Many issues have been brought to the surface by the controversy over damming of rivers. Some of the important issues involved in the construction of dams are listed below :
(i) Many ecological issues, like effects of change in cropping pattern of the concerned region, salinisation of soil, etc.
(ii) Large dams have transformed the social landscape of the region. The gap between the rich landowner, and landless labourers is widening. The landowners have generally benefitted from water resources, whereas, the landless labourers have to face the brunt of their doleful situation.
(iii) The inter-state water disputes, in case of Kaveri river, has lingered on without any solution in sight. In the process, even the benefits of damming of rivers have been neglected.
(iv) Infringement (breach) of dams as in the case of several dams in Maharashtra and Gujarat have created fear among the people.
(v) A vast number of small villages have been resettled in close proximity to the urban areas leading to urbanization.
