Big Dams Dilemma

Big dams, once unquestioned symbol of national development, are being branded as anti-development on account of large scale displacement of people, economic viability, environmental losses and other disquieting issues. This book describes the rational probe attempted through micro-level studies of various spheres of claims and counter-claims about big dams. It is about case studies of Tawa River Project and Narmada Sagar Project of Madhya Pradesh. Agricultural development and on farm water management in command, dynamics of displacement, resettlement and stresses of tribal oustees, environmental impact (particularly problem of waterlogging and its socio-economic implication), etc., of Tawa dam have been discussed with empirical support. Potential socio-economic and environmental impact of upcoming Narmada Sagar Project and prople’s perception about displacement and resettlement have also been presented. This book will be of great interest for social scientists, environmental and social activists, planners and policy makers and all those having concern with the subject of big dams.