FLOOD RISK OF DAM FAILURE UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE: A CASE STUDY OF TAWA DAM

Abstract

Man had always found ways to utilize the water available to him during times of floods and droughts. Dams are structures or barriers which could deflect or stop the flow of water. Dams acts as source of water supply for domestic use, agriculture purposes and for industrial uses. They are also involved in hydroelectric power generation, river navigation and flood control. Construction of dams dates back to the 3000 BC in Jordan where earliest known dam, Jawa dam was constructed. The Kallanai dam or the Grand Anicut in Tamil Nadu is the earliest dam in India which was constructed in the 2nd century AD. In India dams play vital role in the economy and development of the country. India is a country where agriculture play significant role in the overall socio economic structure and hence irrigation in the country is of great importance. One of the most significant advantages of dams in India is irrigation. Dams are structures that collect water during the rainy season and release it during the dry season to supply farms and crops with water. This enhances food security and increases crop yields. Another significant application for dams in India is the generating hydroelectric power. This reduces the nation's reliance on fossil fuels and cuts down the carbon emissions. Another significant benefit of dams in India is flood control. India stands third in the number of dams following closely behind USA and China. Though dams are of great importance to society and economy, those are structures which could create catastrophic flooding in the downstream. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to use the risk based decision making processes when developing, implementing and making management decision on dams. A total of 42 dam failures had been reported in the country till now, some has led to a significant number of causalities and significant damage to property. Hence, safety of dam is important for ensuring the water security of the society, safeguard significant infrastructure investments, protect life and property of people in the downstream.