1

THE FIVE THEORIES OF RIVER

MANAGEMENT
(Based on Nucleus Solution of Analogous Problems
of the Human Body System)

Let the whole world enjoy the Ganga-Jal

Prof. U. K. Choudhary
The Ganga Research Centre,Deptt.of Civil Engg.
I.T.,Banaras Hindu University

THE GANGA RESEARCH CENTRE

I.T., B.H.U., VARANASI-221 005 (INDIA)

Choudhary, U.K. (b. 1945)

The Five Theories of River Management

(36 pages (32 pages in printed book) with 1 photograph, 9 figures,
and 8 tables)
(GRC Publication No.-2)
Ist Edition, 2008
Price Rs. 180/-, $ 18

Publisher
Ganga Scientific and Technical Council
The Ganga Research Center
I.T., B.H.U.,Varanasi-221005 (India)

U.K. Choudhary
The Ganga Research Centre
I.T., B.H.U., Varanasi, UP 221 005 (India)
E-mail :ukc_itbhu@yahoo.com

All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means- electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.

CONTENTS
1. Theory of Flood Mitigation - P. 5
2. Confluence Theory of Meandering Management- P. 11
3. Theory of Three Gradients- P. 16
4. Theory of Water-Sharing- P. 22
5. Theory of River Pollution Modelling- P. 27
Few Comments On The Theories - P. 31

INTRODUCTION

The water requirement of our body varies according to the

quality and quantity of food we consume. Even the rate and
quantity of air we inhale change. Accordingly stomach, lungs,
body space, etc. expand and contract, and also blood circulation
(energy) gets modified. Analogous is the case with the river
system. The soil base of river defines the quality and dynamics of
water. This further defines the change in oxygen content of
flowing water as well as space and energy of the river. Thus, the
interrelationship of the constituents and functioning of our body
and river are alike. River, therefore, is a living system. The
application of this concept provides an easy and sustainable
solution to all river problems at a minimal cost.
The concept of river as living system was provided by great
sages in the Vedas, Puranas and other Indian epics, dated c.1000
BCE- CE800. This needs to be applied in the field of science and
technology. The world continues to suffer from flood, soil
erosion, water pollution and other river related problems despite
high level of scientific achievements. Many scientists throughout
the world are trying their level best to solve these problems.
However, the solutions are far off with the present methodology.
Under the living concept it is found that the constituents, organs,
energies and working potentials of river systems are inter-related
as they are in our body. Following this line, causes and remedies
of the various problems discussed above could be achieved in an
easy, sustainable and cost effective manner. This has helped the
author to postulate Five Theories of River System. These are:
Theory of Flood Mitigation, Confluence Theory of Meandering
Management, Theory of Three Gradients for River Pollution
Management, Theory of Water Sharing and Theory of Pollution
Modeling. These theories are detailed out in the authors book *
The Living Similarity between the Ganga and the Human
Body (ISBN 81-7525-382-7). On the basic frame as defined
above, it is thought to identify the analogous human problems that
could be developed into the theory for solving river problems at
global level.
-Prof. U. K. Choudhary

THEORY OF FLOOD MITIGATION

Focal thought : Is flood analogous to human vomiting?
Finding : Drag and flood are as related as Stress and
Strains.

Preamble *

If the digestive potential of a human being is so strong

that whatever he eats, gets digested; one can take large
quantity of food without suffering from problems like vomiting.
But, if a human being suffering from poor digestion takes
excessive food, he will vomit. Similar to this, when a river runs
through the mountain, its basin area is small and rainfall is
more, but the sharp gradient of the land disposes the fast
accumulating run-off and there is no problem of flood here.
The basin area of the same river continuously increases as it
reaches the plain. Thus, the run-off increases, but the slope of
the river decreases. Therefore, the problem of flood increases
as the distance in downstream increases. A dam constructed on
the mountain, is therefore, not the solution of flood. As the
number of dams is increasing; proportionately the flood-prone
area is also increasing. In the body of the river and the human
being the incoming substances can be controlled. Thus
volumetric potentials of flood-plain of river and stomach
potential of human can be conserved. Similarly, the drainage
potential of river and digestive potential of human can be
maximized. This methodology can be used in the management
of flood also. On this concept the theory of flood mitigation has
been postulated.
* "The Living Similarity Between the Ganga and the Human
Body" (GHB) ISBN 81-7525-382-7, published by Ganga Scientific
and Technical Council, Ganga Research Centre, Author
Prof.U.K.Choudhary, Page-26.

