IIT-Guwahati’s Mathematical Modelling on Brahmaputra

GUWAHATI: The model BRAHMA – the first of its kind indigenous software excellence of IIT-Guwahati – it is expected, is set to add much to the essence of the centuries-old Brahmaputra Valley civilization in this age of science and technology. Come March 2019, this software will be ready for providing all hydrological and riparian data that have much to do for any project in the mighty river.

BRAHMA (Braided River Aid Hydro-Morphological Analyser), as the name suggests, provides scientists/engineers ready data that are generally obtained only through hydrological and morphological studies of the river and its basin. Over the years, India has been making do with foreign hydrological software like HEC-RAS, MIKE etc. However, IIT-Guwahati has done Assam proud by developing such a software data that can be used for any projects on the mighty river.

BRAHMA is a ‘mathematical modelling with emphasis on climate change’ for feasibility studies for channelization of the river Brahmaputra. An MoU was signed between Brahmaputra Board and IIT-Guwahati to this effect on August 11, 2014. The project that is nearing completion is under Prof. Arup Sarma, Department of Engineering, IIT-Guwahati.

Talking to this reporter, a top official of the Brahmaputra Board said: “This mathematical model has three phases – 1D (1 dimension), 2D (2 dimensions) and physical model. IIT-Guwahati has achieved 58 per cent progress of the mathematical model. 1D model has already been completed. This model has been named BRAHMA 1D. The 2D model is nearing completion.

Satellite data is being used in this model. This model has been named BRAHMA 2D. The work of the physical model is going to start from the first week of January at NEHARI in North Guwahati. Drone technology will be used in this project. The project has been estimated at Rs 2.80 crore. This indigenous model will be shared with the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation when completed. Now on, we won’t have to depend on foreign models for hydrological data. This model will help us in erosion prediction, mathematical modelling and morphological mapping of the Brahmaputra, prediction of worst flow scenario under the impact of climate change and development of necessary strategy to cope with changed situation in future, etc.”

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