(a) State the advantages of constructing dams across the rivers.
(b) Describe some of the problems associated with the construction of dams.
Answers
(a) Advantages of dams are numerous, that is the reason so much money and work goes into building and maintaining them. Some of the advantages are:
•Electricity is produced at the constant rate with the help of hydroelectricity or hydroelectric power.
•If there is no need for electricity, then the sluice gates can also be closed or stopping the generation of electricity. Water can also be saved for the use of another time as and when the demand for electricity is high hence the usage of water remains judicious.
•Dams are so designed by well-qualified engineers to span many of the decades and also can contribute to the generation of electricity for about many years or even decades to come.
•The lake or reservoir which forms behind the dam can also be used for the irrigation purpose, water sports or even as other forms of pleasurable activities.Few large dams such as the Bhakra Nangal dam present in India is the tourist attractions.
• The buildup of water inside lake means that the energy can also be stored when needed and also when water is released for producing the electricity.
(b)Problems in construction of large dams are:
•They wipe out flora and fauna species.
•Flooding of huge area around it takes place, which causes destruction of wetlands, forests, farmland and displacement of whole settlement.
•There are also chances of increase in earthquake or natural disaster.