Professional Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Project

Question: Discuss about the Professional Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Project. Answer: Background of the Study Nagarjuna Sagar Dam project was constructed over the period of 1955 to 1967. The water reservoir which was created from this dam construction project is 490 feet tall and has a gross storage capacity of 11,472,000,000 cubic meters (Singh et al., 2016). However, it has been observed that this dam construction can have adverse impacts on the social, geophysical and economic as well as on climate and water quality due to ineffective engineering plans and design activities. The dam wall blocks migration of fishes and traps sediments which creates difficulties in maintaining physical habitats and processes. All these factors revolve the entire ecosphere in a negative way (Bhoi Ali, 2014). Dams are constructed to be used as water resources for the industries and communities. Moreover, this also provides drinking eater to the people of submerged areas, prevent floods and most importantly generates energy. Therefore, it is very necessary to mitigate the environmental, economic and social ri sks raised from Dam construction project and to take appropriate countermeasures to maintain sustainable development throughout the country. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam project has transformed the economy of several districts, fifty-two villages and serves a large community throughout the years. This also meets up 80% water needs of Hyderabad. Therefore, through this paper, the researcher will try to analyze the negative impacts of dam construction on the environment and to take useful measurements for improving environmental sustainability. Research Objective The major objectives of this research proposal are To assess the environmental impacts of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam project To monitor the status of Nagarjuna Sagar based on biological and physic-chemical characteristics of soil and water To recommend best possible solutions to improve the status of dam for ensuring environmental sustainability Conceptual Foundation of the Topic Positive and Negative Impacts of Dam Construction According to Rao et al., (2014), dam construction project offers irrigation scheme which provides temporal and permanent job opportunities to the people of the society. In addition, these projects increase fish production and promote sustainable methods of fishing. ACHARYA, ADAK and SRIVASTAVA (2012) stated that the dam operations not only enhances production levels but also boss the economic growth of the country. However, Bhoi and Ali (2014) opined that, besides the positive impacts, the dam construction projects also have significant adverse effects on the environment and society. Due to increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, water and land pollution can occur which disturbs the environmental ecosystem. Then, use of heavy machines and devices leads to soil instability and cases soil erosion. All these factors should be considered to develop a sustainable and safe dam management program. Figure 1: Conceptual Framework for Dam Construction and Its Safety (Source: Created by Author) In order to ensure safety and security, the constructors and operators should set up an effective dam safety management program. This can be achieved by implementation and maintenance of dam construction areas with proper design planning and principles. According to Singh et al., (2014), construction of dams needs constant vigilance to ensure the fact that safety and security of environment and society are not compromised. In addition, Rao et al., (2014) mentioned that operation and maintenance of dam projects should be organized through sound engineering processes and practices. As stated by Ranjan and Rao (2016), the surveillance system is very crucial in this aspect to analyze the present status of the dam in a visual representation, so that any hazardous accidents can be stopped before it happens. The operation team should follow these monitoring practices on a weekly basis to identify the deficiencies or loopholes present in the dam construction projects. The inspection frequenc y should be set up by considering some major facts such as dam failure, size and type of the dam, and risk levels of the dam. Monitoring is another crucial stage of the dam safety management program to which helps to check and monitor structure, behavioral trends, and performance of the dam. Use of electronic equipment system in this monitoring process helps to provide real time data and information based on the environmental impacts of dam constructions. The safety review, risk assessment programs and reporting process helps to evaluate dam safety from every designer and operational aspects. As stated by Singh et al., (2016), an inductive training session is required for the dam operators to follow these practices properly and to use the devices as per the requirements. In this aspect, government plays a significant role to measure the effectiveness of this safety management program and practices. Scope of the Research The scope of this proposal is to identify the environmental impacts of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam project. The area of improvements will also be identified from this research proposal to maintain sustainable developments in dam construction projects. References Acharya, S., Adak, T., Srivastava, R. (2012). ReservoirsSink or Sources of Greenhouse Gases?. Soil and Water Conservation, 11(2), 39-45. Bhoi, R. Ali, S.M., (2014). Potential of hydro power plant in India and its impact on environment. Small hydro power, 1, p.30MW. Ranjan, E. J. H., Rao, K. V. (2016). Hidden in the HavocHydrological Solutions and the Need for Innovative Studies into Extreme Events. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(5). Rao, B. S. P., Srinivas, N., Rao, N. B., Rajesh, S. V. J. S. S., Pernaidu, P. (2012). Geological and environmental issues of the proposed link canal (Inchampalli to Nagarjunasagar) of Godavari to Krishna Rivers adopting remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS). Journal of Geology and Mining Research, 4(4), 75-85. Rao, N. B., Srinivas, N., Rao, B. P., Sankar, G. J., Rao, V. V., Amminedu, E., ... Kumar, M. S. (2014). Study on Nagarjunasagar to Somasila link canal alignment and its impact on environment using IRS-P6, AWiFS data. J. Ind. Geophys. Union (April 2011) Vol, 15, 113-124. Singh, D., Ahmed, R., Gupta, S., Bartwal, M., Joshi, M., Bhandari, M. S. (2016). Physicochemical Profile and Benthos of River Giri Up and Downstream Giri Barrage in Renuka, Sirmour (Himachal Pradesh). International Journal of Scientific Research, 5(3).