Chapter : 9. Management of Natural Resources
Dams
Dams :
Dams are barriers constricted across stream to hold back water, raise its level and form reservoirs.
Dams prevent flooding because they store water during rainy season. They are used for generation of electricity (hydroelectric power). Canal system leading from these dams carry large amounts of water year round to great distances of irrigation and navigation.
Indira Gandhi Canal, for example, has taken water arid areas of Rajasthan (e.g., Jaisalmer, Barmer) bringing greenery all along the way, providing drinking water to thousands of people and irrigation facilities for growing crops like wheat, cotton and mustard.
There are three major problems associated with building of large dams.
Social Problems :
A large number tribals, peasants and other villagers are displaced. Provision of adequate compensation and rehabilitation measures are not made.
Economic Problem :
A huge amount running into thousands of crores is spent on building large sized dams. They do not generate proportionate benefits.
Environmental Problem :
There is enormous deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
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