Multi-Purpose River Valley Projects 

Q. No. 1. With which one of the following rivers is the Omkareshwar Project associated? (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2008)

(a) Chambal

(b) Narmada

(c) Tapi

(d) Bhima

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

● The Omkareshwar Project forms part of the extensive multipurpose development of the Narmada basin.

● The Narmada is a major west-flowing Peninsular river. It rises in the Amarkantak region of Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through a structurally controlled valley before entering the Arabian Sea.

● Option (b), Narmada, is correct. The supplied source explicitly places the Omkareshwar Project on the Narmada in Madhya Pradesh.

● Other important projects associated with the Narmada system include Sardar Sarovar, Indira Sagar, Bargi and Omkareshwar. 

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 2. The beneficiary States of the Sardar Sarovar Project are: (UPPCS Prelims, 1999)

(a) Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

(b) Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra

(c) Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra

(d) Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra

Answer: (a) 

Explanation:

● Sardar Sarovar Project is a major multipurpose project on the Narmada River in Gujarat.  

● A multipurpose river-valley project normally combines several objectives such as irrigation, drinking-water supply, hydroelectricity and regional water management rather than performing only one function.

● Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan are beneficiary States under the Narmada water-allocation framework for Sardar Sarovar.

● Option (a) is correct.

● The project also became a major focus of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, associated prominently with Medha Patkar and issues including displacement, rehabilitation and environmental consequences.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. No. 3. Bhakra-Nangal is a joint project of: (42nd BPSC Prelims, 1997)

(a) Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan

(b) Haryana, Punjab and Delhi

(c) Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab

(d) Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan

Answer: (a) 

Explanation:

● Bhakra-Nangal is a major multipurpose project based on the waters of the Sutlej.

● It is a joint venture benefiting Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

● Option (a) is correct.

● Water impounded behind Bhakra Dam forms the Gobind Sagar Reservoir.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. No. 4. On which river is the Bhakra-Nangal Dam built? (45th BPSC Prelims, 2001)

(a) Ravi

(b) Indus

(c) Chenab

(d) Sutlej

Answer: (d) 

Explanation:

● Sutlej is one of the major rivers of the Indus system and forms the river base of the Bhakra-Nangal multipurpose project.

● Bhakra and Nangal dams were constructed on the Sutlej and that the Bhakra reservoir is Gobind Sagar.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 5. Which of the following is the oldest hydropower station in India? (UPPCS Mains, 2008; 43rd BPSC Prelims, 1999)

(a) Mayurakshi

(b) Machkund

(c) Pallivasal

(d) Shivasamudram

Answer: (d) 

Explanation:

● Sidrapong Hydroelectric Power Station near Darjeeling, commissioned in 1897, is India's oldest hydropower station.

● Shivasamudram on the Cauvery in Karnataka, commissioned in 1902, is the second oldest.

● Since Sidrapong is not present in the options, Shivasamudram is the oldest among the listed choices and therefore the intended answer.

● Option (d), Shivasamudram, is correct among the options.

● Shivasamudram is associated with the Cauvery River in Karnataka, northeast of Mysuru.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 6. Nagarjuna Sagar Multipurpose Project is on which river? (56th–59th BPSC Prelims, 2015)

(a) Tapi

(b) Kosi

(c) Godavari

(d) Krishna

Answer: (d) 

Explanation:

● Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the major multipurpose projects of the Krishna River.

● Option (d), Krishna, is correct. Nagarjuna Sagar is identified with Krishna.

● Following the creation of Telangana, Nagarjuna Sagar lies on the Telangana–Andhra Pradesh border. 

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 7. On which river is the Hirakud Dam constructed? (44th BPSC Prelims, 2000)

(a) Shivnath

(b) Narmada

(c) Mahanadi

(d) Son

Answer: (c) 

Explanation:

● Hirakud is a major multipurpose project on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, near Sambalpur.

● Its functions include irrigation and river-flow regulation, and the chapter treats it as one of India's major river-valley projects.

● Hence, Option (c), Mahanadi, is correct.

Q. No. 8. Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following? (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2005)

(a) Chambal Project

(b) Kosi Project

(c) Damodar Valley Project

(d) Bhakra-Nangal Project

Answer: (a) 

Explanation:

● Chambal River rises near the Janapav hills in Madhya Pradesh and eventually joins the Yamuna near Etawah.

● The Chambal Valley development is shared principally by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

● Major Chambal dams include:

1. Gandhi Sagar — Madhya Pradesh
2. Rana Pratap Sagar — Rajasthan
3. Jawahar Sagar — Rajasthan.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. No. 9. Which of the following are not associated with the Chambal Valley Project? (UPPCS Mains, 2011)

1. Gandhi Sagar
2. Jawahar Sagar
3. Gobind Sagar
4. Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 4

Answer: (c) 

Explanation:

● Gandhi Sagar is a Chambal project reservoir/dam in Madhya Pradesh. Hence, statement 1 is associated with the Chambal Valley Project.

