Consider the following statements regarding Climate change implications for glacial-fed river flows:
1. The Teesta River Water Sharing Treaty of 2011 provides for a 50-50 distribution of lean-season flows between India and Bangladesh, acknowledging the increased variability in glacial melt patterns observed since the 1990s.
2. The Tehri Dam project on the Bhagirathi River incorporates a high-rockfill design to withstand seismic activity in the Garhwal Himalayas, and its operational guidelines were updated in 2005 to account for the accelerated recession of the Gangotri Glacier.
3. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh includes provisions for the Farakka Barrage operations, and the technical annexes specify that flow data is monitored at the Hardinge Bridge station to compensate for reduced snowmelt in the upper catchment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Teesta Water Sharing Treaty remains unsigned and lacks a 50-50 distribution agreement. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Tehri Dam's design is based on seismic safety, but its operational guidelines have not been officially updated specifically to account for the recession of the Gangotri Glacier. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1996 Ganges Treaty monitors flow at the Farakka Barrage point, not the Hardinge Bridge, and the treaty does not contain technical provisions to compensate for reduced snowmelt due to climate change.
Consider the following statements regarding Trans-boundary river water treaties and hydro-diplomacy:
1. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 allocates the waters of the three eastern rivers-Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej-to India for unrestricted use.
2. Under the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, the flow of water at the Farakka Barrage is measured during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
3. The Mahakali Treaty signed in 1996 between India and Nepal integrates the Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage, and the proposed Pancheshwar Project into a single framework.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) grants India exclusive rights to the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) and Pakistan to the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). Statement 2 is correct because the 1996 Ganges Treaty specifically mandates water sharing at Farakka during the lean season, defined from January 1 to May 31. Statement 3 is correct as the 1996 Mahakali Treaty serves as an umbrella agreement consolidating the management of the Sarada and Tanakpur barrages while providing the framework for the development of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of dams on deltaic regions and coastal erosion:
1. The reduction of freshwater flow into the Godavari delta due to upstream damming has facilitated increased saltwater intrusion, affecting the geomorphological stability of the mangrove ecosystems in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. The Damodar Valley Corporation, established by the Act of 1948, successfully mitigated downstream coastal erosion in the Sundarbans by implementing a sediment bypass system that maintains the historical depositional rates of the delta.
3. Studies on the Krishna River basin show that the completion of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in 1967 led to a measurable decline in the progradation rate of the Krishna delta into the Bay of Bengal.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as reduced freshwater discharge decreases the flushing capacity of rivers, allowing saline water to penetrate further inland, which destabilizes mangrove habitats like Coringa. Statement 3 is correct because dams trap sediment in reservoirs, significantly reducing the sediment load reaching the river mouth, which leads to delta retreat or a decline in progradation rates. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Damodar Valley Corporation projects do not employ a comprehensive sediment bypass system for the Sundarbans, and historical evidence shows that damming has actually exacerbated coastal erosion by starving the delta of essential silt.
Consider the following statements regarding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of large dam projects:
1. Under the 2006 EIA framework, river valley projects involving a command area between 2,000 hectares and 10,000 hectares are classified as Category B2 projects, which are appraised at the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) level.
2. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty includes provisions for the Permanent Indus Commission to exchange data on river flows, which serves as a technical basis for assessing the environmental impact of dam construction on the three western rivers.
3. The Dam Safety Act of 2021 provides for the establishment of the National Committee on Dam Safety, and it designates the Central Water Commission as the agency responsible for conducting the mandatory social impact assessment for all interstate river projects.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as per the EIA Notification 2006, where river valley projects with a command area of 2,000 to 10,000 hectares fall under Category B2, requiring appraisal by the SEIAA. Statement 2 is correct because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty mandates the Permanent Indus Commission to exchange hydrological data, which is essential for evaluating the ecological and environmental downstream impacts of dam projects on the western rivers. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Dam Safety Act 2021 establishes the National Committee on Dam Safety, it focuses on structural safety and surveillance rather than mandating the Central Water Commission to conduct social impact assessments, which is typically governed by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Consider the following statements regarding Sedimentation rates and reservoir capacity depletion:
1. The Central Water Commission (CWC) utilizes the Compendium on Silting of Reservoirs in India, which indicates that the average annual rate of siltation in major reservoirs often exceeds the design assumptions made during the initial planning phase.
