Sign In
Learn bits
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

More Related Current Affairs View All

04 Aug

Maharashtra’s new security Bill

'The Maharashtra Legislature passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill or a ‘Bill to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Ex

Read More

04 Aug

New Project to curb rhino poaching through radioactive isotope injections

'Recently, South African scientists injected radioactive material into live rhinoceros horns to make them easier to detect at border posts in a pioneering project aimed at curbing

Read More

04 Aug

National Sports Governance Bill

'Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. ' The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 draws from

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps