Dredging in Shallow Waters
Published: Sep 30, 2015
Photo courtesy: IWAI
India’s rivers are recipients of large amounts of silt, which reduces the depth of channels over time. Since vessels need a minimum draft of at least 2 m to ply, dredging assumes a vital role in keeping the waterway functional.
Abstract: Dredging is an excavation activity carried out in the approaches to seas, harbours, estuaries, inland waters, rivers, and lakes to remove material from the bed for safe navigation. It is important that the government devises appropriate training of technical personnel for dredging given its resolve to set up a network of national waterways all over India.
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What is ...
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Most Indian rivers are plagued by excessive siltation which renders them unnavigable. Dredging digs out the excess silt and sediments from the riverbeds making them navigable. The method is also used to replenish sand on some public beaches, where sand has been lost because of coastal erosion.
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A fairway is a channel of water that acts as an entrance to a part or harbour. Most harbours utilise buoys in their fairway for increased visibility.