Sediments reduce storage capacity of Bhakra Dam by 23%

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 27

Facing the challenge of sediment deposition, which has reduced water storage capacity at the Bhakra Dam by almost 23 per cent, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has chalked out a detailed plan to deal with the problem.

Under this plan, the Board has roped in Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, and IIT, Ropar, to conduct studies to identify the areas from where the sediment was coming and its possible use.

Besides, the BBMB was also seeking help from the World Bank under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement project (DRIP). This was disclosed by DK Sharma, Chairman of the BBMB, to The Tribune today.

Sharma said the Board had prepared a project of Rs 230 crore under which various works related to the improvement of the dam and treatment of the catchment areas would be carried out. The project was almost ready and would be submitted to the World Bank for approval soon.

The BBMB had also decided to carry out large-scale plantation in the catchment areas to stop the sediments from flowing in. The dam management was tackling the problem of sediment as a top priority, the chairman added.

Meanwhile, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) organised a workshop on ‘Sediment Management for Sustainability of Large Storage Reservoirs and Run-of-River Projects’ in Chandigarh, today. Sarvjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Water Resources, was the chief guest on the occasion.

DK Sharma, Chairman of the BBMB, and Martin J Teal, Chairman of International Committee on Large Dams, were keynote speakers at the workshop. Tarun Agarwal, Secretary of BBMB, presented the vote of thanks.