Home / Environment / Bhakra Dam Reservoir Faces 25% Capacity Loss from Silt Buildup
Bhakra Dam Reservoir Faces 25% Capacity Loss from Silt Buildup
29 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Bhakra Dam reservoir's capacity diminished by 25% due to excessive silt
- Unprecedented monsoon rains have overwhelmed the dam's management
- Shrinking rivers downstream and political disputes add to the dam's challenges
As of September 29th, 2025, the Bhakra Dam's Gobind Sagar reservoir is facing a critical issue - it has lost 25% of its total 6 billion cubic meter capacity due to excessive silt accumulation. This diminished storage capacity not only causes the dam to fill and empty at a faster pace but also contributes to downstream flooding.
The unprecedented monsoon rains this year have further exacerbated the problem, with the two dams under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) receiving over 29 billion cubic meters of water in just three months. This is more than double the combined storage capacity of the Bhakra and Pong dams. The BBMB is now working on an action plan to start dredging the silt in the Gobind Sagar reservoir, which has built up to heights of over 1,500 feet in some areas.
The shrinking of river courses downstream and weak embankments have also contributed to the flooding issues. Additionally, the BBMB has become the target of a political slugfest between the partner states of Punjab and Haryana, further complicating the management of this vital water project. Experts are now seeking better ways to handle the Bhakra Dam, which has been the lifeline of the green revolution in north India for decades.
