Assessment of reservoir capacity and sedimentation rate in Chohal Dam, Punjab, India, using multi-satellite data

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

ABSTRACT Geospatial techniques offer cost-effective, time-efficient reservoir assessment, but accuracy depends on sensor resolution, emphasizing the need for high-quality data for precise monitoring. Keeping this in view, a study was undertaken to assess the reservoir capacity and sedimentation rate in Chohal Dam, located in Kandi region of Punjab, India, using multi-satellite data (Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2). This study reveals fluctuations in estimated area and reservoir capacity, with Sentinel data demonstrating marginally broader ranges compared with Landsat. At an elevation of 372.9 m, Sentinel data yielded estimates 33.3% higher for water spread area and 32.3% higher for reservoir capacity compared with Landsat. Over a 32-year period, the Chohal reservoir exhibited declines in live storage capacity, with Landsat data indicating a loss of 30.2% and Sentinel data indicating 25.2%. The annual sedimentation rates, estimated at 0.94 and 0.79% for Landsat and Sentinel datasets, respectively, underscore the correlation between superior satellite data quality and reduced sedimentation rates. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical role of advanced remote sensing techniques, particularly utilizing high-resolution satellite data, in informing sustainable reservoir management practices to combat sedimentation challenges and ensure long-lasting water resource availability in the Chohal reservoir area and beyond.