THE government has a penchant for making small dams instead of mega hydroelectric projects like the Kalabagh dam. It has been reported (Nov 3) that 20 small dams built by Small Dams Organisations in Punjab during the last 10 years from 2000 to 2010 have badly failed to achieve their targets.

These were intended to irrigate 30,000 acres of farmland but, in fact, they irrigated only 2.044 acres that is 7.4 per cent of the target. Faulty design and mismanagement have been reported to be the main reasons for the failure of the small dams built at a cost of Rs2.62 billion. This ought to be an eye - opener for those who prefer mini dams over a single mega hydroelectric dam that could provide both water and power to farmers and industrialists.

The government ought to shift its emphasis from small dams to a large mega dam that could meet engineering standards and deliver services to the nation.

DR M. YAQOOB BHATTI Lahore