What does it mean?
Projects which serves more then one purpose are called as Multipurpose projects. Generally majority of multipurpose projects are combination of irrigation and Hydro-power.
Structure
Reservoir
Spillways
River
Intake
Gate
Turbine
Power House
Generator
Long Distance Power Lines
River
Idle location for its implementation
•a narrow part of a deep river valley
•Less earthquake-prone zones
•Areas having less frequent landslides
•Areas which have slope-stability
Objectives
•Power generation•Water supply•Stabilization of water flow•Irrigation•Flood prevention•Land reclamation•Water diversion•Navigation
Hydro power
•One of the main objects of a multi purpose project is to generate energy.
•Hydroelectric power is a major source of electricity in the world.
•Many countries that have rivers with adequate water flow, that can be dammed for power generation purposes.
Factors leading to criticism
Evaporation, Green House gas emission,
Loss of natural
biodiversity
Displacement of local tribes
Loss of Livelihood
Destruction of historical and archaeological sites
Apart from these factors, these multi-purpose projects due to their important aims often leads to:
1. Water Disputes
2. Downstream erosion
3. Reservoir Sedimentation
Inter-state disputes
Between rural and urban area
Why opposed by environmentalist?
•Fragmentation of river ecosystems and has Impacts on biodiversity
•Barrier for movement of migratory fish like the salmon, thereby affecting its population .
• Reduction in natural biodiversity along riverbanks due to reduced natural flooding.
• Alters water temperature downstream, affecting plant and animal life in the reservoir and the river.
•Cropping patterns changed to more water intensive crops thus it affects soil quality
Now let us take an insight in India’s one of the most effective and productive Multipurpose Projects…
MAITHON DAM
Construction
•Height: 165 ft•Length: 15,712 ft•Type: Concrete cum
Earthen dam•River: Barakar River•Location: Jharkhand•Year: Inaugrated in 1957
Achieving the goals
•flood Control•promotion & operation of schemes for
irrigation• water supply for domestic & industrial
use•navigation & drainage•Generation, transmission & distribution of
electrical energy•Maithon Dam is one of the most popular
dams in Jharkhand and one of the most successful multipurpose projects in India.
HYDRO ELECTRICITY
• There is an underground power station, the first of its kind in the whole of South East Asia.
• The power station has a total generating capacity of 60 MW with 3 units of 20 MW each. MHPS is located at almost 1000 feet below the water level.
•Installed capacity: 60 MW
Limitations due to environment
•The rain water takes a lot of soil with it and the same settles down in the reservoir causing decrease in the depth.
•There is also a pollution threat to the town as many industries are being set up in the locality.
•The underground water level has already decreased over the years which further strains the water resources.
•In India, most of the multi –purpose projects have served their goals with time showing a great deal of significant growth in these sectors.
•It has resulted not only in better irrigation situation but also helped in generating hydro power.
•Frequent checks and keen monitoring will help in continuing the services and benefits such a project provides.
How was this research helpful?
This assignment helped in two very specific ways:
• It gave me an insight of the working of a a hydraulic project.
• It also helped me in understanding the social impact of any big scheme or program taken up by the govt.
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