The Times of India News Service

NEW DELHI: Should big dams be built or not? If not, what could be the alternatives to meet the country's water and power needs?

With the fight on the Narmada in the limelight, the organisers of an international conference here have decided to hold a national essay competition for students upto Class XII on ``Large dams - Controversy and need for meeting the demands of water supply, irrigation and power''.

The conference on Hydropower and river valley development: Building synergy in Asian countries will be held here in December. It is being organised by the Institution of Engineers (India) and Water and Power Consultancy Services, and supported by the ministries of power and water resources.

The organisers will accept essays of up to 1,500 words, typed or neatly written, and routed through school principals before November 15. The three best entries will be awarded during the conference.