Long term effect of Lagdo dam at Jimeta bridge in river Benue

Abali Tijjani Ahmed 1 *, Lee Simon 1, Nehemiah Japhet kalang 1 and Adamu Yakubu 2

1 Department of Surveying and Geo-informatics, Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Nigeria.
2 Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 13(01), 046–055.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.1.1602
Publication history: 
Received on 19 July 2024; revised on 28 August 2024; accepted on 31 August 2024
 
Abstract: 
The vital connection in hydrology that represent the value at which the mother earth makes water accessible for humanity and management is of great importance. Downstream aftermath of dam leads to several environmental and socioeconomic uncertainty. The study focuses on analyzing the downstream effects of discharge and flow at River Benue in Jimeta with a view to ascertain the flow of water in the Benue River and to provide early warning changes. The data includes the discharge of previous years prior and after the dam construction, rainfall data, and the topographic map of the study area. The comparative study showed a consistent level of water flow in the Benue River before its construction, After The dam was established, the sequel revealed that there is a significant trend in annual maximum discharge in 1984 with 1,445m3/sec, these is as a result of control of outflow of the dam for it to reach its maximum level since the commencement of the dam operation began in 1982. In conclusion, the lagdo dam upstream has hydrological effects on the Benue at jimeta. the occasional release of water from the dam leads to irregular flow over a time period. These changes in the characteristics pattern of flow affects aquatic life, nature of the river bed and agricultural activities along the bank of the river. Based on the findings, it is recommended that there should be restoration measures such as check dam for flood control.
 
Keywords: 
River Benue; Lagdo dam; Discharge; Downstream
 
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