Preventing and mitigating dam siltation is essential to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these vital infrastructure projects.
Dams are critical infrastructure that provides a range of benefits, from water supply and hydroelectric power generation to flood control and irrigation. However, over time, they face a common challenge known as “siltation” or “silting up.” Siltation occurs when sediment, primarily sand, silt, and clay, accumulates in the reservoir behind the dam, reducing its storage capacity and effectiveness. In this article, I’ll look at the causes of dam siltation and discuss effective strategies and solutions to prevent and mitigate this problem.