considered, broad description of Regional Geology, Geological study
with the help of Remote Sensing data, local Geological set up, details of rock
formations, litho units likely to be available at project site, previous works
carried out at the site, if any, geological vulnerable features likely to be met
with at the project site, broad seismicity of region, construction material likely
to be available in the vicinity of project site, proposals for river diversion
arrangements, proposals for water conductor system, proposals for sub-surface
explorations by way of boreholes to be drilled, drifts to be made etc., and
proposals to assess engineering properties of rock mass by way of in-situ and
laboratory tests etc. As far as run-off the river schemes are concerned, the
aspect of alternative project layouts may be discussed and finalized during
feasibility report. However, for storage dam proposals (dam > 100m), more
proposals and alternatives may be considered even during DPR stage and
discussed.
3.0.0.0 DETAILED PROJECT REPORT
3.0.0.1 At the outset, a Detailed Project Report should have a separate geology and
geotechnical volume containing different chapters like i) introduction, ii) salient
features of the project, iii) regional geological set up, iv) site condition, v)
geology of project components, vi) subsurface exploration, vii) detailed
geological and geotechnical evaluation of all the project components, viii)
seismicity, ix) availability of construction material with their geotechnical
attributes x) conclusions and recommendations are to be incorporated. Detailed
geology including explorations/investigations carried out for each project
component along with their geotechnical assessment and remedial measures,
seismicity and construction material are to be discussed along with relevant
maps and sections at appropriate scale. In order to make the DPR dependable,
investigations as proposed in Feasibility Report are to be attended at all
components and discussed in the DPR. Absence of investigations proposed in
Feasibility Report and to postpone them to subsequent period, do not make the
DPR bankable and it should be discouraged.
3.0.1.0 Regional Geomorphology and Geology
3.0.1.1 A chapter on physiography, geology, structure, tectonics, seismicity on regional
scale (1:50,000) of the project site and its environs extending for about 50 km
radius around the proposed location, has to be incorporated in the DPR. General
lithostratigraphic succession (with proper references) at the project area,
specifically mentioning the Group/Formation/lithounit in which the project is
proposed has to be mentioned. A regional geological map of the project area on
1: 50,000 scale may be incorporated.

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3.0.2.0 Geomorphology and Geology of Project site
3.0.2.1 Geomorphology, geology, seismology, status of explorations/investigations,
geotechnical appraisal has to be discussed. Special features like presence of hot
springs and palaeochannels in and around the project site, if any, may be
incorporated.
3.0.3.0 Remote sensing studies
3.0.3.1 Lineament map preferably on 1: 50,000 scale, showing major and minor
lineaments at the project location should be prepared, duly indicating the area
covered. Necessary support from satellite imagery of study area may be
obtained. If any prominent lineament affects the project components, they may
be studied and discussed in detail and plotted on large scale maps and sections.
3.0.4.0 Seismicity
3.0.4.1 Both regional and local seismicity need to be discussed, supporting with
available literature on the subject. Subsequent to the DPR stage, the guidelines
for site specific studies as outlined by National Committee on Seismic Design
Parameters (NCSDP) may be adhered.
3.0.5.0 Studies for Alternative Project Layout
3.0.5.1 The DPR should contain description of different alternative layouts studied and
reasons for selecting the final layout based on merits and demerits may be
discussed. From these alternatives, the final site may be selected with suitable
type of diversion structure like a barrage / weir or dam (concrete, rock fill,
CFRD, arch dam, earth dam etc), desilting chamber, HRT alignment finalized
and surface or underground power house need to be decided. Advantages and
disadvantages of all these alternative locations are to be discussed.
3.1.0.0 DETAILED GEOLTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF PROJECT
COMPONENTS
3.1.1.0 Dam / Diversion Structure
3.1.1.1 The DPR should discuss geomorphology, geology in and around proposed dam
area, including both banks/abutments, diversion structures, river bed to
accommodate all project components etc. Detailed geological mapping of
project area, about 200 m upstream and 300 m downstream of dam axis has to
be carried out on 1: 1000 or 1:2000 scale. The map should also be extended
atleast 50m above the dam height or more depending on the site geology. An
outcrop geological map and an interpreted geological map may be provided.
All structural discontinuities are to be recorded and graphically represented
through stereographs, rose diagrams and wedge analysis has to be carried out to
work out stability of cut slopes of dam foundation on both banks.
3.1.1.2 Boreholes should be drilled in river bed, each abutments / bank along dam axis,
toe of the dam, spillway, bucket area, between dam axis and bucket area, and
plunge pool to know bedrock configuration and rock mass condition of
foundation media. In all these boreholes, drilling should be done 10 m into
bedrock as presence of huge boulder / rock blocks as fluvio-glacial deposit /
landslide debris etc., cannot be ruled out. Among the above holes, at least two
holes to be extended down to 2/3rd ‘H’ along axis of dam at the river section,
where ‘H’ is height of FRL from river bed level at that point. Wherever drilling
in the river bed section is not feasible, the possibility of exploring river bed by
way of inclined boreholes from both the banks may be considered. Angle of
inclination of boreholes may be decided based on ground conditions and nature
of anticipated vulnerable features, if any. These drill holes will help to assess
the rock mass condition and help to detect any adverse features like fault/shears

