Dams and Development

 

There are more than 45,000 large dams around the world, many of them mired in controversy.This report, the result of more than two years of study and discussion, includes the findings of the commission's independent review of large dams, their environmental and social performance and impacts. The WCD report has come to the consensus that dams have made an important and significant contribution to human development but accepts that this has more often than not come at the cost of the environment and local communities. The report documents cases of success and failure and seriously looks at options for water and energy development.

 

The report includes eight detailed case studies of large dams, country reviews for China and India and a cross-check survey of 125 existing dams apart from a number of review papers and results of public consultations. The report has presented an enormous amount of information and delivered its recommendations. It has some valuable suggestions and provides a platform for well-intentioned and open dialogue.

The Report of the World Commission on Dams, Published by: Earthscan Publications Ltd., Paperback; Price: US $ 29.95/-