Reservoir capacity loss and sedimentation assessment of Dholbaha dam located in Punjab, India using remote sensing and bathymetric survey techniques

Abstract

Abstract A study was undertaken to assess the live storage capacity of the Dholbaha reservoir located in Punjab, India using remote sensing and bathymetric survey techniques. The primary objectives included comparing the estimated capacity with findings from a bathymetric survey, refining the elevation-area-capacity curve, and determining the rate of capacity loss due to sediments deposition. This analysis utilized water elevation data spanning from 1987 to 2022 and satellite imageries from Landsat 7, 8 & 9. The satellite data was processed using software tools such as Erdas Imagine and ArcGIS. The water extent of the reservoir was calculated using Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI). Over the course of 34 years, the reservoir experienced reductions in its dead, active, and total storage capacities by 81.5%, 19.7%, and 28.9%, respectively. These changes correspond to annual depletion rates of 2.40%, 0.58%, and 0.85%, respectively. The sediment yield from the surrounding catchment area was determined to be approximately 1203.56 m3/km2/year. The findings demonstrate substantial declines in Dholbaha reservoir storage capacities over a 34-year period (1987-2022) attributable to sedimentation. This underscores the critical need for sustainable water management and provides key insights for monitoring and strategic planning. The study advocates immediate, targeted interventions within the catchment area to mitigate sedimentation in the Dholbaha reservoir, highlighting the importance of ongoing sedimentation rate monitoring and collaboration with stakeholders for informed reservoir management and sustainable solutions to maintain water capacity for the region.