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 etc., underneath dam body that may endanger its stability. Based on site
geological conditions and as per results of drill holes, additional holes can be
planned as required.
3.1.1.3 The drilling has to be done in such a manner to ensure maximum core recovery
and minimum breakage of cores due to mechanical vibrations etc. 75-80% core
recovery would be necessary for meaningful interpretation of bore hole data. In
case, core recovery is significantly less, drilling with triple tubes, with short
runs, reduced water and minimum gear of drilling be applied for other drill
holes. The shear gouge should be preserved to the maximum and in case of
return water, sludge material also need to be preserved. Permeability tests are
to be carried out in all the drill holes, adhering to relevant BIS Codes. Test
grouting of the foundation media should be carried out to know the efficacy of
grouting as well as to determine spacing, orientation of grout holes for
consolidation and curtain grouting.
3.1.1.4 In order to work out the stripping limits, drifts on both abutments should be
excavated along dam axis. A few downstream and upstream cross cuts are to be
done to know lateral rock mass variation/condition. The number of drifts may
be minimum of one on each abutment and the number may increased depending
upon the dam height, preferably one at every 50 m vertical interval from the
river bed level. The drifts are to be made as per local geology, space required
for seating the dam and/or spillway, and discontinuities present along
abutments, with a caution to extend the drift 5 m into fresh and compact rock
mass present beyond glide cracks. It is to reiterate that number, length, and
locations of drifts should be based on site geology, as per quality of rock mass,
discontinuities and glide cracks present along abutment slopes, design
requirement, which in turn depend on height of the dam. Exploratory drifts
may not be considered necessary in case of barrages and weirs. 3D logging of
drifts should be carried out along with excavation so that in case of poor to very
poor geology, the exact disposition of any major shear may be recorded, which
otherwise cannot be done in case of drift collapse.
3.1.1.5 In-situ tests within drifts like shear test (rock to rock and concrete to rock),
deformability test etc., are to be conducted. It is suggested that a minimum of
one in-situ shear value obtained on either bank to help in designing the
structure. Laboratory tests to determine engineering properties, required in the
design has to be carried out. For rock and earth fill dam, exploration of the
abutments through drifting may also be done, depending upon geological
considerations.
3.1.1.6 If the barrage and weirs are to be founded in rock, then the investigation
required for that of concrete dam should be followed. If they are founded on
pervious foundation, river borne material, holes should be drilled down to hard
rock level or to a minimum depth of 30 m below the deepest river bed level, to
determine characteristics of foundation material. These boreholes are necessary
to be drilled to know nature of overburden material, identify liquefiable zones
(if any) present below the foundation. Liquefiable zones, if present, should also
be delineated through SPT and/or geophysical investigations. Liquefaction
potential of the foundation material may be assessed if powerhouse is proposed
to be founded on fluvial / lacustrine deposits. The required in-situ and
laboratory tests (as per the BIS guideline) should also be carried out for design
purposes.
3.1.1.7 Geophysical methods are also to be employed to obtain geological information,