● Jawahar Sagar is another Chambal project in Rajasthan. Hence, statement 2 is associated with the Chambal Valley Project.

● Gobind Sagar is the reservoir created behind the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej. Hence, statement 3 is not associated with the Chambal Valley Project.

● Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar is the reservoir associated with the Rihand Project in the Son/Ganga drainage system. Hence, statement 4 is not associated with the Chambal Valley Project.

● Memory anchor:

1. Gobind Sagar → Bhakra → Sutlej.
2. Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar → Rihand.
3. Gandhi Sagar → Chambal.
4. Jawahar Sagar → Chambal.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 10. On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located? (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2009)

(a) Alaknanda

(b) Bhagirathi

(c) Dhauliganga

(d) Mandakini

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

● Tehri Dam is constructed on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand.

● The Bhilangana joins the Bhagirathi in the Tehri region and contributes water to the reservoir system.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 11. Maithon, Belpahari and Tilaiya dams are constructed on the river: (45th BPSC Prelims, 2001)

(a) Damodar

(b) Barakar

(c) Konar

(d) Bokaro

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

● The Damodar Valley Project is not a single-dam project. It uses dams on the Damodar itself and on major tributaries.

● Barakar is an important tributary of the Damodar.

● Tilaiya, Maithon and Belpahari are associated with the Barakar system.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 12. Consider the following Assertion and Reason: (UPPCS Prelims, 2010)

Assertion (A): River Damodar was known as the “River of Sorrow” in West Bengal prior to the development of the Damodar Valley Corporation.

Reason (R): Damodar in its upper reaches flows rapidly and in its lower reaches runs comparatively sluggishly.

Code:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● Before systematic river regulation, the Damodar was historically notorious for destructive flooding in its lower basin, hence the expression “Sorrow of Bengal.” Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

● In the upper plateau and upland reaches, relatively steep gradients encourage faster runoff.

● On entering the lower alluvial plains, the river gradient declines substantially. Flow loses energy, and deposition together with large monsoon discharges historically contributed to flood problems. Therefore, Reason (R) is correct.

● The contrast between rapid upland runoff and sluggish lower-course flow contributes directly to the flood hazard described in the Assertion. Therefore, Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. No. 13. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2022)

Reservoir — State

1. Ghataprabha — Telangana
2. Gandhi Sagar — Madhya Pradesh
3. Indira Sagar — Andhra Pradesh
4. Maithon — Chhattisgarh

How many pairs given above are not correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs

(d) All four pairs

Answer: (c) 

Explanation:

● Ghataprabha reservoir belongs to the Ghataprabha River system in Karnataka, not Telangana. Hence, pair 1 is incorrect.

● Gandhi Sagar is a major reservoir of the Chambal Valley Project and is located in Madhya Pradesh. Hence, pair 2 is correct.

● Indira Sagar is a major project on the Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, not Andhra Pradesh. Hence, pair 3 is incorrect.

● Maithon is associated with the Barakar River, a tributary of the Damodar, and is located in Jharkhand, not Chhattisgarh. Hence, pair 4 is incorrect.

● Therefore, three of the four pairs are incorrectly matched. 

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 14. What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati? (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2019)

(a) Recently discovered uranium deposits

(b) Tropical rain forests

(c) Underground cave systems

(d) Water reservoirs

Answer: (d) 

Explanation:

● Aliyar is associated with a dam/reservoir in the Annamalai–Pollachi region of Tamil Nadu.

● Isapur is a reservoir associated with the Penganga River system in Maharashtra.

● Kangsabati is a major reservoir/project in West Bengal.

● Their common geographical characteristic is therefore that all three are water reservoirs.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 15. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2010)

(a) Gobind Sagar — Sutlej

(b) Kolleru Lake — Krishna

(c) Ukai Reservoir — Tapi

(d) Wular Lake — Jhelum

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

● Gobind Sagar is the reservoir created by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej. Hence, option (a) is correctly matched.

● Kolleru Lake lies in the lowland region between the Krishna and Godavari river systems. It cannot properly be treated as simply a lake “on the Krishna River.” Hence, option (b) is incorrectly matched.

● Ukai Reservoir is on the Tapi/Tapti River in Gujarat. Hence, option (c) is correctly matched.

● Wular Lake is associated with the Jhelum River system in Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, option (d) is correctly matched.

● Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 16. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2008)

Irrigation Project — State

1. Damanganga — Gujarat
2. Girna — Maharashtra
3. Pamba — Kerala

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 

Explanation:

● Damanganga Project — Gujarat

The Damanganga irrigation system is associated with southern Gujarat, including the Valsad region. Hence, pair 1 is correct.

