Semester: Autumn, 2022 Level: M.Sc (Mass Communication) ASSIGNMENT No.2
Q.5 Write notes on the following:
- Importance of Roads/Railways Networks for the development of the country.
- Importance of Big Water Reservoirs for Pakistan.
Road and railway networks are critical infrastructure components that play a vital role in the development of a country. Here are some key reasons why:
- Facilitate Trade and Commerce: Good transportation infrastructure helps to create a better market for goods and services. Efficient roads and railways help in the smooth movement of goods and people, reducing the cost of transportation, and boosting trade and commerce. This, in turn, leads to the development of the country’s economy.
- Access to Remote Areas: Roads and railways provide access to remote and rural areas, enabling the movement of people, goods, and services. This leads to the development of these areas by creating new markets, providing access to essential services such as healthcare and education, and promoting tourism.
- Employment Generation: Development of transportation infrastructure creates employment opportunities in various sectors such as construction, transportation, and logistics. This creates a positive economic impact by reducing unemployment rates, and providing an avenue for the development of small and medium enterprises.
- Enhance Regional Integration: Road and railway networks can help to promote regional integration by linking different regions within a country. This enhances economic cooperation, reduces disparities, and leads to the equitable distribution of resources, which can lead to the overall development of the country.
- Social Connectivity: Good transportation infrastructure enhances social connectivity by linking people, communities, and markets. It improves access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, reducing the disparity between urban and rural areas. It also promotes cultural exchange and social cohesion.
In summary, transportation infrastructure, specifically road and railway networks, are critical to the development of a country. They facilitate trade and commerce, provide access to remote areas, generate employment opportunities, enhance regional integration, and promote social connectivity.
Importance of Big Water Reservoirs for Pakistan:
Big water reservoirs play a crucial role in ensuring the water security of Pakistan, a country that relies heavily on irrigation-based agriculture for its economy. Here are some of the reasons why big water reservoirs are important for Pakistan:
- Irrigation: Pakistan’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for around 20% of its GDP and employs almost half of the country’s workforce. Big water reservoirs, such as the Tarbela Dam and the Mangla Dam, are used to store water for irrigation purposes, providing water to millions of acres of farmland and contributing to the country’s food security.
- Hydroelectric Power Generation: In addition to irrigation, big water reservoirs are also used for hydroelectric power generation. Pakistan faces frequent power shortages and load shedding, and hydropower is an important source of electricity for the country. The Tarbela Dam, for example, has an installed capacity of 3,478 MW, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world.
- Flood Control: Pakistan is vulnerable to floods, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and property. Big water reservoirs can help mitigate the impact of floods by storing excess water during times of heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly over time. This can help prevent downstream flooding and protect communities and farmland.
- Drought Management: Pakistan also faces periods of drought, which can be devastating for agriculture and water supply. Big water reservoirs can help manage drought by providing a reserve of water for use during dry periods. For example, the Mangla Dam has a storage capacity of 7.4 million acre-feet, providing a buffer against drought for the region.
In summary, big water reservoirs are important for Pakistan’s economy, energy security, and protection against natural disasters. They provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and drought management, contributing to the country’s overall water security.