Dams and Development in India

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Arun Kumar Nayak

• Language: English

• Edition: 02-09-2016

• ISBN: 9788131607800

• Pages: 240

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches

About the Book

This book critically examines the dynamics of development through the lens of dam construction projects, focusing particularly on the Multipurpose River Valley Development (MPRVD) model. Originating in the United States in the 1930s with the success of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this model was rapidly replicated worldwide after World War II, with the aim of harnessing rivers for irrigation, power generation, and flood control. However, many of these projects, including large-scale dams, failed to achieve their intended objectives.

The author argues that the MPRVD scheme was more closely tied to the political economy of decolonization and nationalism than purely to development goals. The book delves into the concept of integrated river basin management in India, which was inspired by the American model and promoted by Indian scientists, engineers, and statesmen.

Focusing specifically on the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River, the book provides an empirical analysis of its long-term impacts. Despite the dam's completion over fifty years ago, none of its original objectives have been met, casting doubt on the efficacy of the MPRVD model and its global replication.

Contents Include:

1. Introduction

2. Dynamics of Development

3. Dams and Development in India

4. Dams, Controversies, and Conflicts

5. Hirakud Dam and Development

6. Idea of Multi-Purpose River Valley Development (MPRVD) and Hirakud Dam

7. Protests and Movements

8. Conclusion

About the Author
Arun Kumar Nayak is a trained political scientist from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He currently works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Government Degree College, Santirbazar, Tripura. His research interests include the dynamics of development, marginalization, human rights, and social movements. Nayak has published extensively on these topics in several reputed journals.