MULTIPURPOSE PROJECTSTransforming river valleyssince ages…

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.

The first in History…WORLD INDIA

Structure

Reservoir

Spillways

River

Intake

Gate

Turbine

Power House

Generator

Long Distance Power Lines

River

Now let us see how it is constructed…

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.

How it works?

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.

A story of success

•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.

THANKYOU

SanskritiLitera Valley SchoolSession- 2015-16