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Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

20/08/23 07:21 AM IST

Canalisation of rivers

In News
  • The state of Punjab has recently faced significant flooding due to intense rainfall and dam releases.
  • The region’s rivers, including Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, along with rivulets and seasonal streams, contribute to its water network.
Canalisation of Rivers
  • Canalisation involves regulating or diverting the flow of water from a water source, such as a river.
  • This can include directing river water into specific channels, utilising mini dams for regulation, establishing interconnections between canal systems and rivers, and fortifying earthen embankments in times of need.
  • The perennial rivers have significant dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej, Pong Dam on the Beas, and Ranjit Sagar or Thien Dam on the Ravi.
  • There are also Dhussi Bandhs — earthen embankments — on all these big rivers.
  • The inherent weaknesses in Dhussi Bandhs make them susceptible to breaches during even modest increases in river flows.
  • A multitude of small earthen dams with limited capacity exists in districts like Hoshiarpur.
  • But many local rivulets, rainwater drains, and Nullhas lack proper canalisation, exacerbating flood risks.
  • The overspill from the large dams requires better management, necessitating the creation of additional storage facilities to release water downstream gradually.
  • Canalisation would help manage both local rainwater overflow and controlled dam releases, offering a comprehensive flood prevention strategy.
Source- Indian Express

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