Role of major dams in the Indian economy

Abstract

Water resources in India are increasingly becoming scarce. Since rainfall occurs only for three months in a few spells, storage by dams is imperative to utilize waters. On account of topographic limitations, ultimate storage capacity is only 16% of average annual flows and utilizable water is only 38% of the available total. The Indian economy is predominantly agricultural. Irrigation and power have brought self‐reliance in food production and economic prosperity but with an increasing population, demands for water are rising fast. By 2025, all utilizable waters will be consumed. This article presents the existing and future scenarios, answers criticisms and brings out the inevitable necessity of major dams.