Introduction
Inundation and flood are primarily the function of instantaneous

run-off. They are also function of storage and drainage potentials

of flood plain. It can also be stated that flood is inversely
proportional to drag force of the basin, and directly proportional
to drag force of the flood-plain. It is therefore, management of
drag forces in the basin and that in the flood plain leads to Flood
Mitigation. The theory, integrated principles, is based on this
concept. The relationship is presented as below.
Flood = f (1/Db, Dfp)
Flood mitigation = f1 (Db, 1/Dfp )
Db = Drag forces of basin, Dfp = Drag forces of flood plain
The First Principle of Flood Mitigation
Geomorphology of basin defines the drag forces. The
forces change from one place to another and from one river to
another. Friction drag and form drag are naturally gifted. They
can be moderated and modified to some extent. But it is
difficult to change them completely. Their order of magnitude
is quite small as compared to the pressure drag. Therefore,
surface run-off can be substantially reduced by enhancing the
pressure drag. Hence under the first principleNecessary provision be made in the international law for
the land owners to secure their pieces of land with bund of
about 50cm height around the periphery of associated land
area. This will accumulate rain water up to 30-40 cm height to
stop the instantaneous surface runoff and to enhance the
subsurface runoff.
Illustration of Benefits:
Forest, agricultural land, cultivable waste land, pasture's
grazing land, fallow land, land under trees and groves, and the
land not used for agricultural purposes are subjected to
instantaneous run-off. The soil, thus eroded, carries million
tones of plant nutrients along with other soil particles. That is
why the rate of crop yield reduces every year. Thus, additional
quantities of fertilizers are needed in successive years. The
erosion taking place due to continuous increase in the runoff
reaches the river through nalas, gullies and rills which results

in the river bed sedimentation. Hence, dynamic changes in the

flow characteristics, further lead to erosion of river bank and
rise in flood height. This problem can be managed with the
application of first principle of "Theory of Flood Mitigation".
The Second Principle of Flood Mitigation
The flood problem becomes severe with the increased
downstream length of river. The sinuosity of river increases.
The flood plain and basin area get enlarged. The river
discharge increases with the increase in drag forces. The width
of the river and its flood plain are inter-related and both
increase with down stream distance. The sedimentation pattern
in the curvilinear flow is shown in the Fig.-1, which clearly
reflects the variation in drag forces. This increases as the flow
advances. Thus, the increasing problem of flood is related to
the increased drag forces along the downstream length of the
river. The sedimentation occupying the flood plain causes the
reduction in storage space of flood water on the one hand and
increase in frictional drag on the other. Therefore, it is required
to demarcate the flood plain for retaining the proper storage
potential.

Fig.1 Sedimentation Pattern in Meandering Channel

Due to Induced Drag Forces

Thus, the Second Principle of Flood Mitigation states that

Flood plain area of the river which has the usual
dimension of 3-4 times the width of river in normal condition
on convex side and 0.5 to 1.5 times on concave side should be
demarcated, conserved and protected.
The Third Principle of Flood Mitigation
Three cross-sections of the river Ganga at Varanasi (India)
have been shown in the Fig..2. Sections are arranged one after
the other with the increase in down-stream distance. The result
shows that the sand bed height increases as the flow moves
forward. Further there exists a section whereas the height of the
sand bed is maximum. This may be referred to as the nucleus
of sedimentation. This nucleus of sedimentation diverges the
flow stream lines on its own side and converges the same on
the other bank of the river. This further defines the centre of
drag forces and also the centre of shear forces responsible for
meandering. Thus, the form and pressure drag of sand bed
continuously increase. This has been shown in Fig-3. This
causes the conversion of kinetic energy of the stream into the
potential energy. The enhancement of drag forces due to
development of adverse gradient of the sand bed and its
deformed and undulated shapes due to the formation of ripples
and dunes are clearly observed. Therefore, the sand bed must
be managed in such a way so that the

(a)

(b)

(c)
Fig.2. Increasing Pressure-drag Forces of the Sand Bed and its
Relationship with the Erosion/Meandering

Fig. 3. Increasing height of sand bed as the flow advances

down stream

10

form and pressure drag become minimum.

The adverse gradient of the flood plain area be managed
parallel to the average main stream bed-slope which is
required to enhance the drainage potential for mitigating the
flood.
Remarks
The adverse gradient of the convex side flood plain is
based on the location and dimension of nucleus of
sedimentation and zone of flow separation at the exit portion of
the river bend. Flood plain management, therefore, is based on
the management of nucleus of sedimentation.

11

CONFLUENCE THEORY
OF MEANDERING MANAGEMENT
Focal Thought: Spiritual importance of river confluence
in India?
Finding: River confluences on concave side.

