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Potential sites for exploring micro-hydropower in Bangladesh :

 

Background :

Hydropower generation is an eco-friendly clean power generation method. The scope of hydropower generation is very limited in Bangladesh because of its plain lands, except in some hilly region in the northeast and southeast parts of the country. There are lot of canals, tributaries of main river  Karnafuli, Shangu, Matamuhuri as well as tiny waterfalls having potentials for setting up mini/micro hydropower unit in Chittagong Hill Tracts region.  Chittagong Hill Tract is being almost isolated form governmental and non-governmental development initiatives for many years because of remoteness and terrain landscape, scattered settlement pattern, lack of infrastructural development and diversification of economies. Confronting sustainable development issues in CHT and seeking local solutions, considering natural resources and ecosystem, development of affordable indigenous and sustainable technologies is viable options to promote livelihood at CHT. Since power is key indicator in all development strategies, harnessing micro-hydro resources and setting up decentralized small-scale water power or micro-hydro schemes are a particularly attractive option in terrain areas without hampering ecosystem.   

Introduction: 

The opportunities that exist in the CHT areas include the huge potential for the utilization of hydropower along with indigenous technical knowledge systems to operate local institutions. This  study being carried out to harness of micro-hydro resources and  find the potentials of setting up decentralized micro-hydropower unit with  local implementation and management, thereby making remote tribal rural development possible through self reliance and the use of local natural resources. Extension of grid electricity is not economically feasible at the remote mountain areas like CHT because of scattered settlement and lack of infrastructural development. 

Example could be given form Mr. Aung Thui Khoin innovation of indigenous micro hydropower unit which draws attention of LGED & UNDP by wider coverage’s press and electronic media. The unit constructed  with wooden turbine & making an earthen dam on the flowing Hara Khal at remote hilly region of Monjaipara, Bandarban District. As observation, about 10 KW electricity is being generated by this indigenous micro hydro power unit which illuminated forty households of that village. Focusing on that innovation, it is encouraging that such water micro-Hydro unit may be undertaken to set up on potential sites  in the off grid CHT  region to bring up sustainability in socio-economic upliftment of the local backward tribal community. On primary discussion, LGED & UNDP come to the points that; 

(a) The most temporary nature Mojaipara Micro-Hydro unit should be improved in order to make it sustainable.

(b) Such power unit  should be replicated in the whole off-grid CHT region which are criss-crossed by numerous canals, tributaries that holds potential sites.

(c) On Bamer-chara, such micro-hydropower unit may be set up for improvement of tourism, irrigation, and provide power to local inhabitants.

On the above mentioned ground, an agreement has been signed between LGED & innovator Aung Thui Khoin for a month long study. 

From the study report we have found eight  different prospective sites for Micro hydropower development :-

 PROFILE OF PROSPECTIVE MICRO-HYDRO SITES

  1. Site No: 1 :: Nunchari Tholi Para

  2. Site No: 2 ::  Chang-oo-Para

  3. Site No:-3 :: Liragaon (KACCHAPTALI)

  4. Site No: 4 :: Bangchari  

  5. Site No: 5  :: Kamal Chari

  6. Site: No: 6 ::  Thang Khrue Chara Mukh

  7. Site No :7  ::  Monjaipara ( Micro Hydro Unit Developed with indigenous technology by tribal people)

  8. Site No :8  :: Bamerchara Hydropower Potential unit ( Micro hydro power unit INSTALLED by LGED  ) 

 

Map showing  Micro Hydro Potential Sites in  Bangladesh :

 

 

 

Source: BPDB/BWDB Joint Study ,  April 1984  ( Study by a group of Chinese experts) and  by  LGED in   2002-2003

 

 

Source :Site visit survey in 1992-1993 by LGED

 

NUNCHARI THOLI PARA 

Site No: 1

Name: NUNCHARI THOLI PARA 

Location Information:

  • Village: Nuncahri Tholi Para

  • Union  : Sadar,

  • Upazila :  Sadar

  • Dist: Khagrachari.

Accessibility:  Site is located some 30-35 Km (total paved road) away from Khagrachari Sadar and it takes 45 minutes journey by Motor vehicle.  

Within 1.00km radius area inhabitant & other socio-economic Infrastructures are identified:

  • Local Community                    : Tripura

  • Family No.                               : 100 (ALL are Kaptai Dam affected people)

  • Pry.School                              : 1 No.

