Question

Discuss disadvantages of constructing huge dams.

Answer 1

Dam

A dam is a huge barrier built across a river or a stream to store and utilize water for various human needs.

The disadvantages of constructing huge dams are as follows:

Social problems:

1. The construction of huge dams submerges the traditional residential areas of people and causes a loss of livelihood.
2. Many villagers and tribal people are displaced by these development projects but they do not gain any benefit from these projects.
3. Neither do they get adequate compensation for that nor do they get proper rehabilitation.

Economic problems:

1. The construction of dams requires a huge amount of public money but the net benefits do not go to the people or to the society.
2. People residing in the area where dams are built often suffer huge economic losses, especially during floods.
3. At the expense of these poor people, the industrial and government sector get benefits in the form of power generation and irrigation.

Environmental problems:

1. The construction of dams often leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
2. Dams are also a threat to major accidents during natural disasters like floods.