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 such as bed rock configuration of gap areas or wherever the exploratory data is
inadequate or inconclusive.
3.1.2.0 River Diversion Arrangements
3.1.2.1 Cofferdam
3.1.2.1.1 Geological mapping of upstream and downstream cofferdam sites has to be
carried out on the same scale as that of main dam area. Drill holes are required
to be drilled to know details of bedrock configuration, rock mass condition and
depth of overburden / cut-off along dam axis etc., of both upstream and
downstream cofferdams.
3.1.2.2 Diversion Tunnel(s)
3.1.2.2.1 Geological mapping has to be carried out along the proposed tunnel alignment.
Geology of portal sites should be discussed along with their slope stability
measures. Based on surface geological mapping, tentative distribution of
anticipated rock mass at tunnel grade with tentative indication of Q and RMR
values likely to be encountered are to be discussed.
3.1.2.2.2 Boreholes are to be drilled (if required) to assess the overburden depth and rock
mass condition at the portals and along the tunnel alignment. If any deeply
incised nalas, weak/shear zones are cutting across the alignment then holes
should be drilled to know the rock cover as well as rock mass condition.
3.1.3.0 Water Conducting System
3.1.3.1 Intake
3.1.3.1.1 Geology of the intake portal, depth of weathering, i.e., fresh rock
profile/stripping limit is to be reflected and discussed. Back slope stability is to
be studied, measures envisaged and discussed in the DPR. A drill hole at the
site to assess bedrock depth, nature of bed rock may be drilled. Cut slopes of the
portals may be designed as per structural data and shear parameters. Structural
analysis of discontinuities through stereographs, rose diagrams and wedge
analysis are to be carried out stretch wise, along the intake tunnel to work out
the support system.
3.1.3.2 Desilting Chamber
3.1.3.2.1 Geological mapping of all chambers has to be carried out on 1:2000 or 1:1000
scale. Geological sections along and across the desilting chambers and their
adit(s) are to be prepared. Orientation of underground desilting chamber may
be finalized based on hydraulic considerations and duly considering geological
information, such as, rock type and structural data. Exploration through drift
may be considered for large underground desilting chambers. Drift may be
excavated along a part of such chamber with cross cuts, rock mass condition
and discontinuity planes assessed and accordingly treatment measures planned
and discussed. Boreholes are required to be drilled to know rock mass
condition above cavern especially, where low rock cover is expected above
desilting chamber.
3.1.3.2.2 Hydrofracture or over coring test to assess in-situ stress field of rock mass may
be conducted and orientation of chambers optimised. Stress determination tests
may not be considered necessary for desilting chambers, if their location is not
far off from power house chamber as same are conducted in the power house
cavern complex. Other tests like deformation modulus, shear parameters of
rock mass etc., may be carried out to meet design criteria.
3.1.3.2.3 In case of Surface Desilting basin, slope stability studies including engineering
properties of rock and overburden material is required through both in-situ and
laboratory tests.

