Question

List any five problems faced with large dams.

Answer 1

1. Displacement of Communities: Large dams often require the flooding of extensive areas, leading to the displacement of thousands, sometimes millions, of people. This displacement disrupts lives, cultures, and livelihoods, particularly affecting indigenous and rural communities.
2. Environmental Impact: Dams alter natural ecosystems, affecting river flow, temperature, and sediment transport. This can lead to the loss of biodiversity, disrupt fish migration patterns, and degrade water quality, impacting both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Silting and Sedimentation: Over time, dams accumulate silt and sediment, which reduces their storage capacity and effectiveness. This can lead to a shortened lifespan for the dam and reduced efficiency in power generation and water storage.
4. Risk of Catastrophic Failure: Large dams carry the risk of structural failure, which can result in devastating floods downstream. Such failures can cause massive loss of life, property, and environmental damage.
5. Social and Economic Costs: The construction of large dams often involves significant financial investments, which can strain national budgets. Additionally, the benefits of dams are not always evenly distributed, leading to social inequities, where some regions or communities may benefit while others bear the costs.