What are the benefits of constructing check dams on river?

“Check dams” are small barriers built across the direction of water flow on shallow rivers and streams for the purpose of water harvesting.

Do check dams hold water for irrigation?

It is important to make small check dams across the flooded gullies because they recharge groundwater. These small dams helps to hold water. This provides moisture for the vegetation cover, thus preventing soil erosion. Small check dams hold water and prevent soil erosion, they help in recharging groundwater.

How can dams help in increasing groundwater level?

The check-dams stop the rainwater from flowing away and also reduce soil erosion. Thus they help in increasing ground water level.

How can dams help in prevention of soil erosion?

Check dams, or gully plugs, are structures built across channels to reduce erosion, by lowering water speed and accumulating sediments during floods. They are often introduced in already degraded areas, where natural or agricultural vegetation cover was lost or not capable of holding the top soil.

What are the temporary check dams called that were built across streams to conserve water?

‘Kattas’ — temporary check dams built across streams and rivulets — used to be a common sight in the districts of Kerala and Karnataka till two decades ago. These traditional structures were constructed every year to conserve water for summer irrigation.

What are the uses of river?

More importantly, in the present era, river systems have the following potential uses: navigation, water power production, fish culture, water supply, habitation, recreation, industry, commerce and transport, mining, waste water disposal, international borders and harbors.

How does construction of check dam affect conservation of water?

The construction of multi-arch check dam resulted in an increase in the groundwater table; the storage of rainwater led to the cultivation of 12 hectares of additional land of farmers. It now supports the surrounding vegetation cover for livestock grazing and natural regeneration of the local forest area.

Where are check dams used?

Check dams have traditionally been implemented in two environments: across channel bottoms and on hilly slopes. Check dams are used primarily to control water velocity, conserve soil, and improve land. They are used when other flow-control practices, such as lining the channel or creating bioswales, are impractical.

How can check dams be used to prevent erosion?

If erosion is occurring within an existing swale, channel, or a narrow flow path, a series of check dams can slow down surface runoff. Check dams can be built by arranging a pile of stones a few inches high across the flow path or using coir fiber biologs.

What can I do with the rock from a check dam?

Rock from a temporary check dam can be spread into a ditch and used as a channel lining when the check dam is no longer necessary. Removal may be costly for some types of check dams. Check dams are suitable only for a limited drainage area (generally 10 acres or less). Check dams are intended for use in small open channels, not streams or rivers.

What is a dam used for?

A dam is a structure built across a stream or river to hold water back. Dams can be used to store water, control flooding, and generate electricity. See the Bonneville Dam in action.

How do fish get around dams?

Fish passage structures can enable a percentage of fish to pass around a dam, but their effectiveness decreases depending on the species of fish and the number of dams fish have to traverse. 2. Dams slow rivers Spangler’s Mill Dam on Yellow Breeches Creek in Pennsylvania.