(3rd International Conference on Silting Problems in Hydropower Projects, 27-28 February 2008, New Delhi, India, pp. 105-112)
Reservoirs are constructed to generate water storage which in turns can be used mainly for Irrigation purpose and generation of hydro power as well as drinking water supply and industrial purposes. Huge capital cost is incurred on construction of reservoirs and power plants. As such it is essential for them to sustain for a longer useful period to achieve the benefits as envisaged at the planning stage. The structures like scouring sluices and outlets are provided for discharging water for Irrigation, Power generation and for removing silt through the reservoir. They being submerged in water are amenable to chemical action and also corrosion. It is generally found that they do not remain in operation due to silt load and ill-maintenance. Thereby it poses a problem of silt accumulation and encroachment in the live storage, to the extent of 30 to 40%. It is also evident from the studies of capacity evaluation of 50 reservoirs from all over India carried by MERI. This loss of useful storage leads to the reduction of efficiency of power generation. Considering the power crises it is required to have full efficiency of silt removal from the live storage for which all the sluices and outlets need to be designed. The design needs to be done to ensure good operation conditions in long run. It is also needed to have enhanced and stand by discharging capacity.
