The High Aswan Dam

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The High Aswan Dam – background

The use of water became a critical component of the development of the world, particularly during the nineteenth and twentieth century (Asit K. Biswas & Cecilia Tortajada 2001). Water control and an assured water supply became essential requirements of continuing economic and social development of any nation.

The Nile River is an important water resource for Egypt and runs 6,650km from its source in Ethiopia to the Mediterranean Sea. Before the High Aswan Dam was built in the 1960s the Nile River flooded every year during summer and deposited sediments and nutrients that the enriched the land located on the flood plain and made it fertile and important for cropping.

The decision to build the High Aswan dam was a good one at the time as Egypt’s population was increasing and a high flood could wipe out a years worth of crops, the ability to control the flood waters was important. The dams construction started in January 1960 and was completed in July 1970. The dam reached capacity by 1976. The completed dam was seen as a symbol of development and progress in a newly independent Egypt (Asit K. Biswas & Cecilia Tortajada 2001).

The issue of dam building is an environment one as the impacts on the environment are high but the reasons for building dams are for economic and social reasons, linked to continual water supply to produce food for a growing population. Particularly during the Industrial Revolution was there an increase in the amount of water required for industry and agriculture (Asit K. Biswas & Cecilia Tortajada 2001).

Controversies during and after the construction of the Dam

Historical

Several major archaeological sites were in danger of being flooded and a rescue operation, contr...

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...pment over any unfavorable environmental consequences.

While Asit K. Biswas & Cecilia Tortajada (2001) argue that the development of the High Aswan Dam was important for Egypt’s national identity after it became independent. The environmental issue that is present with the building of dams was overlooked in the need for a continual water supply to supply Egypts growing population, agriculture and industry.

Works Cited

Abu-Zeid, M.A & El-Shibini, F.Z (1997). Egypt’s High Aswan Dam, International Journal of Water Resources Development, 13:2, 209 – 218.

Asit K. Biswas & Cecilia Tortajada (2001) Development and
Large Dams: A Global Perspective, International Journal of Water Resources
Development, 17:1, 9-21,

Gu, J., Chen, Z. & Salem, A. (2011). Post-Aswan dam sedimentation rate of lagoons of the Nile Delta, Egypt. Environmental Earth Sciences, 64:1807- 1813.

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