Silenced RiversBy Patrick McCullyOrient LongmanPages: 398Price: RS 360For once, we have a book that deals with all the issues relating to large dams comprehensively. Patrick McCully's association with the Irish anti-dam movements and international awareness campaigns against large dams is reflected in his analysis.He attacks numerous myths about dams, evaluates their promised benefits against realised damages and establishes they are unclean and unsustainable means of supplying water and energy.The book gives a systemic perspective on the linkage of dams with ecology, aquatic life, the environment, local economies and cultures, national economics and international politics. It begins by tracing the history of dams and their role in establishing industrial supremacy of societies.Backed with instances from various countries, McCully describes how powerful lobbies mould public opinion in favour of big dams, manipulate information and make a farce of resettlement programmes for dam oustees.Various pro-dam arguments too are analysed objectively. The book also explores sustainable and indigenous alternatives to dams for addressing the problems of water and energy. This is again backed by results of research and ongoing practices..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}McCully's lucid work should be of particular interest to Indian readers. He spent many days in India, particularly with the stakeholders of the Sardar Sarovar Project and the people at Manibeli.The last chapter traces the anti-dam struggle in the US, Australia, eastern Europe, Brazil, Thailand and India. The book gives a much-needed voice to the affected sections of our societies and people supporting them.Thereby, McCully convincingly demonstrates how the modern developmental model, based on the vision of human progress through control of nature, is fundamentally flawed.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Aug 10, 1998--- ENDS ---
