Channel Straightening – Removing meanders from a river to make it straighter

Note: Straightening a river (also called channelising) allows it to carry more water quickly downstream, so it doesn't build up and is less likely to flood.

To remember the meaning of the term Channel Straightening, use the following mnemonic:

The crooked river channel decided to go straight (channel straightening) after a word from the police. 

Channel straightening or channelising is a form of hard engineering. Apart from straightening a stretch of river, the procedure often also includes deepening of the channel to greatly increase the flow of water.

For navigable rivers, channel straightening also provides easier and quicker navigation.