What are the advantages and disadvantages of multipurpose river project?

Advantages: Electricity generation, water supply for domestic and industrial uses, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish breeding.

Disadvantages: Affect their natural flow causing poor sediment flow, excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockier stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life, makes it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning, submersion of the existing vegetation and soil leading to its decomposition over a period of time. Multi-purpose projects and large dams have also been the cause of many new environmental movements like the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ and the ‘Tehri Dam Andolan’ etc

Further Reading:

• Geography Notes
• Indian Geography Notes

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