Throughout the twentieth century dam building to improve irrigation and produce hydro-electricity was considered a key component of development. It was undertaken universally from the United States to China and from the Arctic to the Equator. Despite decades of construction the debate over their environmental impact and net cost-benefit persists. The following discussion will focus on the Narmada project in India. It is one of the largest hydro developments in the world. The current official plan calls for 30 major dams and 3,135 others on India's fifth largest and only westward flowing river system. 12 pgs. 14 f/c. 19b.
