National Framework for Sediment Management (2022).

This policy document is about the effective management of sediment in rivers. It outlines sediment problematic issues and sets out the basic principles of and best practices for sediment management. It also introduces the climate changes perspective. Issues that are covered by the document include: Sediment management in watershed and in rivers; De-siltation (also for the reduction of floods); Extraction of sediments for economic uses and control of sediments for navigation; Sediment management in reservoirs; Sediment management in lakes; Retrofitting of dams; Environmental and social safeguards; Disposal of dredged or de-silalted materials.
The detailed process of siltation/sedimentation in rivers and reservoirs is given at Annexure-I. Details on catchment area treatment/intervention are given in Annexure II. Sediment management action must follow best practices to minimize damage to the environment and river morphology. Restriction details for de-siltation/dredging are placed at Annexure-III. General guidelines for the for carrying out de-siltation/dredging work cover, deal with general matters and specific issues such as, among other things, lateral connectivity to the river with its flood plains, floodplain management, solid waste management, better environmental flow in rivers, riverbed management. Different uses of sediment components are given at Annexure-IV. The details about the measures that can be adopted for sediment management of reservoir are listed in Annexure-V. Restrictions as presented in Annexure III need to be enforced before planning and executing any dredging, de-silting or mining activities.