Preamble*
An Ideal friendship/relationship culminates in happiness.
The bodys vibration reduces, and the energy gets balanced
and it is felt that the body has attained its own natural
frequency. Thus body function becomes normal and the span of
life increases as a pleasant atmosphere is created. Similarly,
river confluences provide relatively stable water energy level,
pleasant region of silt and sand (locally known as Di-ara),
moderate bed slope and fresh air with more humidity, which
provide the life substances. It seems from the description in the
ancient past that the great sages of India were the great
scientists who realized the space and time in which the
dominance of energy-flow takes place. They had therefore,
instructed the human being to utilize this. On account of this
fact, the 'Kumbh-Mela'(an Indian religious festival) is
organized at the confluence of the holy river Ganga and the
Yamuna at Allahabad. This is the largest gathering of the
world where millions of people gather. It seems, the unification
of various wisdoms, cultures, civilizations and different ways
of spiritualism is depicting the colour of the integrated energy
band of India. On the basis of the stability criteria of the
confluence region, the confluence theory of meandering
management has been postulated.
(*GHB-Page no. 40)

Introduction
The nature minimizes and controls the meandering damages at

12

the confluence. River confluences occur on the concave side as

shown in Table-1. This is the side where meandering also takes
place. This finding, naturally, justifies that the confluencing
tributary meets on the concave side of the main river. They
meet at suitable confluence angle in the same bed level near the
bank. The erosion pocket is filled up due to creation of
separation zone. The stream width enlarges, the stream lines
diverged. The maximum velocity vector is deflected from the
bank side to the main stream. The bank slope is reduced. These
characters are opposite to that of meandering occurring on the
same side. Hence, naturally, the confluence is the solution of
river meandering.
Erosion of the concave bank for the lateral shifting of the
river, the meandering is naturally managed near the confluence.
Thus, the comparison between the various characteristics of
meandering and the confluence (Table-2) has proved that the
confluence sets the anti-meandering parameters as shown in
Table-3. On the basis of the analyzing the data, the Theory of
Meandering Management has been postulated. It is to be noted
that on the principle of confluence, the meandering can be
easily managed.
Table 1 : River Confluencing Site and Angle of confluence
S.No.

Confluencing
River

Confluencing Site

Confluence
Angle

1.

Ganga Varuna

Outer Concave Side of

the Ganga

82O

2.

Ganga Gomati

Outer Concave Side of

the Ganga

85o

3.

Yamuna- Ganga

Concave Side

88o

4.

Ganga Koshi

Concave Side

90o

13

5.

Ganga Sone

Concave Side

70o

6.

Ganga Gandak

Concave Side

90o

7.

Ganga-Burhi
Gandak

Concave Side

60o

Table 2 : Integrated Characteristics of Meandering and

Confluence
S.No
1.

Characteristics
Occurrence

2.

Erosion/Depositi
on
Velocity

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Meandering
Concave
Bank
Erosion

Confluence
Concave Bank

Accelerated

De-accelerated/
(Formation
of
separation pocket)
Degrading
Decreasing
Usually Absent

Bed Slope
Aggrading
Bank slope
Increasing
Sand bed on Present
Convex side
Bank slope of Flat
Convex side

Deposition

Sufficiently large

Table 3 : Ganga-Varuna Confluence at Varanasi

Distance (U/s)
From Confluence
(m)
2000

Depth of
Water (m)

Slope

1800
1600
1400

4.65
1.8
1.0

1200
1000

0.90
1.35

1:16.6
7
1:20
1:25
1:31.7
5
1:40
1:50

14

Bank
Height
(m)
71.5

Average
Width
(m)

69.2
67.8
66.1
64.0
63.0

362

800
600

1.1
0.95

400
Confluence

0.80
0.6

1:58.8
1:83.3
3
1:100
1:125

65.8
65.0
64.8
64.2

412

The table indicates that as the distances in upstream from the

confluence increases, the bank slope rise. But as the confluence
approaches the slope reduces. The bank gets more stability.
The table further reveals that as the confluence is approached
the maximum height of the bank reduces and width of river
increases thus, the result shows that the confluence sets antimeandering phenomena.
Comparative Characteristics of the Meandering and
Confluence
(A) Meandering
(1) Convergence of stream lines on the concave side due
to three dimensional growth of separation pocket on
the convex side.
(2) Maximum longitudinal velocity on the bank side.
(3) High strength in the secondary cells.
(4) Large value of boundary shear stresses.
(5) Favourable orientation of secondary cells for sediment
transportation.
(6) Large gradient in the bank slope.
(7) Erosion of the bed and bank material.
(B) Confluences
(1) Divergence of stream lines.
(2) Retardation of maximum velocity vector.
(3) Low strength in secondary cells.
(4) Low value of boundary shear stresses.
(5) Lateral shifting of the maximum velocity vector
towards the centre of the main stream.

15

(6) Low gradient in the bank slope.

