Kerala to desilt dams, clean rivers after monsoon under comprehensive flood plan

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government will launch a comprehensive flood mitigation plan aimed at permanently reducing flood risks across the state, with work set to begin after the monsoon season, Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced on Thursday.

The plan will include an AI-based dam management system to make reservoir operations more scientific and improve flood preparedness.

The proposed system will integrate real-time data on water inflow into dams, reservoir storage and discharge, rainfall in catchment areas, weather forecasts and river water levels to support timely decisions on water management. Preliminary work on the project has already begun, the Chief Minister said.

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The government also plans to conduct flood mapping in all flood-prone regions to identify vulnerable areas in advance and strengthen disaster preparedness.

Dams and rivers to be desilted

As part of the initiative, the government will remove accumulated sand and silt from dams and launch a special programme to clean rivers by removing waste, sediment and sludge.

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The Revenue and Irrigation departments have been directed to prepare a detailed action plan. According to the Chief Minister, these measures could reduce flood risk in rivers by up to 60 per cent. The desilting and river restoration works will commence once the monsoon ends.

The state will also undertake a comprehensive land audit of all rivers to identify the root causes of flooding. The audit will focus on detecting encroachments and identifying areas where natural water channels have been blocked or reclaimed.

The government said restoring rivers and their natural tributaries is essential for long-term flood prevention.