2. The Bhakra Nangal Project, commissioned in 1963, has experienced a reduction in its live storage capacity due to the accumulation of sediments transported by the Sutlej River from the high-altitude Himalayan catchment areas.
3. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River includes a sediment management plan that was integrated into the 1979 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award to ensure that the dead storage capacity remains unaffected for a period of 150 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as CWC data consistently reveals that actual siltation rates in Indian reservoirs significantly surpass the design assumptions, which were often based on limited historical data. Statement 2 is correct because the Bhakra Nangal project has faced substantial live storage depletion due to high sediment loads from the geologically young and erosion-prone Himalayan catchment of the Sutlej. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal addressed water sharing, it did not guarantee the preservation of dead storage for 150 years; in reality, most large dams face complex, ongoing sediment management challenges that were not fully codified with such long-term guarantees at the time of the 1979 award.
Consider the following statements regarding Dam safety legislation and structural integrity monitoring:
1. The Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) is a web-based software tool designed for the digital compilation of asset data and structural health status for large dams in India.
2. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, includes provisions for the establishment of a Dam Safety Unit within the National Disaster Management Authority to coordinate emergency flood release protocols during monsoon events.
3. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, applies to all dams with a height of more than 15 meters or a height between 10 and 15 meters, provided they have a storage capacity of at least 1 million cubic meters.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as DHARMA is a specialized software developed under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) for digital monitoring of dam assets. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Dam Safety Act, 2021, mandates the establishment of Dam Safety Units within the offices of the dam owners, not the National Disaster Management Authority. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Act applies to dams higher than 15 meters, or between 10 and 15 meters with specific design criteria (such as a capacity of 1 million cubic meters or more), but the inclusion of the 'or' condition in the statement's phrasing misrepresents the specific technical thresholds defined in the legislation.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of dams in flood moderation and disaster mitigation:
1. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, completed in 1967 on the Krishna River, refers to a masonry structure that utilizes its spillway gates to divert excess water into the Godavari basin, thereby reducing flood intensity in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.
2. The Bhakra-Nangal project, commissioned in 1963, utilizes the Gobind Sagar reservoir to regulate the flow of the Sutlej River, contributing to the reduction of flood peaks in the Punjab plains during the monsoon season.
3. The Damodar Valley Corporation, established by an Act of Parliament in 1948, operates a series of four dams including Tilaiya and Maithon, which were designed to reduce the peak flood discharge of the Damodar River from 1 million cusecs to 2.5 lakh cusecs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is not designed to divert water into the Godavari basin; its primary purpose is irrigation and power generation within the Krishna basin. Statement 2 is correct as the Bhakra-Nangal project, commissioned in 1963, effectively regulates the Sutlej River's flow through the Gobind Sagar reservoir, significantly mitigating flood risks in the Punjab plains. Statement 3 is correct because the Damodar Valley Corporation, established in 1948, utilizes a multi-dam system including Tilaiya and Maithon to successfully moderate the Damodar River's peak flood discharge from 1 million cusecs to 2.5 lakh cusecs.
Consider the following statements regarding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of large dam projects:
1. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River was subjected to a landmark Supreme Court judgment in 2000, which linked the progress of dam construction to the completion of the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) process for project-affected families.
2. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006 categorizes river valley projects with a power generation capacity of 50 MW or more as Category A projects requiring clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
3. The 1994 EIA Notification introduced the requirement for public hearings for large dams, and it established the National Board for Wildlife as the primary authority for clearing projects located within 5 kilometers of a national park.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2000 Supreme Court judgment mandated that construction must proceed in tandem with the R&R process. Statement 2 is correct because the 2006 EIA Notification classifies river valley projects with capacity âĨ50 MW as Category A, requiring central clearance. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 1994 notification introduced public hearings, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) was established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the requirement for wildlife clearance for projects near protected areas is governed by the NBWL, not the EIA notification.
