Isotope Hydrology division established under the UNDP aided Applied Earth Sciences Project it has effectively applied and used non-destructive borehole (geophysical & nuclear) logging and tracer techniques to provide cost-effective solutions to a large number of complex civil engineering problems and studies related to river valley and power projects. Borehole (geophysical & nuclear) logging method is used in identifying the sub-surface lithology, detection of weak zones by measuring different physical properties of the sub-surface formation like electrical resistivity (R), density (σ), porosity (Ф), elastic properties (E & μ) etc. Tracer Technique is useful for ground water flow measurement analysis, detection of source of seepage / leakage, contaminant tracking etc. 

It is also to highlight that the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has recently approved license towards the operation and storage of radioactive sources for Nuclear Borehole Logging. Four officers from Isotope Hydrology division have undergone training course on “Safety Aspects of Nucleonic gauges”, organized by Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, BARC, Mumbai and are presently designated as

• Dr. Rolland Andrade, Scientist C Radiation Safety Officer (2023)
• Shri Govind A Panvalkar, Scientist C Radiation Safety Officer (2023)
• Shri Amol Chunade, ARO Radiation Safety Professional (2019)
• Smt. Archana K Pund ARO Radiation Safety Professional (2019)

Broad areas of expertise/ Scope 

• Foundation studies for Dams, their allied structures and Power Plants
• In-situ electrical resistivity, density, porosity and P&S wave velocities are measured to assess the strength of the subsurface formations for foundation studies.
• Studies related to health of Hydraulic Structures
• In-situ density, porosity and P and S wave velocities are measured to diagnose the health of the structure and also to assess the post remedial efficacy.
• Detection of seepage in Hydraulic Structures ( Dams and Canals)
• In-situ density, porosity, variations in borehole diameter is measured and tracer techniques are applied for detection of seepage.
• Mapping the subsurface in homogeneities and deciphering the aquifer zone for sustainable recharge 
• In-situ porosity, variations in resistivity and Self Potential signatures and tracer techniques are applied for detection subsurface mapping.

Significant Contributions

Over the past 4 decades, Isotope Hydrology Division have been associated with several Client Sponsored, State Government and R&D works related to Dam safety and rehabilitation, foundation structures, canal seepage etc. Few significant works executed by this division is categorised below:

Seepage study in different types of dams:

Identification of source of seepage and to establish interconnectivity, delineation of weak zones in hydraulic structures and dam safety analysis using both Borehole logging and Tracer techniques

• Concrete dam: Dimbhe, Kolkewadi, Indira Sagar.
• Earthen dam: Nagarjunasagar, Upper Manner, Khadakpurna, Popatkheda, Bhama–Askhed.
• Masonry dam: Pawna, Dudhganga, Bhatsa, Kadana, Bhandardhara.
• Rockfill dam:Salal H.E.

Foundation studies:

Assessment of engineering (dynamic) parameters of subsurface lithology for foundation of Nuclear and Thermal power plants using Borehole logging techniques

• Kaiga, Kakrapar and Rajasthan Atomic Power Projects.
• Kayamkulam, Mangalore, VindhyachalThermal power plants.
• Identification of subsoil properties using underwater Borehole logging
• Tuticorin Port, Kachh Tidal Power Project, Fugro Geotech.

Seepage study in canals:

• Assessment of seepage losses through irrigation canals using Tracer techniques
• Indira Gandhi Main Canal, Kakrapar, Panchakula.