Consequences of the Commercial approach to rivers

Chapter 3 examines the adverse effects of the Commercial approach on river morphology, such as fragmentation of rivers, upstream sedimentation, and downstream disfigurations. It demonstrates the “More water, more thirst!” syndrome that this approach creates, leading to exhaustion of rivers and deleterious effects on deltas, estuaries, and the coastal environment. It reviews the broader effects of this approach on the ecology of river basins, including loss of seasonal pulses and emergence of new dangers of catastrophic flooding, waterlogging, salinity, deterioration of soil quality, and damages to the flora and fauna. The chapter also examines the unsuitability of the Commercial approach in the light of climate change, noting GHG emissions from dam reservoirs and increased risks from erratic and greater precipitation. It illustrates the unfair distribution of costs and benefits of the Commercial approach and shows that financial rates of return of projects under the Commercial approach are generally lower than claimed, and the economic rates of return are even lower, if not negative. The chapter also shows how the Commercial approach creates conflicts among co-riparian communities.