[UPDATED] Are BIG DAMS Necessary? | GD Topics

Are Big Dams Necessary :

Points to be known:-

• In the year 1947, there were around 300 large dams in India. And now, there are almost 4,300 large dams.
• India holds a strong position in the list of dam building countries after US and China.

In Favor:-

1. Dams are for supplying water for irrigation, prevention of floods and to generate electricity.
2. Dams are the main source for water in dry areas.
3. It's good to use technology for our survival.

In Against:-

1. To construct a large dam, many people have to leave their homes. Since 1947,  4,300 large dams in India have displaced over 42 million.
2. Some Dams are occupying forests. Hence causing deforestation.
3. As there is no flow of water, water becomes stagnated and causes spreading of water-borne diseases and releases green house gases.
4. Big dams cause earthquakes because of the weight of water in reservoirs.
5. If a large dam is damaged, it will effect the lives of lakhs of people. 
6. In the world’s worst dam disaster in China in 1975 when two large dams burst as many as 2,30,000 people died.

Alternatives:-

• Through 'rainwater harvesting' rain can be caught on rooftops and channelled into tanks.
• Use electricity more efficiently without wasting it.

Conclusion:-

                   “no dam” or “dam above all” are both wrong. We definitely need dams because rainy season is only 3 months a year. Govt. must take responsibility for rehabilitation of the people, who are going to be displaced, dams must be built on a strong rock foundation and total dam must be strong enough to tolerate natural disasters.