Kerala Dam Crisis: Silt Occupies 49% Storage, Threatening Floods
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
A KERI study revealed that nearly 49% of the Malankara dam's storage capacity is occupied by silt, posing a significant flood risk to the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project.
Background
The Kerala Engineering Research Institute (KERI) study (2021) found 48.95% silt accumulation in the Malankara dam (Idukki). This reduces the reservoir's full level from 42m, impacting the management of Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceMalankara Dam is located in the Idukki district of Kerala.
- FactSilt occupies 48.95% of the Malankara dam's storage capacity.
- BodyKerala Engineering Research Institute (KERI) is the body that conducted the study.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges posed by siltation in reservoir dams and suggest measures to mitigate flood risks in ecologically sensitive regions like Kerala.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Impact on water security
- Flood risk management
- Desilting and maintenance strategies
Keywords: Siltation · Flood Mitigation · Water Management · Reservoir Capacity
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Union government revises flood plain definition, allows regulated construction along Ganga · 11 August 2026
- Kerala Landslides Claim 12 Lives as Monsoon Rages, Climate Change Fuels Disaster · 11 August 2026
- Andhra Pradesh to Add 25 Tiger Protection Camps as Recent Deaths Alarm Officials · 11 August 2026
- Historic Rains Ease Delhi Deficit, But East India Faces Persistent Dry Spell · 11 August 2026
- The world's oceans hit record-high July temperatures, reaching 20.96°C · 10 August 2026
- Asiatic lions roam free, claiming diverse habitats from hills to coast in Saurashtra · 10 August 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
Report a mistake →Ask for something →thesatyadheesh@gmail.com
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.