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3.1.3.3 Head Race Tunnel (HRT)
3.1.3.3.1 Geological map and sections of tunnel alignment on 1:10,000 scale have to be
prepared based on surface geological observations and sufficient borehole
information. In case of any reach of tunnel need to be selectively highlighted,
those portions may be selectively mapped and shown on 1:5,000 scale. If the
area is not easily accessible, maximum information may be collected from
stream sections, road sections which are approachable and by constructing
approach paths wherever necessary for collection of geological information.
Salient features like orientation of tunnel with respect to regional strike and
weak zones of rock formation, maximum and minimum cover over tunnel
alignment, joint sets, low cover and high cover zones, weak/shear/fault zones
likely to be encountered, vertical and lateral rock covers at all steam crossings
etc., are to be discussed. In case tunnel is situated within a folded sequence, or
other discontinuity planes like, thrust or fault, lineament, then orientation of
tunnel with respect to those structural features along with other discontinuities
(foliation, joint) is to be discussed.
3.1.3.3.2 Based on surface geological mapping, tentative distribution of anticipated rock
mass at tunnel grade with tentative indication of Q and RMR values likely to be
encountered along tunnel alignment, groundwater table, presence of hot springs
etc., are to be discussed. Structural analysis of discontinuities through
stereographs, rose diagrams and wedge analysis are to be carried out along
tunnel alignment to work out necessary support system. A few drill holes may
be drilled along HRT alignment at locations of anticipated zones of low cover,
sheared/fractured rock mass, to know rock mass condition at tunnel grade.
3.1.3.3.3 Geology at portal locations of adits and their stability is to be discussed. If
required, bore holes may be drilled at portal locations to assess bedrock depth
and rock mass condition. Further, if competent rock is not exposed at the
proposed portal location, a drift of suitable length may be explored to study
rock mass condition.
3.1.3.4 Head Race Channel / Power Channel
3.1.3.4.1 In case of HRC or power channel, geological mapping and geotechnical assessment
along its alignment, including its back slope stability has to be carried out, duly
incorporating longitudinal and cross sections of the Channel.
3.1.3.5 Surge Shaft
3.1.3.5.1 For open to sky surge shaft, an exploratory hole down to at least five metres
below the bottom level of surge shaft is to be drilled. Water Percolation Test
(WPT) may be conducted. The existence of lateral rock cover is to be ensured.
3.1.3.5.2 A drill hole is required to be drilled up to bottom of surge shaft to know rock
mass condition. A geological section indicating rock mass condition along
surge shaft is required to be developed. Analysis of discontinuity data may be
carried out. For underground surge shaft, a drift at upper/lower level of surge
shaft will help to obtain information on slump limit and know rock mass
condition. Location of drift may be finalized based on topography and geology.
3.1.3.6 Pressure shaft
3.1.3.6.1 Geology, presence of any shear/weak zone, rock cover, overburden thickness,
orientation of discontinuities with reference to tunnel orientation, tentative
distribution of different rock types and classes, stretch wise along tunnel grade
based on surface geology and subsurface exploration (Q value, RMR class) etc.,
are to be discussed. If required, depending upon geology, boreholes may be
drilled. If the scheme has surface penstock proposal, geology has to be

