52 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(v) Water balance and hydrological regime,
(vi) Siltation,
(vii) Socio-economic impact such as rehabilitation of project oustees and been suggested
in the guideline.
The costs for environment protection and mitigative measures should also be included
in the overall estimates. These should include measures like:
(i) Compensatory afforestation
(ii) Restoration of land in construction areas,
(iii) Control of aquatic weed,
(iv) Control of water and soil diseases,
(v) Rehabilitation of project oustees.SOME SAFEGUARDS
From the above it becomes clear that it is essential to guarantee mitigative and
environmental safeguard before clearance of a project. The safeguard for the following are
to be guaranteed:
(i) Submergence of valuable agricultural and forest areas,
(ii) Siltation of reservoirs consequent to degraded catchment conditions,
(iii) Satisfactory rehabilitation of those inhabitants who are ousted,
(iv) Loss of flora and fauna,
(v) Reservoir induced seismicity,
(vi) Water borne and soil borne diseases.Opposition of Dams
The above-mentioned problems created by the dams have led to the opposition in
various corners of the country. The experts hold it from time to time that the social,
environmental and even economic cost of these dams, however, far outweighs their benefits.
The most important social consequence of big dams has been displacement of millions of
tribals from their homeland and their eventual influx into urban areas, almost as refugees.
This is the reason why Scientists, environmentalists, journalists, social activities, lawyers
and bureaucrats have taken up the cry against big dams.
Reaction
The ever-increasing opposition from scientists and environmentalists has forced the
Govt. of review a number of proposed dams in the light of their impact on local tribals flora
and fauna. Results are also seen. The Govt. had to scrap the Silent Valley Project in Kerala.
Likewise, Koel and Karo Project in Bihar was also abandoned due to opposition from local
people as it would have displaced several thousands for Santhal tribals in the area.
The following four major projects have generated much controversy:
(i) Sardar Sarovar Project, Gujarat.
(ii) Narmada Sagar Project, M.P.