ANALYSIS OF THE CONDITION OF DRAINAGE DITCHES IN UKMERGĖ DISTRICT

Abstract

The condition of drainage ditches in the Ukmergė district was analyzed in the study. The aim was to assess the technical wear of the ditches, the main deformations, and the effectiveness of the measures applied to the drainage ditches, such as shrub removal, sediment cleaning, renewal or replacement of inlets and culverts. The research methods included document analysis, visual assessment, GIS analysis, and comparison of statistical data. The total length of drainage ditches in the Ukmergė district reaches 1,527 km, with wear levels reaching 80-85 percent. Hydraulic capacity has decreased due to sediment accumulation, erosion, beaver dams, and overgrowth with shrubs. Between 2018 and 2024, the area of arable land in the Ukmergė district increased by 11.2 percent, further increasing the load on the ditches. It was determined that between 2019 and 2024, investments in improving drainage systems amounted to 5 million euros; however, due to inconsistent and insufficient funding, the condition of the drainage systems remains poor. Continuous maintenance of the ditches and stable funding are necessary.