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80 m displaced by dams world-wide: WCD by Girish Kuber , The Economic Times, India - 18 November 2000 80 m displaced by dams world-wide: WCDGirish Kuber MUMBAI IN AN effort that seeks to turn "costly controversies into clear and productive consensus" the World Commission on Dams on Friday released its final report 'Dams And Development: A New Framework for Decision Making'. The report, a synopsis of which was made available to ET, was released on Friday in London in the presence of the former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela and the president of the World Bank James Wolfensohn. The report has observed that dams deliver significant development services in more than 140 countries. On a global scale hydropower dams account for 19 per cent of electricity generated and for an estimated 12-16 per cent of global food production. Around 12 per cent of large dams supply domestic and industrial water, and large dams provide flood control services in more than 70 countries. Estimates suggest that some 40-80 million people have so far been displaced by dams world-wide while the livelihoods of many more living downstream were affected but not recognised. Mitigation, compensation or resettlement programs were often inadequate. The report examined the alternatives for meeting energy, water and food needs and found that while there is far greater scope for utilising these, no universal formula applies as local and national conditions are central to determining viable options. The WCD report argues it is not necessary to trade off one person’s gain against another’s loss. The commission conducted detailed reviews of eight large dams in Turkey, Norway, the United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Thailand, Pakistan, Brazil and South Africa. It also prepared country reviews for India and China, as well as a briefing paper on Russia and the newly independent states. A survey of 125 large dams was also undertaken by the World Commission on Dams, along with 17 thematic reviews on social, environmental and economic issues; on alternatives to dams; and on governance and institutional processes. It received 947 submissions and hosted four regional consultations in Colombo, Sao Paulo, Cairo and Hanoi where the commissioners listened to people’s individual experiences. In the process of putting together the report the commission succeeded in bringing together, for the first time, all parties engaged in what has so far been a confrontational debate about the role that 45,000 large dams have played in development. The report is expected to have a profound impact not only on the future role of the $42 billion dam industry, but on how to develop water and energy resources. The report provides the most comprehensive, global and independent review of dams to date. The commission’s Global Review examines the technical, financial and economic performance of dams as well as their environmental and social performance. The commission report concludes with a range of proposals as to how different groups and institutions can utilise the report for follow -up actions. The commission’s mandate expires with this launch on November 16. The WCD Forum will meet in February 2001 to determine further mechanisms for implementation.
Copyright © 1999, 2000 The World Commission on Dams | ||||||||||||||||||||||
