Management of Natural Resources

DAMS

Dams are barriers for storing water. They are constructed across the rivers to regulate the flow of water, in order to make proper use of river water.

USABILITY OF DAMS: ADVANTAGES

• Water from a dam is used for irrigation infields through a network of canals.
• Canal systems leading from these dams can transfer large amounts of water great distances. For example, the Indira Gandhi Canal has brought greenery to considerable areas of Rajasthan.
• The falling water (or flowing water) from the dam is used for generating electricity for use at homes and in industries.
• Water from dams are also used for aquaculture and navigation..

CRITICISMS ABOUT LARGE DAMS

• Social Problems: Due to the construction of high-rise dams which may give under the weight of water, a large number of human settlements (or villages) are and many people are rendered homeless. They are not even provided withn adequate compensation or rehabilation. Deaths due to flooding are other common consequences of construction of dams.

• Economic Problems: They swallow up huge amounts of public money without the generation of proportionate benefits

• Environmental Problems:The construction of high-rise dams on the rivers contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity or geological damage.

Alternatives to Dams

Dams alter the natural flow regime of water and also every aspect of a river ecosystem like water quality, sediment transport and deposition, fish migration and reproduction and floodplain habitat and people that inhabit it. However, water demand increases due to population growth or to adjust to altered precipitation or run-off patterns which occur due to climate change. So, it is necessary to look for alternate sources to meet the water requirements of a community.