Part of Seek Reboot Daily Mains Answer Writing Practice – 04 October 2024
Why the Question?
UPSC PYQ – CSE Mains – 2023
Keywords of the Question
- Dam failures
- Catastrophic – downstream side – loss of life and property
- Causes of dam failures
- Large dam failures
Directive Word
Analyze – Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another.
How to approach this Question?
Introduction:
- Briefly introduce the significance of dam safety and the catastrophic impact of dam failures.
Body:
- Causes of Dam Failures:
- List and briefly explain various causes such as overtopping, foundation defects, structural issues, inadequate maintenance, and natural disasters.
- Examples of Large Dam Failures:
- Provide two examples of significant dam failures, mentioning the names, locations, and impacts (e.g., Banqiao Dam in China, South Fork Dam in the USA).
Conclusion:
- Summarize the importance of addressing the causes of dam failures to prevent future catastrophes.
- Highlight the need for stringent safety measures and regular maintenance to ensure dam integrity.
Note: Please note that the following ‘answers’ are not ‘model answers’ nor are they synopses in the strictest sense. Instead, they are content designed to meet the demands of the question while providing comprehensive coverage of the topic.
Answer Key
Introduction
Dam failures are catastrophic events that cause significant loss of life and property, particularly in downstream areas. Understanding the causes of these failures is crucial for preventing future disasters.
Body
- Causes of Dam Failures:
- Overtopping: Occurs when water flows over the top of a dam, often due to inadequate spillway design or extreme weather events.
- Foundation Defects: Issues such as settlement, slope instability, and poor foundation conditions can lead to structural failure.
- Seepage and Internal Erosion: Water seeping through the dam can erode the material, leading to internal erosion and eventual collapse.
- Structural Failures: Cracks and other structural issues, often due to poor construction materials or techniques, can compromise the integrity of the dam.
- Inadequate Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance and inspections can allow minor issues to escalate into major failures.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, landslides, and extreme weather conditions can cause sudden and severe damage to dams.
- Examples of Large Dam Failures:
- Banqiao Dam, China (1975): The Banqiao Dam failure during Typhoon Nina resulted in the deaths of approximately 171,000 people, making it one of the deadliest dam failures in history.
- South Fork Dam, USA (1889): The failure of the South Fork Dam led to the Johnstown Flood, causing over 2,200 fatalities and extensive property damage.
Conclusion
Addressing the causes of dam failures through improved design, regular maintenance, and robust disaster management plans is essential to mitigate the risks and protect lives and property. By learning from past failures, we can enhance the safety and reliability of dams worldwide.
Mind Map