(7) Sedimentation in the erosion pocket.
On the basis of the above characteristics and findings of the
meandering and confluence a theory can be postulated as:
Theory of Meandering Management
The Confluence Sets the Anti-Meandering Parameters
Hence, the meandering management methodology describes:
(i) The erosion pocket of the bank region needs to be
filled up.
(ii) The rising slope of the bank requires the flattening
almost equal to the bank slope of the stable region in
the up stream.
(iii) The adverse slope of the sand bed of the convex side
is required to be made parallel to the average slope of
the river bed and the extra amount of sand needs to be
removed.
Remarks
The lateral shifting of maximum erosion pocket occurs
near the concave bank. It is on this side where the confluence
occurs. Also, there exists huge sand bed with adverse slope on
the convex side. It is on account of this, that there is rapid
increase in the erosion and bank slope of the concave side.
These effects are minimized by the confluence and thereby the
stability of the bank is assured.

16

THEORY OF THREE GRADIENTS FOR

RIVER POLLUTION MANAGEMENT
Focal Thought: Why sand bed is in flood plain?
Finding : City, towns and villages are situated on
concave banks of rivers in plain.

Preamble*
In the human body all the metabolic processes which
disintegrate food take place inside the body. Similar to this in
the body of the river all the processes of pollution management
need to be done in the flood-plain area on the surface of the
sand bed. This is possible only when energies available in the
form of hydraulic gradient, velocity gradient and gradient in
the soil property are utilized together. This explains the utility
of theory which gives the natural solution of the pollution
problem at less cost on sustainable basis for all rivers.
The unstable/poor people want to reside near the
rich/stable people. The basic cause of this is that the
stable/rich people have many facilities to live on. The poor
people want to avail those facilities. This was the basic cause
why civilization originated on the concave bank of the river.
The higher level of bank, fertile soil and availability of water
near the bank were suitable for the growth and development of
lives. On the basis of this, the theory of three gradients has
been postulated.
( *GHB-Page no. 60,112)

Introduction
Integrated energy of soil, water and air at a river crosssection changes with the change in location of the section and
time. The renewable energies, thus, can be sustainably used for
transporting, filtering and dispersing the pollutants at minimal
cost. The finding that the mega cities, towns and villages are
situated close to the water on concave bank of river
substantiates the Theory of Three Gradients. The gradients
refer to the differences in (i) level (mm) (ii) soil properties in

17

terms of coefficient of permeability (mm/sec) and (iii) depths

of water (mm) which ultimately control the velocity of flow
(mm/sec) near the two bank-sites. Thus, there exists well
defined hydraulic gradient, differences in coefficient
permeability of the soils and depths or the velocities of water
near the regions. If these gradients are used properly, the
pollutants can be transported from the concave bank to the
convex. The effluent can be managed in far better ways in the
convex side sand bed which exists at upstream, at down stream
and also in front of city as shown in Fig-1. which has higher
filtering and other favorable properties listed below :

Fig.1. Availability of sand-bed upstream, downstream and in

front of the city
Table 1 : Salient properties of the sand bed and the flow on
the convex bank side suitable for pollution management.
S.No Energies
Properties of the sand bed and the
avai
flow
labl
e
1.
Hydraulic
10-12 m head difference between
gradient
Varanasi side and the sand bed.
Easy transportation of pollutants.
2.
Sorbing
High, this is useful for removing
power
BOD load, heavy metals &
microbes.

18

3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

Recharge
potential
Stream
Kinetic
energy near
the bank side
Turbulent
energy
Strength is
secondary
circulation
Solar energy

Very high , K = 102 - 10-3 cm/sec.

High; Dispersion phenomenon is
very intense.
High, rapid mixing, (at higher stage
or river)
High, lateral mixing is quick
Maximum temperature is 55oC ;
Range of temperature 15-55oC ;
High microbial activity

Table 1 indicates that a hydraulic gradient of value 10 to 12 m.

is existing between the varanasi city side and sand bed of the
Ganga river. This naturally indicates that the transportation of
pollutants can take place with this available energy. The sand
bed has naturally more absorbing power and high recharge
potential. The value of the co-efficient of permeability varies in
between 10-2 to 10-3 m/sec. Moreover the river's kinetic energy
near the bank is sufficiently high. At higher stages the turbulent
energy is responsible for high mixing rate. The strength in
secondary circulation is quite high. Therefore, lateral mixing is
also quick. Solar energy varying temperature in the range of 15550C is an additional energy. This is available in plenty when
the river pollution level is quite high at the low stages i.e.,
summer season. The comparative importance of two banks is
listed below.
Table 2 : Comparison of Characteristics of Two Banks
Concave bank side
Convex bank side
(i)
Silty
clay,
permeability
(ii)
Steep slope
(iii)
Smaller flood

low (i)
(ii)
plain (iii)

19

Sandy, high permeability

Mild slope
Larger flood-plain area

area,
(iv)
(v)
(vi)a.

(vi) b

(vii)

Erosive (outer half)

Bank at higher R.L.
Lower axial velocity,
larger depth of water,
diverging streamlines
(in the first half
portion of the bend)
and low strength in the
spiral motion
Large longitudinal and
transverse spreading of
pollutants.

