Why so many dams for Kerala?

Kerala is small in geographical area. More than three dozen dams are hydro power generating stations. The heavy rains and release of water from the dams were the reasons for the flooding that the State experienced few days back. Life is not yet normal in the flood affected areas. Malayali did not feel like celebrating ‘Onam’. The flood washed away the sales targets of producers of electronic goods, textiles, home appliances and automobiles. The flood thus affected the business world at national level. Because dams bear the brunt of blame for the flood havoc in Kerala, a question that came up in the air was “Why so many dams for Kerala?”.

The flood affected people are more or less back in the areas they lived. But some of the rivers that were overflowing in full fury few days back are showing a drought like situation with very low water levels. When dams stop releasing water and when it stops raining, Kerala becomes dry!

Kerala has 41 west flowing rivers and three east flowing rivers. Because of the terrain, these rivers drain the entire rain water to the Arabian Sea in very short time. By constructing the dams, the draining process is slowed down. Kerala State Electricity Board is the custodian of the dams and generate electricity to meet part of the demand for power in the State. But more importantly, it helps for continuous availability of drinking water and maintain a water table for the advantage of farmers. These dams need better management, but not in the perspective of electricity generation. Kerala needs dams and check dams for naturally maintaining the vegetation.