CWC to study sedimentation across major reservoirs
The Centre has made plans to undertake a project that aims to assess and review the life expectancy of major reservoirs across the country. The Central Water Commission (CWC) will initiate sedimentation studies at these reservoirs to assess the change in the storage capacity in a bid to determine their life expectancy.
According to news reports, the CWC has prepared a list of 32 reservoirs across different states where the level of sedimentation and its effects would be examined.
Surveys and studies are expected to be carried out through integrated hydrographic survey systems and integrated bathymetric systems that include using drones and artificial intelligence. The project will receive funding from the World Bank and will be open to domestic and overseas companies to bid for.
Sedimentation is a constant process in large water bodies like reservoirs. With water from upstream sources, loose soil, silt, rock and debris also flow into reservoirs and get deposited on their beds. The level of sedimentation depends upon the terrain, geology and environmental conditions of the area through which the feeding rivers and tributaries flow.
Over a period of time, sedimentation reduces storage capacity of the reservoirs, thus limiting their intended benefits such as water for drinking and irrigation, flood control and power generation. Reportedly, the capacity of Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej has reduced by about 25 per cent in the last 50 years due to siltation.