Higher axial velocity,

converging
streamlines,
higher
strength in secondary
currents in outer half
portion of the bend
(viii) Transverse velocity on
the surface towards the
bank
(ix)
Transverse
velocity
away from the bank in
lower layers.
(x)
Potential
increases
with R.L.
(xi)
More erosive with
ground water inflow

(iv)
(v)
(vi)a.

(vi)b

(vii)

(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)

Most stable
Bank at lower R.L.
Higher velocity and lower
depth of water, highly
converging streamlines,
higher
strength
in
secondary currents in the
first half portion of the
bend.
Pollutants gets managed
in comparatively small
length and width of the
river bank region.
Lower
velocity,
separation zone, low
strength in secondary
currents in the second half
portion of the bend.
Transverse velocity on the
surface away from the
bank
Transverse
velocity
towards the bank in lower
layers.
Potential increases much
more with R.L.
No effect on stability with
ground water fluctuations.

The table indicates that the concave bank has silty clay,
low permeability, steep slope, small flood-plain area, erosive
zone, higher R.L. of bank, low axial velocity, low transverse
velocity, whereas, the convex bank has sandy bed with mild
slope, large stable flood-plain area located at low R.L., high
longitudinal and transverse velocity etc. are available in the
flow on this side. The fig.2.(a) shows the existing conditions of
spreading pollution. The problem can be solved with the

20

utilization of renewable energies presented in the form of

Theory of Three Gradients as shown in Figs.-2(b) & 3.
Theory of Three Gradients
(i) The qualitative gradients in soil, sand/silt and clay, (ii)
the level gradients of banks-bed surfaces and (iii) dynamic
gradients of flow velocity near the concave and convex banks
at a river bend, govern (i) the quantum and direction of
available energy for pollutant transportation laterally across,
or at upstream or downstream of convex sand bed side of the
river (ii) the relative managing potential of the convex (sand
bed) side, and (iii) the methodology to manage the load of the
concave bank by using sand bed of the convex bank under the
principles of gravity and siphon flow, stability of river bank,
trickling filter, seepage and river dynamics
Corollary
1. Different sections of river have different pollution
managing potentials.
2. The soil and the flow potentials available on the convex
bank side have individually and otherwise much more
higher potential as compared to those of the concave
side, to manage the pollution load and
3. Different quantum and quality of pollutant load;
reaching over a section requires different methodology
to utilize the integrated river energy for the
management..
The application of the theory of three gradients for the
pollution management of the Ganga at Varanasi has been
illustrated in detail. The methodology has been clearly
demonstrated in the fig. 2. Only one additional facility is
required to be provided. The trickling filter can be used as an
additional unit. Partially or fully treated effluent can be fed to
the trickling filter of the sand bed which needs a small sand bed
area. The three important gradients have been illustrated in the
figure no.1 which approves the applicability of theory for
pollution management.

21

Varanasi city is located on the concave side and sand-bed

exists at upstream, downstream and laterally across the river on
the other bank. Theory can be applied on the same side of the
city where sand bed exists on the convex side.

Fig. 2(a) & 2(b). Pollution management with Renewable

Energies
A Case Study Illustrating the Benefits of the Use of Three
Gradients TheoryAt present 1.5 million people of Varanasi city generate
310 MLD pollutant load (average 3.8m3/sec.) and the total
seepage rate possible through sand bed may vary from 75 to 90

22

m3/sec (after primary and secondary treatment in the trickling

filter) and thus, the area needed for the purpose will be only
0.38 km2. However, the area of sand bed is available is 25
times more than that required. Thus, with the present rate of
population growth, the

Fig. 3. Utility of the Theory in the case of Ganga

Pollution at Varanasi

23

service of the sand bed may be continued up to 350 years. But

the sand is washed during the flood period; therefore, it gets
renewed every year. Thus, it can be used for indefinite years to
come. Further, the total BOD load at present in 310 MLD of
effluent is around 46,500 kg and if the organic loading is
assumed to be 1500 kg/ha/day, the volume of filtering media
required is 3.1 x 106 m3.As per the total volume it is the order
of approx. 1010m3, hence the potential of sand bed is approx.
72 times more than that required at present.

24

THEORY OF RIVER WATER SHARING

(A TECHNICAL SOLUTION FOR NATIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL WATER CONFLICTS)
Focal Thought: Best way of sharing of wealth between a
father and his sons.
Finding: Hydrodynamics sets the condition of watersharing.

