Sustainable sediment management options for reservoirs: a case study of Chashma Reservoir in Pakistan

Abstract

Globally the average annual loss of reservoir capacity is approximately 1%. Pakistan is confronting major issue of sedimentation which is continuously depleting the useful storage of reservoirs. GSTARS3 model was used to determine the rate of deposition and sediment pattern of Chashma Reservoir since its operation. The model was calibrated and validated for bathymetric survey of 2008 and 2012. The results of GSTARS3 were incorporated to a GIS software to visualize sediment accumulation in reservoir. The study reveals that sediment flushing of the Chashma Reservoir can be carried out during flood season at a pond level of 638.15 ft. (194.51 m). However, its negative impact if any on the hydropower generation needs to be analysed. Accordingly, modified operation rules would be required.