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 discussed along the proposed alignment, especially at proposed locations of
anchor blocks and their foundations. In addition, slope stability problem along
the penstock alignment may also be addressed.
3.1.4 Power House Complex
3.1.4.1 Comprehensive study for alternative locations has to be conducted on the basis
of geological mapping and subsurface exploration. Merits and demerits
pertaining to each location are to be discussed. Detailed geological mapping of
each component of selected power house complex is to be carried out on 1:
1000/2000 scale showing explorations/investigations.
3.1.4.2 In case of Surface Power house, whether power house is to be founded in rock
or overburden is to be mentioned. Depth of bed rock and foundation grade rock
has to be determined through drill holes. 3 to 5 number of boreholes (preferably
at corners and centre) are required to delineate bed rock and rock mass
condition. In case of rocky outcrops present in pockets of power house location,
the number of boreholes may be minimised. The drill holes maybe taken down
to a depth equal to 3 times width of power house or 10 m into bed rock
whichever is less. Liquefaction potential of the foundation material may be
assessed if powerhouse is proposed to be founded on fluvial / lacustrine
deposits. Stabilization of back slope is to be discussed and if required, boreholes
may also be drilled to know depth of bedrock and nature of rock mass
condition. Geophysical survey may be undertaken to fill up gap area.
Engineering properties of overburden material may be carried out for cut slopes
and foundation media.
3.1.4.3 In case of underground powerhouse, there is a possibility of contemplating a
few more caverns in close vicinity to accommodate transformers and other
associated structures. In such case, geotechnical assessment of all such closely
located caverns has to be made together. Orientation of cavern may be decided
on the basis of prominent structural data duly considering in-situ stress field. A
drift may be excavated along entire length of power house, preferably a few
meters below crown of cavern to explore rock mass condition. Once the drift
reaches proposed cavern, a few cross cuts may also be excavated to assess over
all variation in rock mass condition of cavern. Similar drift may also be made
into transformer cavern to explore rock mass condition. 3D Geological log of
drift, both in-situ and laboratory rock mechanic tests may be carried out to work
out design support system. Hydrofracture or over coring tests may be carried
out to assess in-situ stress field, to determine principal horizontal stress for
optimization of orientation of power house cavern. Though no limit is stipulated
in number of such tests, but when more than one cavern is present in power
house complex, at least one test result may be obtained for each cavern
independently. In case of any practical difficulties for exploring through a drift,
alternatively, the rock mass need to be assessed at least by way of drilling a few
boreholes, driven up to the cavern. In such case, the rock mass condition above
crown of the cavern also to be assessed through drill holes. Though it is not
intended to mention the exact number of boreholes required to be drilled, but, it
is suggested that boreholes may be planned so that information of rock mass
condition at the proposed cavern is obtained.
3.1.4.4 If more than one cavern is designed in close vicinity to one another, especially
when the width of rock ledge between caverns is less than 1D (where D is width
of main cavern), the stability and stress field behaviour of rock ledge left out
between caverns has to be instrumentally assessed. Normally, such data through

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 in-situ tests may be obtained subsequent to DPR stage, during designing or pre-
construction stage. Pending determination of stress field, keeping two or more
caverns in close vicinity at less than 1D may be avoided.
3.1.5 Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) / Tail Race Channel (TRC)
3.1.5.1 Geological mapping along tunnel alignment has to be carried out. Salient
features like orientation of the tunnel with respect to discontinuity surfaces,
maximum and minimum cover over tunnel grade, joint sets, low cover and high
cover zones, weak/shear zones likely to be encountered, vertical and lateral rock
covers in all stream crossings etc., are to be discussed.
3.1.5.2 Drill holes may be required to fix the TRT portal and to assess rock mass
condition so as to provide stability measures. Also bore holes may be drilled
along TRT alignment to pick up any adverse features (weak/shear zones).
Boreholes may also be drilled to assess vertical and lateral rock cover, if the
tunnel is crossing any deeply incised stream. These boreholes may be taken
down to invert level of tunnel to assess rock mass condition.
3.1.5.3 In case of TRC, slope stability studies including determination of mechanical
properties of overburden material need to be carried out.
3.1.6 Reservoir
3.1.6.1 Geology of proposed reservoir area needs to be discussed in detail. Competency
of reservoir, reservoir rim stability, and its effects due to construction of dam
may be discussed in DPR. Geological map of proposed reservoir area, up to 50
metres above FRL on 1:15,000 or 1:10,000 scale, may be furnished, prepared
based on either existing geological maps or by way of study of recent remote
sensing data with limited field checks. Presence of limestone formations,
karstic features if any, within the proposed reservoir area are to be discussed in
detail vis-à-vis competency of reservoir. The reservoir map having details like
FRL and MDDL, should also incorporate geological units, critical zones,
structural discontinuities, land use, land cover. Any mineral of economic
importance, civil structures of archaeological importance, human settlement
etc., present within the reservoir area which is likely to be affected after
impounding of reservoir is to be reported. Potential slide zones may be
demarcated on the map. These landslide zones be studied and explored to
decipher effective remedial measures and to contain them.
3.1.7 Construction Material
3.1.7.1 Availability of suitable construction material (both fine and coarse aggregate) in
adequate quantity for the project is to be incorporated in the DPR. A regional
geological map showing potential areas of quarry sites for construction
material, detailed mapping and geological sections at proposed quarry site(s)
along with rock mechanical test results of various aggregates are to be
incorporated.
3.1.8 Laboratory Tests
3.1.8.1 Laboratory rock mechanic tests should be conducted on selective core samples
of different rock types present and from all components of the project.
Petrography and physical parameters like bulk density, specific gravity, density,
water content at saturation, apparent porosity and engineering parameters like
uniaxial compressive strength, modulus of deformation, point load strength,
triaxial compressive strength (c and phi) under dry and saturated conditions and
shear test etc., are to be carried out. The required physico-mechanical and
chemical tests for assessing suitability of the construction material has to be
ensured and provided in the DPR.

