Sedimentation of reservoirs: Management issues

Abstract

Sedimentation of reservoirs is a major environmental problem facing developing countries. Because of increasing human and cattle population and intensive agricultural operations without adequate soil conservation measures many of the reservoirs are silting up. Unless systematic procedures for monitoring and corrective action are initiated sedimentation will continue and irreversibly damage water‐resource systems. Three major reservoirs have been studied and reasons for siltation have been highlighted. The case study of Tungabhadra Reservoir indicates that it is possible to reduce the rate of siltation through priority treatment of the catchment areas.