Deep Water: The Epic Struggle Over Dams, Displaced People, and the Environment.DEEP WATER: The Epic Struggle over Dams, Displaced People, and the Environment The world's first mammoth dam, Hoover Dam Hoover Dam, 726 ft (221 m) high and 1,244 ft (379 m) long, on the Colorado River between Nev. and Ariz.; one of the world's largest dams. Built between 1931 and 1936 by the U.S. in Nevada, transformed the American West and provided water and power to more than 25 million people. Spurred by this achievement, other countries followed suit, constructing dams that forever have altered Earth's landscape--not always for the better. While dams provide electricity and drinking and irrigation irrigation, in agriculture, artificial watering of the land. Although used chiefly in regions with annual rainfall of less than 20 in. (51 cm), it is also used in wetter areas to grow certain crops, e.g., rice. water for the benefit of countless people, they are costly, typically degrade TO DEGRADE, DEGRADING. To, sink or lower a person in the estimation of the public. 2. As a man's character is of great importance to him, and it is his interest to retain the good opinion of all mankind, when he is a witness, he cannot be compelled to disclose the environment, and often displace people from their ancestral homes. Leslie, a journalist, analyzes the many-sided debate over dams by interviewing people such as Medha Patkar Medha Patkar (Marathi:मेधा पाटकर) is a social activist from India. Early life Medha Patkar was born on December 1, 1954. Prior to being a social activist, Medha did her M.A. , a staunch opponent of the colossal Sardar Sardar, in some senses also Sirdar (Persian: سردار ) (Sardār Sarovar Dam being built in her native India. Patkar has threatened to chain herself to the face of the dam to prevent further construction. This is a compelling tale of how altering the environment for people's benefit can backfire. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2005, 352 p., b&w illus., hardcover, $25.00. |
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