Consider the following statements regarding Micro-hydel projects vs large-scale dam infrastructure:
1. Micro-hydel projects typically utilize run-of-the-river technology, which avoids the construction of large reservoirs and minimizes the submergence of forest land.
2. The Tehri Dam, commissioned in 2006, functions as a large-scale multipurpose project with an installed capacity of 2,400 megawatts.
3. The 1978 guidelines by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy define micro-hydel projects as those having an installed capacity of up to 100 kilowatts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as micro-hydel projects operate on run-of-the-river technology, bypassing the need for massive reservoirs and thus reducing ecological displacement. Statement 2 is correct because the Tehri Dam, a multipurpose project on the Bhagirathi River, was commissioned in 2006 with a total capacity of 2,400 MW. Statement 3 is correct as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's classification, which categorizes micro-hydel projects as those with an installed capacity up to 100 kW, distinguishing them from mini (101 kW-2 MW) and small (2 MW-25 MW) hydro projects.
Consider the following statements regarding Irrigation efficiency and command area development:
1. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established in 1948 as the first multipurpose river valley project in independent India, drawing its operational model from the Tennessee Valley Authority in the United Kingdom.
2. The Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) programme, initiated in 1974, provides for the lining of field channels and is governed by the 1992 National Water Policy guidelines.
3. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada river involves the participation of four states, and the 1979 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award fixes the share of Madhya Pradesh at 18.25 million acre-feet.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tennessee Valley Authority is based in the United States, not the United Kingdom. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CADWM programme, while initiated in 1974, is currently governed by the 2012 National Water Policy, not the 1992 version. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award fixed the share of Madhya Pradesh at 18.25 million acre-feet (MAF) for the entire Narmada basin, but the specific allocation for the Sardar Sarovar Project is 9 MAF, with the total 18.25 MAF figure referring to the aggregate share across all Narmada projects.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of dams on riverine biodiversity and fish migration:
1. The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, altered the hydrological regime of the Ganga, contributing to a significant decline in the Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fish migration patterns in the upstream reaches.
2. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty includes specific provisions for the construction of fish elevators in the Mangla Dam project to ensure the uninterrupted movement of indigenous trout populations between the Jhelum and Chenab basins.
3. The Hirakud Dam, completed in 1957, utilizes a bypass channel system that successfully facilitates the upstream migration of the Indian major carp, mirroring the natural seasonal flood pulse of the Mahanadi river.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Farakka Barrage blocked the upstream migration of the anadromous Hilsa fish from the Bay of Bengal, leading to a drastic reduction in their population in the middle and upper Ganga. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Indus Waters Treaty focuses on water sharing and does not contain provisions for fish elevators, nor is the Mangla Dam designed for such ecological connectivity. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hirakud Dam lacks functional fish ladders or bypass channels, which has historically fragmented the Mahanadi riverine ecosystem and hindered the natural migratory routes of Indian major carps.
Consider the following statements regarding Dam safety legislation and structural integrity monitoring:
1. The Central Dam Safety Organization, established under the Ministry of Power in 1979, functions as the primary regulatory body for overseeing the structural integrity of interstate hydroelectric projects.
2. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, empowers the State Dam Safety Organizations to exercise direct administrative control over the operation and maintenance of all private-sector dams exceeding 10 meters in height.
3. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, provides for the constitution of the National Committee on Dam Safety to evolve uniform dam safety policies and protocols across all states.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Dam Safety Act, 2021 mandates the National Committee on Dam Safety to formulate uniform policies and standards for dam safety nationwide. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Central Dam Safety Organization operates under the Central Water Commission (Ministry of Jal Shakti), not the Ministry of Power. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Act applies to dams higher than 15 meters (or 10-15 meters with specific design criteria), and it focuses on surveillance and inspection rather than direct administrative control over private-sector operations.
