Bhakra Dam Explores Deep-Dredging to Combat Siltation

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has initiated talks with an Australian firm to explore deep-dredging operations at the Bhakra Dam reservoir, which has lost nearly 25% of its storage capacity due to decades of silt and debris accumulation.

BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi confirmed that representatives from the company will visit the site next week to evaluate the feasibility of undertaking dredging without lowering water levels—a critical factor, as no Indian company currently offers the advanced technology required for such an operation.

The steady reduction in reservoir capacity has begun to impact key functions, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. In response, authorities are also considering alternative methods such as dry excavation during natural or planned water-level reductions. However, these options involve complex trade-offs between technical viability, environmental impact, and operational constraints.

Constructed in the 1960s, the Bhakra Dam is a cornerstone of northern India’s water and energy infrastructure, serving the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. BBMB’s move to collaborate with international experts signals a proactive effort to preserve the dam’s long-term utility in supporting agriculture, electricity supply, and regional water management.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.