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3.1.8.2 Quality of subsurface investigations
Subsurface investigations suggested are (1) geophysical survey (2)
drilling (3) drifting (4) pitting and trenching.

Geophysical survey: The survey should be carried out to fill up gap areas
between drilling/drifting. The same may also be carried out for the extended
areas, if required for subsurface geological information. The geophysical
traverse lines should be planned in such a manner to get a realistic subsurface
information.

Drilling: Quality drilling should be adopted to ensure core recovery at least

80% or more by using good drilling machine and drill rods, good bits,
controlling vibration, rotation and water circulation, taking short runs and even
using triple tube core barrel, if required. Core should be logged as per BIS code
and appended in the DPR. Driller’s record, such as, sudden fall of drill rods,
anomaly in cutting/penetration speed, colour of return water, water loss,
artesian condition or any other important observations should also be
incorporated in the DPR. A table containing summary of holes done in project
area (drill hole no, coordinates (northing easting), ground elevation (m),
location, angle with horizontal, depth of drill hole (m), depth to bedrock el/in m,
total depth , characteristics of overburden material and rock formations, range
of permeability, RQD, core recovery, etc., are to be incorporated. The depth of
weathering and foundation grade rock may also be indicated.

Drifting: 3-D logs should contain lithology, traces, nature and characteristics of
discontinuities, weathering profile, root and distress zones, rock mass class (Q,
RMR), moist/dripping/high flowing zones, supported zone, suggested stripping
limit etc.
3.1.9 Field visit
3.1.9.1 Geological assessment of any area can be better understood and assessed when
the area is physically traversed and studied. Many times, it is quite impossible
even to an experienced Geologist to completely comprehend ground truth,
merely based on a report. When dealing with very important document like
DPR, a proper comprehension of ground condition is very much needed for
which, the concerned Geologist should necessarily visit the proposed project
site before finalising the DPR. In case of DPR to be cleared prior to visit of
Geology team to the site, the limitations may be indicated in the report.

Note:
1. A general check list of work pertaining to geological aspects to append as
Annexue-1.
2. A general list of maps / plates pertaining to geological aspects to append as
Annexue-2.
3. The time wise schedule of further investigations / explorations to be taken up at
the proposed project site to append as Annexure-3.

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 Annexure-I
Check List for Geological Inputs in DPR of proposed Hydroprojects

Geological Information Yes No Remarks

1. Reservoir
• Geological study based on existing regional
geological maps and Remote Sensing data.
• Reservoir competency study
2. Dam Complex
• Geological mapping of dam/barrage area
• Sub surface explorations through drill holes
• Sub surface explorations through drift
• Sub surface explorations through geophysical
survey
• Insitu tests
• Laboratory tests
• Analysis of Geological Structural Data
3. River Diversion Arrangement
• Geological mapping along both cofferdam axes
and diversion tunnel
• Explorations through bore holes
• Sub surface explorations through geophysical
survey
• Analysis of Geological Structural Data
4. Intake and Desilting Chambers
• Geological mapping of Intake (s)
• Geological mapping of Desilting Chamber (s)
• Geological mapping of adits, Silt Flushing Tunnel
• Sub surface explorations through drill holes
• Sub surface explorations through drift
• Sub surface explorations through geophysical
survey
• Insitu tests
• Laboratory tests
5. Head Race Tunnel
• Geological mapping of HRT
• Geological mapping of construction adits
• Sub surface explorations through drill holes
• Sub surface explorations through drift
• Sub surface explorations through geophysical
survey
• Insitu tests
• Laboratory tests
• Analysis of Geological Structural Data
6. Powerhouse Complex
• Geological mapping of surge shaft
• Geological mapping of pressure shaft / penstock
alignment