Consider the following statements regarding Inter-state water sharing disputes and riparian rights:
1. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allows for the construction of run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants by Pakistan on the western rivers, provided that the storage capacity of such projects does not exceed 0.5 million acre-feet.
2. The Tungabhadra Board was established in 1953 following the partition of the Madras Presidency to regulate the water supply from the Tungabhadra reservoir to the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
3. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT-I), established in 1969, allocated the water shares of the Krishna River among the riparian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the KWDT-I (1969) adjudicated the Krishna river water sharing among Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Indus Waters Treaty grants India (not Pakistan) the right to construct run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants on western rivers, subject to specific design constraints. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Tungabhadra Board was established under the Andhra State Act, 1953, to regulate water supply to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka (formerly Mysore), not Telangana.
Consider the following statements regarding Multi-purpose usage conflicts: Irrigation vs Power generation:
1. The Rihand Dam, commissioned in 1962, serves as a primary source for the thermal power plants in the Singrauli region, necessitating a specific water release schedule that occasionally deviates from the requirements of the Son canal irrigation system.
2. In the Tungabhadra Project, the seasonal diversion of water for paddy cultivation in the command area frequently conflicts with the operational requirements of the power plant, which relies on consistent discharge through the turbines.
3. The 1924 agreement between the Madras Presidency and the Princely State of Mysore regarding the Cauvery river provides for the automatic prioritization of power generation at the Mettur Dam over the irrigation needs of the Thanjavur delta.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Rihand Dam (Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar) is critical for cooling thermal power plants in the Singrauli belt, often forcing a trade-off between industrial cooling needs and downstream agricultural irrigation. Statement 2 is correct because the Tungabhadra Project frequently faces operational friction where the high water demand for water-intensive paddy cultivation in the command area competes with the steady flow required for hydroelectric power generation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1924 agreement and subsequent legal frameworks prioritize irrigation for the Thanjavur delta as the primary objective of the Mettur Dam, rather than power generation.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of dams on riverine biodiversity and fish migration:
1. The Tungabhadra Dam, operational since 1953, features a sediment flushing mechanism that has historically improved the dissolved oxygen levels in the downstream reservoir, thereby increasing the population density of the Deccan Mahseer.
2. The Bhakra Nangal project, commissioned in 1963, serves as a model for riverine conservation by maintaining a constant discharge rate during the monsoon season, which aligns with the breeding cycle of migratory species in the Sutlej river.
3. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, inaugurated in 1967, employs a spillway aeration system that effectively mitigates gas bubble disease in downstream fish populations, maintaining the biodiversity index at pre-dam levels.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because large dams in India, including Tungabhadra, Bhakra Nangal, and Nagarjuna Sagar, act as significant physical barriers that fragment riverine habitats and obstruct the natural migration routes of species like the Deccan Mahseer. Contrary to the claims, these projects have historically led to the degradation of downstream ecosystems due to altered flow regimes, sediment trapping, and thermal stratification, rather than serving as conservation models. Furthermore, there is no evidence that these specific dams employ advanced aeration or sediment flushing technologies designed to mitigate gas bubble disease or restore biodiversity to pre-dam levels.
Consider the following statements regarding Sedimentation rates and reservoir capacity depletion:
1. The Tehri Dam project, which began impoundment in 2005, utilizes a sediment flushing mechanism developed by the Roorkee-based National Institute of Hydrology to maintain its reservoir capacity at 98 percent of the original design volume.
2. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty provides for the construction of sediment bypass tunnels in the Kishanganga project, and the operational guidelines for these tunnels were finalized during the 1985 meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission.
