Conditions required for siting a dam.

High rainfall = to provide water to keep the dam full and generating electricity, less chance
of lake drying up
Existing river and large catchment system = to supply water to the dam
Deep valley within a mountainous area = storage potential for water behind the dam and
good potential for HEP generation due to gravity as water falls down through the pipes
Steep valley sides = provides a natural containment for constructing the dam across the
valley
Impermeable surrounding rock = to stop the water from seeping out and draining away
Low temperature = little loss of water by evaporation due to cold temperature
Isolated = to minimise impact on human population, settlements, and activity

Reasons for a dam?

Jobs
Increased energy supply for use by the country for continued economic growth in industry
and for domestic use
Provides water sport and leisure activities behind the dam = recreational activities
Water for irrigation and livestock = farming
Flood protection downstream

Reasons against a dam?

Loss of fertile farmland
Noise and air (dust) pollution during construction
Loss of habitats when the dam drowns valley system
Resettlement of people from areas of ancestorial lands
Most jobs are temporary during construction
Loss of jobs within farming
Case Study: Study the impact of a named multipurpose dam scheme

The Ramganga Dam, Kalagarh, Uttarakhand, India (p97 Textbook Chapter)

The Ramganga Advantages (beneficial) Disadvantages (not beneficial)

Dam
Local people (social, Infrastructure improvement Change to local way of life and
economic) - roads, services culture
Economic – jobs, Construction jobs were temporary
opportunities

India (nationally)
Environmental