  • Rice mill                                  : 1 No

  • Temple                                    : 2 Nos.

Canal:- NUNCHARI  KHAL

Hydrological Data:- 

  1. Av. X sectional width of canal = 11 M

  2. Lowest flow throughout the year = 0.025 m3/sec.

  3. Lowest Flood level = 0.06m (Record taken in May)

  4. Av. Flood level (December-May) = 0.08m

  5. Av. Flood level (September-November) = 0.15m

  6. Av. Flood level (June-August) = 0.50m

  7. Highest flood level = 3.00m (Occasionally)

  8. Canal bed condition = Hard Strata.

 

Expected Power generation : 5  kW.

Daily duration of electricity Production: 12 Hrs (June-September) and 3 hrs. (October-May)

 

Communities response and participation in setting up Micro hydropower unit   : Positive

 

Willingness of the community to pay for electricity bill : Positive

 

 

CHANG- OO- PARA

Site No: 2

Name: CHANG-00 -PARA,

Locational  Information:

  • Village: Chang-oo-para

  • Union: Rajbilla & Kuhalong

  • Upazila- Sadar

  • Dist.- Bandarban

 Accessibility: Site is located some 50 Km (almost paved road) away from Bandarban Sadar and it takes one and half hour journey by Jeep and two km walking.  

Within 1.00km radius area inhabitant & other socio-economic Infrastructures are : 

  • Local Communities                 : Marma, Tongchangya and Bengali.   

  • Family No.                             :  200

  • Pry.School                             :  2 Nos.

  • Rice mill                                :  2 Nos

  • MOSQUE & Temple                : 3 Nos.

 

Canal:- SEALOCK KHAL

Hydrological Data:

 

  1. Av. X sectional width of canal = 25 M

  2. Lowest flow throughout the year = 0.40 m3/sec.

  3. Lowest Flood level = 0.15m (Record taken in April)

  4. Av. Flood level(December-May) = 0.2m

  5. Av. Flood level (September-November) = 0.6m

  6. Av. Flood level (June-August) = 1.30m

  7. Highest flood level = 4.00m (Occasionally)

  8. Canal bed condition = Partial Portion hard

 

Expected Power generation  : 30 kW.

 

Daily duration of electricity Production:  24 Hrs (June-September) and 2 hrs. (October-May)

 

Communities response and participation to Micro hydropower unit   : Positive

 

Willingness of the community to pay for electricity bill : Positive

 

 

LIRAGAON (KACCHAPTALI) 

 

Site No:-3

 

Name: LIRAGAON (KACCHAPTALI)

 

Location Information:

  • Village: Liragaon

  • Union: Alikhyong

  • Upzila: Rowangchari

  • Dist: Bandarban

 

Accessibility: Site is located some 35 Km (paved road) away from Bandarban Sadar and it takes one and half-hour journey by Jeep.

 

Within 1.00 km radius area inhabitant & other socio-economic Infrastructures are

 

  1. Local Communities    :     Marma, Tripura and Bowm Tribe

  2. Family No                 :     600

  3. Junior High School     :     1 No.

  4. Pry.School                :     3 Nos.

  5. Small Bazar              :      1 No.

  6. Rice mill                   :      5 Nos

  7. Temple & church       :      5 Nos.

  8. Community Clinic      :      1 No.

  9. Army Camp              :       1 No.

  10. Canal                       :     Taracha Khal

Hydrological Data:-

 

  1. Av. X sectional width of canal = 35 M

  2. Lowest flow through out the year = 0.20 m3/sec.

  3. Lowest flood level = 0.10m (Record taken in April)

  4. Av. Flood level (December-May) = 0.20m

  5. Av. Flood level (September-November) = 0.50m

  6. Av. Flood level (June-August) = 1.50m

  7. Highest flood level = 6.00m (Occasionally)

  8. Canal bed condition = Hard strata

 

Expected Power generation  : 20 kW.

