Group Discussion Topics 2014 3

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:-

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

In Against:-

• 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.
• Some Dams are occupying forests. Hence causing deforestation.
• As there is no flow of water, water becomes stagnated and causes spreading of water-borne diseases and releases green house gases.
• Big dams cause earthquakes because of the weight of water in reservoirs.
• If a large dam is damaged, it will effect the lives of lakhs of people. 
• 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.