List three problems which arise due to construction of big dams. Suggest a solution for these problems.
List three problems which arise due to construction of big dams. Suggest a solution for these problems.
The construction of big dams leads to three major categories of problems:
- Social Problems: Large-scale construction displaces vast numbers of local peasants and tribal communities without proper rehabilitation or fair compensation, leaving them homeless and landless.
- Environmental Problems: Flooding vast areas of land destroys valuable forest ecosystems, leads to deforestation, and causes a massive loss of biological diversity (flora and fauna).
- Economic Problems: Huge amounts of public funds are invested in these projects without generating proportionate benefits to the entire population, often benefiting only a select group of landowners and industrialists.
Suggested Solutions:
- Proper Rehabilitation: Ensure mandatory, timely, and complete rehabilitation of displaced communities with fair land-for-land compensation and livelihood support.
- Alternative Water Management: Promote decentralized water management systems, such as building smaller check dams, restoring local water bodies, and adopting traditional rainwater harvesting techniques (e.g., khadins, taankas, and ponds) which are highly sustainable and do not cause large-scale displacement or ecological damage.
Marking Scheme
- 1Listing three distinct problems (Social, Environmental, Economic) with brief explanations. (1.5 marks)
- 2Suggesting a viable solution (Rehabilitation / Rainwater harvesting / Small check dams). (0.5 marks)
Hint
Categorize the problems into social, environmental, and economic aspects, and suggest sustainable alternatives like rainwater harvesting or small check dams.
Quick Oral Answer
The three main problems of big dams are social displacement of locals, environmental destruction of forests and biodiversity, and high economic costs. A key solution is adopting decentralized rainwater harvesting and building smaller check dams.
Analysis & Explanation
While big dams provide benefits like irrigation, electricity generation, and flood control, their socio-ecological costs are extremely high. Submerged vegetation rots anaerobically, releasing methane (a potent greenhouse gas). Decentralized water harvesting is a more equitable and eco-friendly alternative because it recharges groundwater tables locally without disrupting ecosystems or human settlements.
Common Mistakes
- 1Listing three environmental problems instead of covering the three distinct dimensions (social, economic, and environmental).
- 2Forgetting to suggest a concrete solution or giving vague answers like 'do not build dams'.
Interesting Facts
The construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River and the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River faced massive public protests (like the Narmada Bachao Andolan) due to these very social and environmental issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2012?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Environmental Management and Dams" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper.