Cost of Siltation in Sardar Sarovar Reservoir: Implications for Catchment Treatment

Estimates on lost reservoir capacity in India provide an alarming picture. There are several instances of soil erosion and sedimentation with run-off water. The cost of sediment removal from a large reservoir may be high, in addition to cost of dam construction. The present article estimates the loss to economy by siltation of Sardar Sarovar reservoir through loss of electricity generation and agricultural productivity. The article also suggests adoption of intensive soil and moisture conservation measures on scientific lines from protection viewpoint.