Question

Which of these are the disadvantages of hydropower generation?

• A. Dams can be constructed only in limited areas.
• B. Large areas of land get submerged within water when dams are constructed.
• C. Submerged vegetation rots under anaerobic conditions and produces methane, a greenhouse gas.
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A Dams can be constructed only in limited areas.
B Large areas of land get submerged within water when dams are constructed.
C Submerged vegetation rots under anaerobic conditions and produces methane, a greenhouse gas.

Some disadvantages are:
1. As dams store water from a water resource like rivers, therefore only limited to some areas where all the required parameters to construct a dam will be satisfied.
2. As large areas get submerged in water there is a huge loss of flora and fauna of that area. People and animals living there need to be relocated to a different place.
3. The biomass submerged in water slowly rots and produces methane which causes the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming.
4. High cost of construction.
5. Hydroelectric power production dam's leakage can cause flooding of entire valleys and scenic areas. Many times these accidents are hazardous and cause great loss to life and property.