+
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
Infrastructure Urban

Hexalog Appoints Vishal Shukla as Chief Transformation Officer

Hexalog, a cross-border supply chain and logistics company, has appointed Vishal Shukla as Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) to lead its operational transformation, technology adoption and expansion into new international markets.In his new role, Shukla will oversee the company's transformation strategy across operations, technology, product development and business expansion. His responsibilities include standardising processes, developing scalable operating models, strengthening existing trade corridors and introducing new fulfilment solutions for cross-border businesses.Shukla brings nearl..

Next Story
Real Estate

Dhuleva Group Awards 80-Storey Tower Contract to Eversendai

Dhuleva Group has awarded the core and shell structural construction contract for Dhuleva One50, an upcoming 80-storey ultra-luxury residential tower in South Mumbai, to Malaysia-based engineering and construction company Eversendai.Located near the Babulnath district, the development is planned as a high-rise residential landmark offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai's skyline. The project will combine contemporary architecture with advanced engineering and premium residential facilities.Eversendai will undertake the structural construction works, drawing on its experience in..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India's building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.The company's journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code