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 • Geological mapping of power house
• Geological mapping of construction adits, MAT,
Cable Tunnel, etc
• Sub surface explorations through drill holes
• Sub surface explorations through drift
• Sub surface explorations through geophysical
survey
• Insitu tests
• Laboratory tests
• Analysis of Geological Structural Data
7. Construction Material
• Geological maps of quarry areas

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 Annexure-II
Maps/Plates to be incorporated in the geological volume of DPR:

1 A river basin map showing locations of existing and all identified hydro projects
immediately upstream and downstream of the present proposed project.
2 Catchment area map.
3 Regional Geological and Seismotectonic map.
4 Project layout plan showing all alternative layouts including the finally selected layout..
5 Lineament and Geomorphological Map.
6 A geological map containing entire layout of proposed project
7 Diversion Structure Complex
• Geological map of dam/barrage area, coffer dams, river diversion structure and
intake portals with location of explorations proposed and carried out.
• Geological sections across the river at dam axis, dam toe, bucket and plunge pool
area incorporating subsurface exploration data.
• Geological sections across u/s cofferdam, dam/diversion structure and d/s cofferdam
incorporating subsurface exploration data.
• Geological sections across dam axis along left abutment and right abutment.
• 3D geological logs of drifts and geological logs of boreholes.
• Geological section across the river, along dam axis, showing discontinuities and
slope of dam abutments.
8 River Diversion Arrangement
• Geological plan and sections along both cofferdam axes with locations of
explorations carried out.
• Geological plan and section along diversion tunnel (if more than one DT, then
sections of all DTs).
9 Stereographic projections of structural data showing angle of internal friction,
orientation of the project components to determine vulnerable wedges and planes likely
to develop for both the banks along dam axis, tunnels and adits.
10 Water Conducting System
• Geological plan and sections along and across proposed intake(s)
• Detailed geological map of the proposed area, showing the layout of sscheme along
with sections (L and X) of desilting chambers,.
• Geological longitudinal section of construction adits to DC, SFT (including portals).
• Layout plan of the HRT in geological map showing construction adits (portal and
alignment), topographic contours, cross drainages, etc.
• Geological longitudinal section of HRT and construction adits (including portals) to
HRT. The sections should indicate sheared/fractured/ weak zones, low cover/high
cover zones, kinks in alignment etc.
• Geological longitudinal section of construction adits (including portals) to HRT (if
any).
11 Powerhouse Complex
• Geological map of power house complex
• Geological sections of surge shaft showing vertical and lateral cover (minimum and
maximum)
• Geological section along surge shaft- pressure shaft -power house-tailrace
• L- and X-section of powerhouse (including machine hall, transformer cavern)
• Geological longitudinal sections of construction adits, MAT, Cable Tunnel, etc (in

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 case of u/g ph)
• 3D geological log along power house drift (in case of u/g ph)
• Geological sections (L- and cross) of TRT/TRC
12 Reservoir
Geological, Geomorphological, Lineament, Landuse –Land cover map, indicating
locations of existing landslides in reservoir area, if any.
13 Construction Material
• Location plan of quarries identified for construction material
• Geological plan and cross sections of quarries for construction material
14 Photographs
• Photographs of locations of important geological features, exploratory drifts and
any other important informative features.

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