Preamble*
(a) All the sons of a person have an equal right to share
their paternal property. The father has also the right in the
paternal property. There is no law by which all paternal
property is shared among the sons with nothing left to the
father. According to these principles, different states/countries
through which the river flows have an equal right to share the
river-water. The water flowing from the origin of the river
serves as the paternal property. All the states and the river
herself have right to this water. Therefore, the average flow
from the place of origin needs to be obtained. The balance
between the average flow and the minimum flow defines the
quantity of flow, which may be shared equally among all states
through which river passes. The river has also the right to get
her due share. The minimum flow from the place of origin
needs to be legally ensured in river.
(b) An individual has full right to the property he earns;
he may rightfully spend it the way he likes. On the same
principle, the different states, which add to the flow through
surface and sub-surface media in the river through their
surrounding land areas, have the right to use the river-water
for their needs. On this basis the duty defines the energy and
the right defines the matter. Integrating the facts contained in
(a & b) the "Theory of the water sharing" has been postulated.
(*GHB-Page no. 160)

25

Introduction
At the place of origin of river the ground water bursts and
the water starts flowing. The discharge here is a function of
upstream mountain condition. This varies through out the year
within a spectra range. It has upper and lower limits. The
lower limit of this discharge is the cause of initiation and
existence of entire length of the river. This sets the condition
for interaction with the ground water. Further in the
downstream of the origin discharge increases as the ground and
surface water further join the stream. Thus, on the basis of
inflow, the theory of River Water Sharing, has been postulated.
The Minimum Flow Concept
Under natural normal (except in flood period) condition
surface and sub-surface flow in river remains almost at the
same level. It clearly indicates that when the river stage falls,
the ground water table also falls and thus, free seepage height
does not exist there.
In fact, the flow of ground water in river is analogous to
flow of protoplasm in human body system. A man is healthy in
his young and old age both, if there exist a balance in flow of
protoplasm and blood in his body. The quantity and quality
spectrum of both the substances vary according to the change
in energy quantum and vice-versa to keep the body in healthy
condition.
Ground and surface water flow in river, naturally, remains in
balanced condition and has maximum and minimum limits.
Within this range, if water is extracted in a way so that the
balance is not lost, it defines the boundary condition for water
sharing. Thus, the lowest level of balance between the ground
water and surface water in river at which the free seepage
height is approaching to zero defines the minimum flow in
river. Above this limit and below the upper limit the river water
can be shared as per inter-relationship between duty and right.
Theory of River Water Sharing
(1) Share of State in river water

26

Water from the zone of origin

No. of States
+ Water received as run off from the basin of the state.
+ Ground water contributed by the state.
(2) Maximum river water a state can utilize
Water from the zone of origin
No. of States
+ Run off water from the basin of the State
+ Ground water, the state contributes
- Minimum water required to flow in the stream i.e. the
lean period discharge from the zone of origin and the
glacier.
(3) Minimum continuous discharge to be maintained at
each section through out the length
= The minimum water from the zone of origin and glacier
i.e. 40-60 percent of the average water from the zone of
origin and glacier with the boundary condition that the
free seepage height tends to zero.
Hence, the theory sets the permanent solution of water
sharing to the states of a country. It can be measured directly
at the required place and time. The theory is neither affected
by place nor with time. It sets the condition to conserve riverecosystem on permanent basis.
Data requirements for water sharing are
(i) Hydrograph of the place of origin of river.
(ii) Hydrograph where water is to be shared.

27

Explanation and Procedure of finding out quantity of water

to be shared
At any section discharge in river is equal to the discharge
from origin plus the ground water and local sources of surface
water. Out of this total discharge the minimum discharge which
needs to flow in the river after the due share of the concerned
state is equal to the minimum discharges of the places of
origins plus share of the other states. Thus the hydrographs of
the rivers of the places of their origins and that of the place
where water is to be shared are required.

Fig.1. Discharge of the Ganga at the Barrage Site at

Haridwar India

Fig.2. Discharge of Ravi River in Zone of Origin at Chemera

Dam at Khairi, Himanchal Pradesh, India

28

The river discharge variations of two different rivers have

been shown in figures 1& 2. The data distinctly signifies that
the river eco-system is maintained in the spectra range of
discharges. Fig.1 describes the hydrograph of the Ganga at
Hardwar. With the help of this figure, discharge in the Ganga
river at down stream locations and the discharge in the Ganga
canal can be obtained, if the hydrographs of the confluencing
rivers at upstream, say of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda are
known at the place of their origins. Further fig.2 defines the
hydrograph of Ravi river near its place of origin. The river
discharge occurs under upper and lower limits. The minimum
flow occurs in river with free seepage height tends to zero.
Remarks
The height of the dam and the reservoir planning at
specific locations of different States and Countries can be
easily done with the help of the theory keeping the river in
ecologically balanced condition.

29

THEORY OF RIVER POLLUTION

MODELLING
Focal thought: Digestion process in the human body.
Finding: Variation in density defines the changes in
physico-chemical parameters.

