The construction of large dams leads to social and environmental problems. List two problems of each category.
The construction of large dams leads to social and environmental problems. List two problems of each category.
Official answer
The construction of large dams leads to several social and environmental problems:
1. Social Problems:
- Displacement of local communities: Large numbers of peasants and tribals are displaced from their homes and lands without proper rehabilitation or compensation.
- Loss of livelihood: Local communities lose their agricultural lands and access to traditional forest resources, leading to economic distress.
2. Environmental Problems:
- Deforestation and loss of biodiversity: Vast areas of natural forests and agricultural land are submerged under the reservoir water, destroying local flora and fauna.
- Ecological imbalance: Damming rivers alters the natural flow of water, affecting aquatic life, blocking fish migration, and destroying downstream riverine ecosystems.
Marking scheme
- 1.Listing two correct social problems: 1 mark
- 2.Listing two correct environmental problems: 1 mark
Hint
Think about what happens to the people living in the valley when it gets flooded to make a reservoir, and what happens to the trees and animals in that flooded area.
Quick oral answer
Social problems include displacement of local people without proper rehabilitation and loss of livelihood. Environmental problems include large-scale deforestation due to submergence and loss of biodiversity.
Common mistakes
- 1.Mixing up social problems with environmental problems (e.g., listing deforestation under social problems).
- 2.Giving vague answers like 'it is bad for people' or 'it causes pollution' without specifying the exact nature of the problem (displacement, submergence, etc.).
Analysis and explanation
Large dams are constructed to store water for irrigation and generate electricity. However, they create massive reservoirs that submerge huge areas. This submergence leads to the displacement of human settlements (social issue) and the destruction of forests and ecosystems (environmental issue). Proper environmental impact assessments and rehabilitation policies are essential to mitigate these issues.
Interesting facts
The construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River and the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River faced massive public protests (like Narmada Bachao Andolan) due to these very social and environmental concerns.
Question details
Q6 of 36 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2016
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 2
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- Our Environment
- Topic
- Management of Natural Resources
- Bloom's level
- Understanding
- Syllabus topic
- Dams, Social and environmental problems of dams
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2016?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 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 "Management of Natural Resources" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper.