Skip to content
Free updates Login
SSCUPSC & State PSC

India’s Dams Lose Nearly Half Capacity to Sedimentation: IISER Study

12 September 20251 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYIndia’s Dams LoseNearly Half Capacityto Sedimentation:IISER Study12 September 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

An IISER Bhopal study reports that silt has taken away close to half of India’s reservoir storage, hurting flood control, irrigation and hydropower.

Key facts

  • Data: government records of 300+ large reservoirs above 100 million cubic metres.
  • Severe loss expected by 2050 in the Himalayas, Narmada-Tapi basin, Western Ghats and Indo-Gangetic Plains.
  • Causes: farm-driven soil erosion, deforestation, flooding and catchment degradation.

Implications

  • Water and energy security weaken, with lower resilience to extreme weather.

Way forward

  • Catchment afforestation, check dams and sediment flushing.
  • Regular hydrographic surveys; integrated sediment management policy.

Exam angle

  • Study by IISER Bhopal on reservoir sedimentation.

Test yourself

1. Which institute conducted the study showing Indian dams lost nearly 50% of storage capacity to sedimentation?

The study was by IISER Bhopal.

2. The IISER study examined reservoirs with storage capacity above what size?

It covered 300+ large reservoirs above 100 million cubic metres.

3. Which measure to assess reservoir storage loss was recommended in the dam sedimentation study?

Regular hydrographic surveys were recommended.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 12 September 2025 (13 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizSeptember 2025

Read more