Question

Imagine that a Dam is to be considered on a river for supplying water or irrigation and industry. After the survey it is found that a forest patch, farmland and two villages will submerge due to this dam. List the factors to be considered before discussion of construction of dam

Answer 1

Before constructing the dam, the Government should weigh effects on the changes to the ecosystem and its results by consulting environmentalists, the villagers and experts in various fields with an open mind. If the general consensus develops in favour of construction of the dam, the villagers must be relocated and adequate compensation paid to them to re-establish themselves. Land should also be allocated in lieu of the farmland to be lost by the villagers. Experts should also be consulted if flora and fauna would be affected in a significant way if the dam is constructed; if not, then it should not pose a major problem, unless the villagers are dependent on the forest patch. Otherwise, here too some alternative should be found. Seasonal changes and their effects must be looked into, as release of water by the dam during monsoon could lead to floods.

The basic reason cited for construction of the dam is to assist in the growth of industry and agriculture; here too employment opportunities for the villagers should be explored as a method of rehabilitation.