This article first appeared in Scroll.in on May 23, 2022.
The increasing impact of climate change is making India’s big dams more dangerous than ever before. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are putting immense pressure on the country’s aging dam infrastructure. These dams, originally built to control floods and store water, are now facing unprecedented challenges due to the changing climate.
One of the biggest threats posed by climate change is unpredictable weather patterns. Heavy rainfall, sometimes in short bursts, leads to excessive water accumulation in reservoirs, forcing authorities to release large volumes of water suddenly. This can cause devastating floods downstream, affecting millions of people. On the other hand, prolonged droughts reduce water levels, impacting agriculture and drinking water supplies. The combination of these extremes makes managing big dams more complicated than ever.
An example of this was seen on the morning of November 19 when unexpected flooding shocked local communities. People like R. Krishnamurthy, a resident affected by the disaster, struggled to understand the sudden surge of water. Many blamed divine forces, but experts believe that the real reason lies in the shifting climate and its impact on water management.
Many of India’s big dams were built decades ago, without accounting for the severe impacts of climate change. Rising water levels put immense stress on these aging structures, increasing the risk of cracks, leaks, or even dam failures. Without urgent upgrades and better climate-adaptive strategies, these dams could pose serious risks to human lives and ecosystems.
For example, the Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala has been a major concern due to its old construction and its location in a seismically active zone. If extreme rainfall events continue to increase, such dams could face catastrophic failures, leading to large-scale destruction.
To prevent future disasters, India must adopt climate-resilient water management strategies. Strengthening existing dams, improving forecasting systems, and promoting alternative water storage solutions like rainwater harvesting can help mitigate risks. Additionally, policymakers need to factor in climate projections when designing new infrastructure to ensure long-term safety and sustainability.
As climate change continues to intensify, India’s big dams will remain at risk unless proactive measures are taken. The time to act is now—before another unexpected disaster strikes.
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