De-silting Progress Reviewed for Dams in North Indian States
WATER & WASTE

De-silting Progress Reviewed for Dams in North Indian States

The Union Government has shared an updated status of de-silting and rehabilitation activities across major dams in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, based on recent assessments. As per the National Register of Specified Dams, the three states together oversee 42 specified dams with a combined gross storage capacity detailed in an annexure.

Although water management is a state responsibility, the Centre supplements these efforts through schemes such as the Repair, Renovation and Restoration of water bodies and the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). Under DRIP Phase-II & III, de-silting is permitted for selected dams where proposals meet techno-economic norms. Punjab and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) are active participants, whereas Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are not part of the ongoing phase.

Punjab has reported de-silting work underway at four Kandi-region dams—Chohal, Siswan, Saleran and Thana—funded from state resources. Proposals for forest clearance to take up work on nine additional dams have been submitted to the Centre. BBMB has yet to begin de-silting in the Bhakra or Pong reservoirs but is considering a pilot de-silting exercise for the Bhakra reservoir under a revenue-generation model within DRIP.

In Himachal Pradesh, dam-owning agencies continue to remove silt primarily through periodic flushing operations during the monsoon, as guided by their O&M manuals. Rehabilitation work also continues under DRIP, with Punjab allocated Rs 4.42 billion for 12 dams and BBMB allocated Rs 2.30 billion for two dams, following their formal induction into the scheme in October 2025.

Updated siltation levels for key reservoirs—based on 2024 studies by the Central Water Commission and data from the states—have been compiled in the annexure. Responsibility for the safety, operation and maintenance of dams remains with the owning agencies, supported by the Dam Safety Act of 2021, which sets out a nationwide inspection and monitoring framework.

The Central Water Commission continues to track weekly live storage in 166 major reservoirs, including three in Himachal Pradesh and one in Punjab, through the Reservoir Storage Monitoring System. This information aids states in planning for irrigation, drinking water supply, flood control and drought readiness.

The Union Government has shared an updated status of de-silting and rehabilitation activities across major dams in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, based on recent assessments. As per the National Register of Specified Dams, the three states together oversee 42 specified dams with a combined gross storage capacity detailed in an annexure. Although water management is a state responsibility, the Centre supplements these efforts through schemes such as the Repair, Renovation and Restoration of water bodies and the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). Under DRIP Phase-II & III, de-silting is permitted for selected dams where proposals meet techno-economic norms. Punjab and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) are active participants, whereas Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are not part of the ongoing phase. Punjab has reported de-silting work underway at four Kandi-region dams—Chohal, Siswan, Saleran and Thana—funded from state resources. Proposals for forest clearance to take up work on nine additional dams have been submitted to the Centre. BBMB has yet to begin de-silting in the Bhakra or Pong reservoirs but is considering a pilot de-silting exercise for the Bhakra reservoir under a revenue-generation model within DRIP. In Himachal Pradesh, dam-owning agencies continue to remove silt primarily through periodic flushing operations during the monsoon, as guided by their O&M manuals. Rehabilitation work also continues under DRIP, with Punjab allocated Rs 4.42 billion for 12 dams and BBMB allocated Rs 2.30 billion for two dams, following their formal induction into the scheme in October 2025. Updated siltation levels for key reservoirs—based on 2024 studies by the Central Water Commission and data from the states—have been compiled in the annexure. Responsibility for the safety, operation and maintenance of dams remains with the owning agencies, supported by the Dam Safety Act of 2021, which sets out a nationwide inspection and monitoring framework. The Central Water Commission continues to track weekly live storage in 166 major reservoirs, including three in Himachal Pradesh and one in Punjab, through the Reservoir Storage Monitoring System. This information aids states in planning for irrigation, drinking water supply, flood control and drought readiness.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code