Why don’t we learn?
Posted: August 8, 2007 Filed under: They call it science 6 Comments »
Recently I was astounded by the comments made by the Chief Minister of Bihar (and earlier by Utter Pradesh Chief Minister) suggesting that Nepal hasn’t done enough to control the flood. Firstly Nepal is in no position (expertise as well finance) to build dams and secondly building large dams aren’t environmentally viable. India can ask, if you can’t we will help. But, did India ever live up to its promises on Tanakpur, Mahalisagar, Khurdalotan, Gandak and other barrages? Forget about the regular inundation in Nepalese territory, those dams haven’t been fruitful to the Indian side too.
I am not a hydrologist nor I am a river engineer, but hearing decry of big dams all over the world I find it obvious to believe that big dams are not the solution. We should definitely harness water for drinking, irrigation and electricity, but big projects come with more predicaments. It’s impossible to tame big rivers so it will be wise to go along with it, relocate people from flood zones rather than build dams that helps one location but inundates lot more. If people keep settling on river delta, there will be lot more flooding reoccurrences.
Picture Source: BBC News
I agree, There are no easy answers !! Its time we ask our Christian friends to build us a Noah’s Ark !! hehe
Projjwol,
You are right. Big damns are not solution. Nitish Kumar might be expecting that we should inundate our village to make life confortable to the Biharis. This is not possible. Nepalis have already lost sizeable farming land as you have mentioned. The need of the hour is to go for win-win situation. If Biharis are troubled, Nepalis are also as much troubled. In such situation, both sides must come forward to find amicable situation.
Paribartan
NNepali,
Noah’s Ark seems good idea, but we have something in our own sleeves. Remember Hanuman and Co. building a bridge over the Ocean?
Paribartan,
Thanks for your comment. Leaders in this region don’t seem to realize that rivers follow the Watershed boundaries not the political boundary.
8/10/2007 01:22:00 PM
Floating houses are what we need !! its the future…
http://www.ecoboot.nl/
NNepali,
Thanks for that link, it’s impressive to have a floating city that has solar panals and windmill as energy drivers. However in Nepal’s case we won’t be having water all year round like in Netherlands.
NNepali,
Thanks for that link, it’s impressive to have a floating city that has solar panals and windmill as energy drivers. However in Nepal’s case we won’t be having water all year round like in Netherlands.