Question

As compared to dams, why is water harvesting system a more viable alternative?

Answer 1

In recent years, multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition. Many thought water harvesting system was a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally.
From ancient period, people were well aware of the water harvesting system. They had in depth knowledge of rainfall regimes, soil types and wide ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and flood water.
Thus, water harvesting system is taken as a more viable alternative to dams because,
(i) like dams, it does not displace local people.
(ii) it does not cause environmental problems like loss of flora and fauna.
(iii) during rainy season, excess water is released from dams, which induces floods or create the flood situation, which is not so in the case of water harvesting.
(iv) the local people are not benefitting from big dams, it is the landlords, large farmers, industrialists and the urban centres who are benefitted. In water harvesting system, common people use the stored water for personal use and in agricultural field.