● Girna Project — Maharashtra

Girna irrigation development is associated with the Girna River in the Nashik region of Maharashtra. Hence, pair 2 is correct.

● Pamba Project — Kerala

Pamba irrigation is associated with the Pamba River in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Hence, pair 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 17. Where are Tapovan and Vishnugarh Hydroelectric Projects located? (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2008)

(a) Madhya Pradesh

(b) Uttar Pradesh

(c) Uttarakhand

(d) Rajasthan

Answer: (c) 

Explanation:

● Tapovan–Vishnugad hydroelectric projects are on the Dhauliganga River in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

● Dhauliganga belongs to the Himalayan drainage network associated with the upper Alaknanda system.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 18. Baglihar Hydropower Project, the issue of which was raised by Pakistan before the World Bank, is constructed on: (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2007)

(a) Jhelum

(b) Indus

(c) Chenab

(d) Sutlej

Answer: (c) 

Explanation:

● Baglihar Hydroelectric Project is constructed on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.

● It is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project.

River-system recall:

● Tulbul → Jhelum.

● Baglihar → Chenab.

● Pong/Pandoh → Beas.

● Bhakra/Kol → Sutlej.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 19. Match List-I with List-II: (UPSC CSE Prelims, 1999)

Rivers — Dams

A. Cauvery — 1. Almatti

B. Krishna — 2. Mettur

C. Narmada — 3. Gandhi Sagar

D. Chambal — 4. Sardar Sarovar

(a) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3

(b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

(c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

(d) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

● Cauvery → Mettur.

Mettur Dam is a major Cauvery project in Tamil Nadu. Thus, A-2 is correct.

● Krishna → Almatti.

Almatti is constructed on the Krishna River. Thus, B-1 is correct.

● Narmada → Sardar Sarovar.

Sardar Sarovar is one of the best-known Narmada Valley projects. Thus, C-4 is correct.

● Chambal → Gandhi Sagar.

Gandhi Sagar is the upstream major Chambal Valley project in Madhya Pradesh. Thus, D-3 is correct.

Memory chain:

● Mettur–Cauvery.

● Almatti–Krishna.

● Sardar Sarovar–Narmada.

● Gandhi Sagar–Chambal.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 20. Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched? (UPPCS Prelims, 2025)

1. Baglihar Dam — Chenab
2. Pandoh Dam — Ravi
3. Srisailam Dam — Tungabhadra

(a) 1 and 2

(b) Only 3

(c) 2 and 3

(d) Only 1

Answer: (c) 

Explanation:

● Baglihar → Chenab. Baglihar is constructed on the Chenab. Hence, pair 1 is correct.

● Pandoh → Beas, not Ravi. Pandoh Dam is associated with the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. Hence, pair 2 is incorrect.

● Srisailam → Krishna, not Tungabhadra. Tungabhadra is itself a major tributary of the Krishna, but the Srisailam dam structure is on the Krishna main stem. Hence, pair 3 is incorrect.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 21. Consider the following statements: (UPPSC RO/ARO Re-Exam Prelims, 2016)

1. Rihand Dam is on a tributary of the Son River.
2. Hirakud Dam is on the Mahanadi River.
3. Tungabhadra Project is a joint venture of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
4. Maithon Dam is on the Barakar River, a tributary of the Damodar.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 are correct

(b) 1, 2 and 4 are correct

(c) 1, 3 and 4 are correct

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

● Rihand is a tributary of the Son, which ultimately belongs to the Ganga system. statement 1 is correct.

● Hirakud is constructed on the Mahanadi in Odisha. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● The Tungabhadra Project is associated with Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and is constructed on the Tungabhadra, a major Krishna tributary. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

● Maithon is on the Barakar, which is a tributary of the Damodar. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Drainage hierarchy to remember:

● Rihand → Son → Ganga.

● Barakar → Damodar → Hooghly-linked lower drainage.

● Tungabhadra → Krishna.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 22. Which project is the joint venture associated with Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka? (UPPCS Prelims, 1999)

(a) Dakshin Gangotri

(b) Nagarjuna Sagar

(c) Silent Valley

(d) Telugu Ganga

Answer: (d) 

Explanation:

● The Telugu Ganga Project uses Krishna-system water for supplying drinking water to Chennai.

● The participating States are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 23. “Tulbul” Project is on which river? (UPPCS Prelims, 2000)

(a) Sutlej

(b) Jhelum

(c) Ravi

(d) Beas

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

● The Tulbul Navigation Project is associated with the Jhelum River, near the outlet/mouth region of Wular Lake.

● Its purpose is to improve navigability during periods of reduced flow.

Hence, option (b) is correct.