Most reservoirs become ineffective due to sedimentation, says study

MOST of the dams in the country are facing severe siltation, which reduces their effectiveness in flood control and water storage, a new study by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) has said, highlighting that Himalayan and Indo-Gangetic plain rivers are classified as highly vulnerable and require immediate attention.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @ New Delhi

The study analysed data from the Central Water Commission's recent report, 'Compendium on Sedimentation of Reservoirs in India', and found that a majority of the dams have lost over 50% of their total reservoir capacity. "By 2050, 10 reservoirs in east-flowing rivers and 7 in west-flowing rivers are projected to surpass 50% storage capacity loss, posing a severe threat to water security," said the study, 'Sedimentation-induced vulnerabilities of large reservoirs in India', pu