Preamble*
During the digestion of food in our body, the density of
the food continuously changes and the products vary. The
homeopathic medicine seeks to remove the root causes of
different diseases of patients. The function of this medicine
depends on potency/dilution factor/the ratio between medicine
and water. Moreover, the spreading of the smell of the perfume
is related to the density of the perfume and that of air. The
above two examples substantiate that spreading of any
substance depends upon the density ratio of the substance and
medium. Thus, to simulate the behaviour of pollutant
dispersion in river, the ratio of the densities of flowing water in
the model to the dye be adopted as that of the density ratio of
river water and effluent. This is the basis of the 'pollution
modeling theory'.
( *GHB-Page no. 134)

River Pollution Modeling Theory

Dispersion pattern of various physicochemical parameters
of effluent in any channel can functionally be related to the
concentration variation of a suitable dye of density equal to
density of the effluent in the flume having geometric,
kinematics and dynamic similarity to that of the channel. Or, in
much more simplified manner it can be stated that the different
fluids of the same density traversing the same geometry under
the same set of static and dynamic conditions causes its density
to vary upstream and downstream in the same fashion.
Mathematically, dispersion can be represented as

30

u v h
Dc
u

= F1 , , , c , n , 0 , df
h0
Von uw
V0 V0 h0

u v h

Dt
u

= F2 , , , c , n , 0 , df
h0
Von uw
V0 V0 h0

(1)

(2)

In the present study the verification of the theory has been

made keeping all parameters constant except df. Therefore Dc /
ho,Dc ,Dt and Dt /ho are only function of df.
Explanation
Movements of pollutants in river under pressure and
velocity gradients change its density. This causes the presence
of chemicals to vary with change in location. Thus, a
relationship between concentration of pollutants or change in
its density with the chemicals present in it can be obtained. A
set of calibration curves can be drawn for dilution factor Vs
Chemical present in it or a table for dilution factor and
different chemicals can be prepared. (This has been shown in
Table No-1) Then under the same geometric, static and
dynamic conditions a suitable dye say Rhodomine-B of the
same density as that of effluent can be allowed to flow. The
change in their concentration at different locations can be
obtained with the help of Spectrophotometer. From calibration
curve or table obtained earlier probability of movements of
different chemicals, can be determined (This has been shown in
Table no-2). Table no-3 shows the variation of different
physico-chemical parameters when effluent was flowing in
place of dye.
Procedure for Pollution Modeling
1. Preparation of Physical Model.
2. Preparation of Dye Solution of the same density equal
to the density of the effluent.

31

3. Preparation of different dilution in the field and for

different dilution factors determination of inorganic,
organic and biological parameters (as shown in Table 1)
4. Experimentation and measurement of concentration (or
dilution factor) of dye at various points in the physical
model.
5. Preparation of Table 2 with the help of Table 1.
6. Experimentation with effluent in place of dye.
7. Collection of sample and determination of physicochemical parameters shown in table 3
8. Comparison of results obtained in tables 2 and 3.
Table 1: Variation of water quality parameters with
dilution factor in the field
Dilution
Factor

Chloride
(mg/L)

D.O.
(mg/L
)

pH

E.C.
(S/cm)

T.D.S(pp
m)

Sulphate
(mg/L)

69

1.0

7.5

800.5

445.5

50

10

35

4.6

7.78

555.4

293.3

12.5

20

32

5.5

7.88

538.2

260.5

7.5

30

30

5.9

7.90

531.1

242.2

6.0

40

28

6.0

7.92

526.7

235.3

4.5

50

26

6.1

7.98

522.6

230.8

4.0

60

24

6.3

8.04

519.8

225.6

3.5

70

23

6.4

8.07

516.3

221.3

2.5

80

20

6.5

8.10

512.9

216.4

2.3

90

19

6.6

8.13

510.2

213.2

2.15

100
18
Dilution factor =

6.7
8.15 508.6
208.3
1.75
Volume of solute + Vol. of Solvent

32

Volume of Solute
Table 2: The water quality parameters when dye was used
Distance
(cm) x
from Point
of
Disposal
U/S = -x
D/S = +x

Chloride
(mg/L)

D.O
(mg/
L)

pH

E.C.
(S/cm
)

T.D.S.
(ppm)

Sulphate
(mg/L)

-10
0
25
50
75
100
125
150

21
69
25
23
20
18
18
19

6.7
1.0
6.4
6.6
6.7
6.9
7.0
6.8

7.82
7.5
7.78
7.84
7.86
7.90
7.94
7.92

515.8
800.5
538.7
527.4
522.5
517.3
514.4
516.3

218.5
445.5
242.3
236.5
230.2
219.2
217.4
221.8

2.4
50
4.3
3.6
2.75
2.0
1.9
2.1

Table 3: The water quality parameters when effluent in place

of dye was used.
Distance (cm)
x from
Point of
Disposal
U/S = -x
D/S = +x

Chloride
(mg/L)

