BRISS: A Web-Based Dynamic Decision Support Tool for Brahmaputra River Basin

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Barua, Pankaj | Mandal, Purnendu

Affiliations: School of Management Sciences, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, India | Information Systems & Analysis Department, College of Business Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: p_barua@tezu.ernet.in

Abstract: A web-based dynamic DSS tool for water resources policy planning for Brahmaputra River Basin (named as BRISS: Brahmaputra River Information and Simulation System) has been discussed. The complexities associated with dynamics of water consumption and availability on basin scale has been addressed in BRISS through use of predictive and analytic capabilities of system dynamics model. The model component has been integrated with a RDBMS-based information system to enhance its applicability. BRISS has been presented as a web-based DSS using thick client and thin server approach and some examples of policy analysis have been carried out and presented. Water availability and consumption scenario for the year 2025 and 2050 have been generated for Brahmaputra Basin. The results show that over the years the total water consumption for the basin has gone up substantially whereas supply remained the same. Wide seasonal fluctuations in river flow due to monsoon driven hydrological regime for the river have been observed. Simulated results show that the basin will face water shortage during the months of December to February before the year 2050 if necessary corrective measures are not taken. Constructions of flood storage reservoir i.e. that stores water during high flood and augment flow during lean flow, may be considered as a policy option.

Keywords: Web-based DSS, system dynamics simulation, information system, Brahmaputra river

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 151-159, 2007