Evaluation of alternate objective functions for optimal operation of an irrigation reservoir under a multi-crop environment

Abstract

In the present study, three Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) models with different objective functions were used to develop the operating policy for an irrigation reservoir, namely, Sri Rama Sagar Reservoir on the River Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, India. The reservoir is a major project, meeting the irrigation requirements over a large command area. The three SDP models model the objectives of the reservoir with different levels of mathematical complexity. The performance of the reservoir under these three operating policies is compared through simulation. Three criteria, namely reliability, resilience and average annual deficit of water supply are used to evaluate the performance of the reservoir under the alternative operating policies developed.