The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Social activist for decommissioning of dams

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Tuesday, Jan 04, 2011
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Social activist for decommissioning of dams

Special Correspondent

Partial obstruction favoured by creating artificial reservoir to store water for irrigation
‘In the name of development, resources are being transferred from the poor to the rich'

HYDERABAD: Social activist Bharat Jhunjhunwala has said that most of the dams in the country are anti-people and must be decommissioned to ensure that the rivers on which they are constructed flow freely and ecological balance is maintained.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, he said a river must not be dammed entirely and only a partial obstruction ought to be made by creating an artificial reservoir to store water for irrigation purposes.

In fact, Edwards dam in the United States on Rappahannock river had been decommissioned on the principle of allowing free flow of water. Such a move would ensure that aquatic life prospered and the water remained fresh.

Referring to electricity produced by hydro, thermal and nuclear power projects, he said that in the name of development, resources were being transferred from the poor to the rich. The environmental impact was being borne by the poor. The true cost of electricity was much greater than the price of Rs. 4 to 6 per unit as was being sold at present.

The cost of environment such as biodiversity loss, aesthetic value of rivers and carbon absorption by forests were excluded.

He said the spiritual heritage of flowing rivers should not be destroyed for material gains. For instance, pilgrims were unable to offer fresh water to Lord Mallikarjuna at Srisailam because of the dam across Krishna river.

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