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Source: ET
Context:
A study by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal has revealed that dams and reservoirs across India have lost nearly 50% of their storage capacity due to heavy sedimentation build-up, significantly reducing their effectiveness in flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
Key Highlights of the Study:
- Scope: Examined government records of 300+ large reservoirs with storage capacity exceeding 100 million cubic metres.
- Findings:
- Several dams have already lost more than half of their designated storage.
- By 2050, many more—especially in the Himalayan region, Narmada-Tapi basin, Western Ghats, and Indo-Gangetic Plains—will face severe capacity loss.
- Causes of Sedimentation:
- Agriculture-driven soil erosion
- Deforestation
- Flooding and catchment degradation
Implications:
- Water Security: Reduced storage affects irrigation and drinking water supply.
- Energy Security: Declining hydroelectric power generation.
- Flood & Drought Risks: Lower resilience to extreme weather events.
- Investment Risk: Decades of infrastructure investment could be undone without corrective measures.
Recommended Measures:
- Catchment afforestation and upstream soil conservation
- Construction of check dams and sediment flushing systems
- Regular hydrographic surveys to assess storage capacity loss
- Integrated reservoir sediment management policies