D.O.
(mg/L)

pH

E.C. (S/
cm)

T.D.S.
(ppm)

Sulphate
(mg/L)

-10

20

6.5

7.93

512.9

216.4

2.3

69

1.0

7.5

800.5

445.5

50

25

26

6.1

7.84

522.6

230.8

4.0

50

24

6.3

7.9

520.0

225.6

3.5

75

23

6.4

7.91

516.3

221.3

2.5

100

18.5

6.65

7.94

510.2

210.0

1.95

125

18.7

6.67

7.95

509.1

209.0

1.85

150

19

6.6

7.94

510.0

213.2

2.15

Remarks

33

The methodology permits to asses many water qualities at

a time. The future water quality status of water resources can
be easily assessed.
=
Transverse velocity component in river/model at
u
the outfall site.
=
Longitudinal velocity component in river/model at
v
the outfall site.
=
Average depth of flow,
h
V0
=
Average velocity of flow.
h
=
Any depth of flow around the confluence,
h0
=
Average depth of flow around the confluence
c
=
Confluence angle,
Un
=
Longitudinal velocity of nala water.
V0n
=
Average velocity of nala water,
s
=
Density of effluent
uw
=
Density of upstream river water,
D.F. =
Dilution factor.
Dc
=
Longitudinal dispersion length,
Dt
=
Transverse dispersion length.
df
=
Dilution factor,
F1, F2 =
Proportionally constant

34

A Few Comments On The Theories

The ideas which you are putting forth are exciting. You
have done a commendable job.
-Prof. R.P. Rastogi
Former Vice-Chancellor, B.H.U., Oct. 24,
1998
In principle 'Pollution Modelling Theory/Methodology'
you have given looks very interesting.
-Joe Atkinson
Prof. Buffalo University, USA, Oct.30,
1998
Many thanks for sending us your research findings. I have
taken the liberty of forwarding your materials to two other
organizations in the Hague. I wish you well with your vital
research.
-Theresa Stanton
Editor, FID Bulletin 2509 LK The Hague,Netherland,
23 Nov. 1998
Your discussion of the five Theories of river ecosystems
may well be of interest to fellow specialists.
-Dr. Heike Langenberg
Associate Editor, Nature, porters South 4-6 Crinan Street,
London N1 9XW, Dated 15 Oct. 1999
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the
materials you sent. I have shared this information with my
colleagues. The results of your work are of interest to us.
-D.H. Waller
Director- Centre of Water Resources StudieDalhousie
University,Canada, Dated. 27.4.1999

35

The Theory of the Convex Bank is interesting in terms of

urban geography and seems to be born out for many cases.
The section reviewing different theories on water sharing is
interesting. As a review of approaches to trans-boundary
sharing or allocation of water. The paper might be good.
Jay R. Lund,
Prof. of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of California, USA, Editor, ASCE, JWRPM
10, Feb-2000
Your theories are interesting, and I hope they will
work.
A. Jacob Odgaard
Prof. & Associate Dean, The University of IOWA,
USA
Nov. 12, 1998
Five theories of hydraulics you had submitted to the
ministry. You have indeed proposed something that is entirely
new.
M. Gopala Krishana
Chief Engineer, C.W.C., New Delhi.
Feb. 25, 2002.

About The Author

36

Prof. Udai Kant Choudhary was born on 15th July, 1945 in

village Bhawanipur, Darbhanga, Bihar (India). Graduated in
1967 in Civil Engineering from Bihar Institute of Technology,
Sindri. Completed M.Tech. and Ph.D. Degrees from Indian
Institute of Technology, Powai, Mumbai in 1972 and 1975
respectively in Water Resources Engineering (River
Engineering). Selected in Engineering Services Examination in
1974. Joined Civil Engineering Department. I.T., B.H.U. as
Lecturer in 1976.
Started doing the Ganga Research in 1976. Was selected
as Reader in I.T., B.H.U. in 1979. Was appointed as Professor
in 1987. Was the Head of Civil Engineering Department from
September 1994 to September 1997. Established the Ganga
Research Centre at Banaras Hindu University in 1985 with his
Research Projects. Developed two new Instruments. Completed
seven major Research Projects related with River Management.
Founded the Ganga Scientific and Technical Council in 1992.
Started publishing of quarterly the Ganga Magazine 'The
Chaitanya Dhara Ganga' from 1993. Wrote 105 articles.
Published 76 research papers. Guided 37 M.Tech and 1 Ph.D.
thesis. Postulated 5 theories of River Management. Conducted
23 workshops on river management. Wrote two books Living
Similarity Between the Ganga and the Human Body ISBN
-81-7525-382-7and Five Theories of River Management.
Wrote a booklet for children entitled 'Ganga, The Living Body
System' in Hindi. Was an expert member in the national 'Tehri
Dam Committee' constituted by the Government of India in
April 2001

37