 

Daily duration of electricity Production: 24 Hrs (June-September) and 6 hrs. (October-May)

 

Communities response and participation in setting up Micro hydropower unit   : Positive

 

Willingness of the community to pay for electricity cost : Positive

 

 

 

 

BANGCHARI

 

 

Site No: 4

 

Name: BANGCHARI 

  • Locational  Information:

  • Village: Bangchari

  • Union:  Rowangchari

  • Upzila: Rowangchari

  • Dist: Bandarban

 

Accessibility: Site is located some 28 Km (paved road 21 km and earthen road 7 km) away from Bandarban Sadar and it takes one hour journey by Jeep and another one hour by walking.

 

Within 1.00km radius area inhabitant & other socio-economic Infrastructures are :

 

  • Local Communities                 Maram, Tripura Tribe

  • Family No.                               500

  • Pry.School                              3 Nos.

  • Small Bazar                            1 No.

  • Rice mill                                  3 Nos

  • Temple & church                    3 Nos.

  • Army Camp                             1 No.

 

Canal:  ROWANGCHARI KHAL

 

Hydrological Data

 

  1. Av. X sectional width of canal = 30 M

  2. Lowest flow throughout the year = 0.15 m3/sec.

  3. Lowest Flood level = 0.10m (Record taken in April)

  4. Av. Flood level (December-May) = 0.15m

  5. Av. Flood level (September-November) = 0.55m

  6. Av. Flood level (June-August) = 1.25m

  7. Highest flood level = 5.00m (Occasionally)

  8. Canal bed condition = Partial Portion hard

 

Expected Power generation  : 10 kW.

 

Daily duration of electricity Production: 24 Hrs (June-September) and 6 hrs (October-May)

 

Communities response and participation in setting up Micro hydropower unit   : Positive

 

Willingness of the community to pay for electricity cost : Positive 

 

 

KAMAL CHARI

Site No: 5 

Name: KAMAL CHARI

 

Locational  Information:

 

  • Vill: Kamal Chari

  • Union:- Gainda,

  • Upzila :- Rajasthali

  • Dist:- Rangamati.

 

Accessibility:  Site is located some 75 Km (almost paved road) away from Rangamati Sadar and it takes two & half hour journey by Jeep and another one hour by walking.

 

Within 1.00km radius area inhabitant & other socio-economic Infrastructures are :

 

  • Local Communities                 Marma and Tongchangya

  • Family No.                               150

  • Pry.School                              2 Nos.

  • Rice mill                                  9 Nos

  • Temple                                    4 Nos.

  • Community Clinic.                  1No.

  • Forest office,                           1 No.

 

Canal:- HNARA  KHAL

 

Hydrological Data:-

 

  1. Av. X sectional width of canal = 20 M

  2. Water Discharge = 0.40 Qsec. (Record taken in May) 

  3. Lowest Flood level = 0.15m    (Record taken in May)

  4. Av. Flood level(December-May )= 0.30m

  5. Av. Flood level (September-November) = 0.45m

  6. Av. Flood level (June-August) = 0.65m

  7. Highest flood level = 4.20m (Occasionally)

  8. Canal bed condition = Hard Strata.

Expected Power generation  : 10 KW.

 

Daily duration of electricity Production: 24 Hrs(June-September) and 12hrs.(October-January) and 8 hrs.(February-May)

 

 Communities response and participation in setting up Micro hydropower unit   : Positive

 

 Willingness of the community to pay for electricity cost : Positive

 

  

THANG KHRUE CHARA MUKH

Site: No: 6

 

Name: THANG KHRUE CHARA MUKH

 

Location information: Border of Bnadarban Sadar Upazila &  Rajasthali Upazila of Rangamati District.

 

Accessibility: This location is 77 Km (70km paved and 7 km earthen road) away from Rangamati Sadar and it takes two & half hour journey by Jeep and another one & half hour by walking.

 

Within 2.00 km radius area inhabitant & other socio-economic Infrastructures are :

  • Local Community                    Marma

  • Family No.                              300

  • Pry.School                              2 Nos.

  • Rice mill                                  3 Nos

  • Temple                                    4 Nos.

Canal:- HNARA  KHAL

 

Hydrological Data:- 

(a) Av. X sectional width of canal = 25 M

(b) Lowest flow through out the year = 0.30 m3/sec.         

(c) Lowest Flood level = 0.12m (Record taken in May)

(d) Av. Flood level(December-May) = 0.25m

(e) Av. Flood level (September-November) = 0.4m

(f)  Av. Flood level (June-August) = 0.65m

(g) Highest flood level = 4.00m (Occasionally)

(h) Canal bed condition = Hard Strata.

