Assessment of Soil Erosion and Its Impact on the Storage Capacity of Peechi Reservoir

Kerala is known for its abundant water resources as a large number of perennial rivers are known to water the state throughout the year. The Peechi Dam and Reservoir in Kerala, India, is a vital water body supporting irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power for the surrounding regions. However, it faces significant challenges due to sedimentation, which affects water quality, aquatic life, and the overall efficiency of the reservoir. In this background, a comprehensive study was conducted to analyse the soil erosion patterns in the reservoir's catchment area using the Revised Universal Soil and Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques. By examining different climatic and land-use scenarios, the study identified the most influential factor contributing to soil erosion. The study estimated sediment deposition over the past 61 years and found a substantial loss of storage capacity, highlighting the urgent need for desilting or dredging to maintain the reservoir's designed capacity and operational efficiency