Hydrological Modelling for Flow Forecasting Study of Kabul River Basin Using GIS/ Remote Sensing Technology

Detailed description of project:

The catchment of the Kabul River covers an approx. area of 97,000 km2. From October to February flow is generally low and does not change much from year to year. Snowmelt typically starts in March and reaches its maximum flow in June. Especially in late summer, runoff from glacier melt contributes considerably to the river discharge.

The flow forecasting procedures for seasonal (Kharif and Rabi) and 10-daily flows in Kabul River at Nowshera developed by the Consultant will ultimately support the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to manage the water resources in the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS). The forecasting system will seamlessly fit into the existing suite of models and procedures for other rim stations e.g. for Upper Indus at Tarbela, Jhelum at Mangla, and Chenab at Marala already operated by IRSA, WAPDA’s GMRC and other organizations.

Type of services provided:

The overall objective of this study is to develop a flow forecasting model, on seasonal and short-term basis for the Kabul river. The services provided to the Client include:

  1. Review of the existing flow forecasting procedures:
  • Review of current methods for generating flow forecasts for Kabul River developed by Water Resources Management Directorate and Hydrology and Research Directorate of WAPDA;
  • Review forecasts developed by Pakistan Meteorological Department.
  1. Hydrologic Modelling:
  • Analyse models already applied operationally in the Upper Indus Basin;
  • Select and apply appropriate Snow Melt Model;
  • Undertake modelling for seasonal and short-term flow forecasting.
Glacier Research and Monitoring Centre (GMRC) of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
World Bank
12/2018 - 04/2020
Contract value:
679,005 €