 

Expected Power generation  : 30 kW.

 

Daily duration of electricity Production:  24 Hrs (June-September), 8 hrs. (October-January) and 6 hrs (February-May)

 

Communities response and participation in setting up Micro hydropower unit   : Positive

 

Willingness of the community to pay for electricity cost : Positive

 

 

MONJAIPARA MICRO-HYDROPOWER UNIT

Site No :7

 

 

Name : Monjaipara Micro- Hydropower Unit

 

     

Location Information : Bandarban Sadar upazila under Bandarban District.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Aung Thui Khoin ( Local Tribal )developed with indigenous technology

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Aung Thui Khoin developed with indigenous technology-wooden water wheel turbine

 

 

Accessibility: This site is  located some  25 Km away from  Bandarban sadar  and it takes  30 minutes journey by jeep and some walking. 

               

Within 1.00 km radius areas inhabitant & other socio-economic Infrastructures are : 

a)      

Local Communities

:

Marma

b)  

No of  Family

:

50 Nos

c)   

Pry. School   

:

1  No

d)  

Temple & church

:

1 No

e)  

Army camp

:

1 No

f)     

Name of the Canal        

:

Lara khal

Hydrological Data: 

 

Av. X-sectional width of canal

:

= 15m

 

Lowest flow throughout the year

:

=0.2Cubic meter per second

 

Lowest flood level

:

=0.5M

 

Av. Flood level

:

=0.75 M

 

Highest flood level    

:

= 1 M

 

Canal bed condition

:

= Hard Strata

  • Expected Power production capacity                               : 10  kw

  • Daily duration of electricity Production                             : 4 hrs (June-September)

  •  Community views on Micro Hydro Project                        : Positive

  •  Willingness of the community to pay for electricity bill      : Yes

 

BAMERCHARA  MICRO-HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITE

Site No :8 

LGED has been exploring the potential of mini and micro hydro power as eco-friendly sources of energy in the hilly region to meet the different energy needs of the remote inaccessible, underdeveloped and sparsely populated mountain areas. Several studies carried out in Bangladesh recommended that Mini and Micro-hydro alone might not be a feasible option in this country. However its integration with irrigation and flood control projects can be made economically viable. In this regard, LGED has implemented Bamer Chara Irrigation Project in Banskhali Thana under Chittagong district with an intention to provide irrigation facilities to 355 ha land. A large reservoir has been built in this project for dry season irrigation. Water enters the project area through a gated spill way and flow is controlled at the downstream by a conventional regulator. Currently LGED is examining the flow rate in the spillway and exploring the scope for installing a Micro-hydro power plant at the site.

Name : Bamerchara Hydropower Potential unit

Location  Information: Banshkhali Upazila under Chittagong District.                                             

Description : Bamerchara Micro hydropower potential site located some 8 Km away from  Banshkhali Upazila under Chittagong District. Preliminary feasibility reports on proposed Bashkhali hydropower unit shows that two water reservoirs Bamerchara and Danerchara  developed 3 Sq.km areas water bodies  by constructing two dam and interconnecting canal keeps two chara’s water head equal. A sluice gate and spill way constructed at Dam site. Sluice gate opening is 550mmx900mm and Dam height is 8m.

Two dams supply  water for irrigating thousand of acre Boro cultivation  at dry season. It may be mentioned that perennial water sources is insufficient and  normal reserving starts form September. Water reserves dropped down February to middle of March while water used for irrigation purposes and recharging water reservoirs takes up to rainy season.

Name of the Canal : Bamerchara 

Main feature of the Structure: 

a)      

Pond level

:

24.00 m PWD

b)     

Sill level

:

16.74m PWD

c)     

Catchments area

:

355hectare

d)     

Peak drainage discharge

:

7.6 cubic meter/sec

e)     

Length of structure

:

43m

f) 

No of Gate

:

1 no

g)     

Gate size

:

W-1.128m x H-0.564m

h)      

Type of Gate

:

Vertical  roller steel gate        

 

Expected Electricity Production                                        : 10 kw

Community views on Micro Hydro Project                        : Positive

Willingness of the community to pay for electricity cost   : Yes