Author(s): H. N. Hashmi; F. Hussain; U. Ghani; S. M. Mughal
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Sedimentation; Reservoir Capacity; Dam Raising
Abstract: The management of reservoir sedimentation is an important and controlling issue related to its life as ultimate capacity of all reservoirs is to be filled with sediment. The obvious consequence of sediment deposits is depletion in the reservoir storage capacity. Mangla reservoir is an integral part of the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS). The loss of storage capacity in Mangla reservoir as a result of sedimentation has always been recognized as a major issue. It effects both the long term operation of reservoir and future storage developments on the Jhelum river. The aim of this paper is to concentrate on how the sedimentation problem can be coped with by adopting the option of raising dam height. Discharge of 39 years has been considered to exploit the impact of reservoir silting on water availability. The results show that the reservoir is loosing its storage capacity @ 0.53% annually. The manuscript reflects a perception about the 30 ft raised height of the dam that will have an optimistic impact in terms of not only accommodating the excessive floods of2.88 MAF by gainful utilization as irrigation releases but also ensure its sustainability. In addition to this, it will enhance its power potential of about 20%. While taking into account the original capacity (1967) and capacity in 2005 of various pockets of the reservoir, the deposition of sediments has been discussed in detail. Results of the previous hydrographic surveys have also been critically reviewed to observe the advancement of delta, rising of pivot point and steepening of forest slope for which delta profile is drawn.
Year: 2009