3. The Tungabhadra Dam, constructed in 1953, is monitored by the Tungabhadra Board, which reported in 2010 that the annual siltation rate has remained constant at 0.5 hectare-meters per square kilometer since the commencement of operations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tehri Dam does not utilize a sediment flushing mechanism to maintain capacity at 98 percent, as sedimentation is a natural process that gradually reduces live storage over time. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty does not contain specific provisions for sediment bypass tunnels in the Kishanganga project, nor were such operational guidelines finalized in 1985. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Tungabhadra Dam has faced significant siltation issues, and the annual siltation rate has not remained constant at 0.5 hectare-meters per square kilometer, with reports indicating a much higher rate of capacity loss over the decades.
Consider the following statements regarding Reservoir-induced seismicity (RIS) phenomena:
1. The 6.3 magnitude Koyna earthquake of 1967 remains the most cited global example of reservoir-induced seismicity, occurring shortly after the impoundment of the Shivaji Sagar Lake.
2. The 1962 seismic activity recorded at the Kremasta Dam in Greece coincided with the peak discharge period of the Acheloos River, confirming that high-velocity water outflow is the primary driver of crustal deformation.
3. The 1935 Hoover Dam project in the United States served as the primary model for the International Commission on Large Dams to establish the global threshold for reservoir-induced seismicity at a water depth of 50 meters.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1967 Koyna earthquake (magnitude 6.3) is globally recognized as the definitive case of RIS triggered by the loading of the Shivaji Sagar reservoir. Statement 2 is incorrect because RIS is primarily driven by the weight of the water column and increased pore-water pressure at the reservoir base, not by high-velocity outflow. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Hoover Dam (Lake Mead) was the first documented case of RIS in 1935, there is no globally standardized threshold of 50 meters for RIS, as seismic response depends on local geological faults and rock permeability.
Consider the following statements regarding Micro-hydel projects vs large-scale dam infrastructure:
1. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty governs the use of the waters of the Indus system and allows India to construct run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants on the western rivers.
2. Small hydro projects, categorized by the Indian government as those up to 25 megawatts, are often developed by private entities under state-level feed-in tariff policies.
3. The Bhakra Nangal project, completed in 1963, remains one of India's largest multipurpose river valley projects with a reservoir capacity of approximately 9.34 billion cubic meters.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Indus Waters Treaty permits India to build run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects on the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) without depleting water flow. Statement 2 is correct because the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy classifies small hydro projects as those with a capacity up to 25 MW, which are frequently incentivized through state-specific feed-in tariffs to encourage private investment. Statement 3 is correct as the Bhakra Nangal Dam, commissioned in 1963, is a landmark multipurpose project on the Sutlej River with a massive gross storage capacity of approximately 9.34 billion cubic meters.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of small-scale dams with watershed management:
1. The 1991 Watershed Development Fund was established by NABARD to provide low-interest loans for micro-irrigation, and the 2003 amendment shifted the fund's focus to the development of large-scale hydroelectric reservoirs.
2. The 2002 National Water Policy advocates for the privatization of small-scale irrigation tanks, and the 2012 policy update introduced a legal framework for private entities to manage watershed catchment areas.
3. The 1972 Command Area Development Programme (CADP) was designed to bridge the gap between irrigation potential and utilization, and the 1996 expansion of the program included the mandatory decommissioning of all small-scale check dams.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Watershed Development Fund (WDF) was established in 1999-2000 by NABARD, not 1991, and it focuses on participatory watershed development rather than large-scale hydroelectric reservoirs. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Water Policies of 2002 and 2012 emphasize community participation and the preservation of traditional water bodies, explicitly rejecting the privatization of small-scale irrigation tanks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Command Area Development Programme (CADP), launched in 1974-75, aims to optimize water use efficiency, and there is no policy mandate for the mandatory decommissioning of small-scale check dams; in fact, such structures are encouraged for groundwater recharge.
Consider the following statements regarding Siltation management and dredging technologies:
1. The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported in its 2020 Compendium that the average annual rate of siltation in Indian reservoirs is approximately 0.1 hectare-meter per square kilometer of the catchment area.
2. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) utilizes hydro-suction dredging technology to remove accumulated silt from the Gobind Sagar reservoir, which has an installed capacity of 1,325 MW.
3. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty includes provisions under Annexure D that allow India to construct sediment control works on the western rivers, provided they do not affect the flow regime of the downstream riparian state.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the CWC's 2020 Compendium on Silting of Reservoirs in India established the 0.1 ha-m/sq.km benchmark for average annual siltation rates. Statement 2 is correct because the BBMB successfully employs hydro-suction technology at the Gobind Sagar reservoir (associated with the Bhakra Dam complex) to mitigate storage capacity loss due to sedimentation. Statement 3 is correct as Annexure D of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty explicitly permits India to design and construct sediment excluders and silt-ejecting devices on western rivers, provided these structures do not impede the specified water flow to Pakistan.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of dams on riverine biodiversity and fish migration:
1. The 2016 National Fish Genetic Resources Bureau report identified that fragmented river connectivity caused by the Tehri Dam has restricted the spawning grounds of the Himalayan snow trout (Schizothorax richardsonii) to the Bhagirathi river basin.
2. The Idukki Hydroelectric Project, commissioned in 1976, integrates a multi-level intake structure that preserves the thermal stratification of the Periyar river, allowing for the natural migration of endemic fish species across the reservoir.
3. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River incorporates a fish ladder design, yet post-construction monitoring reports indicate that the velocity of water flow remains a barrier for the migration of Tor tor (Mahseer) species.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Tehri Dam has fragmented the Bhagirathi, isolating populations of the Himalayan snow trout. Statement 3 is correct because, despite the inclusion of fish ladders in the Sardar Sarovar Project, the high water velocity and turbulence often render them ineffective for the migration of the Mahseer (Tor tor). Statement 2 is incorrect because the Idukki dam is a massive arch dam that lacks functional fish ladders or multi-level intake structures designed for ecological migration, effectively acting as a complete barrier to the movement of endemic fish species in the Periyar river.
Consider the following statements regarding Socio-economic displacement and rehabilitation challenges:
1. The National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy of 2007 introduced the concept of social impact assessment for projects involving the involuntary displacement of 400 or more families in plain areas.
2. The Tehri Dam project, commissioned in 2006, involved the relocation of approximately 100,000 people, with rehabilitation efforts focused on the development of New Tehri town as a model resettlement site.
3. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, the Permanent Indus Commission is tasked with the exchange of data regarding the discharge of rivers, which informs the downstream socio-economic planning for irrigation projects.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2007 Policy mandated Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for projects displacing 400 or more families in plains or 200 or more in hilly areas. Statement 2 is correct because the Tehri Dam project necessitated the submergence of Old Tehri, leading to the creation of New Tehri as a planned resettlement township for the displaced population. Statement 3 is correct because the Indus Waters Treaty established the Permanent Indus Commission to facilitate data exchange on river flows, which is critical for managing irrigation and socio-economic planning in the Indus basin.
Consider the following statements regarding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of large dam projects:
1. The Tehri Dam project, commissioned in 2006, underwent a specific seismic safety review by the Roorkee-based Indian Institute of Technology to evaluate the impact of potential reservoir-induced seismicity in the Garhwal Himalayas.
2. The 1972 Wildlife Protection Act includes provisions for the creation of eco-sensitive zones around protected areas, and it grants the Ministry of Power the authority to approve diversion of forest land for hydroelectric projects exceeding 100 MW capacity.
3. The 1980 Forest Conservation Act allows for the compensatory afforestation of degraded land, and it specifies that the Regional Empowered Committee is the final decision-making body for projects involving the diversion of more than 500 hectares of forest area.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Tehri Dam project was subjected to intense scrutiny regarding seismic safety in the seismically active Garhwal region, involving expert reviews from IIT Roorkee. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 does not grant the Ministry of Power authority over forest diversion; such approvals fall under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Statement 3 is incorrect because, under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the final authority for forest land diversion rests with the Central Government (MoEFCC) for large areas, and the Regional Empowered Committee does not have the power to override this statutory mandate for projects of that scale.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-electric potential and pumped storage schemes:
1. The Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project, commissioned in 2003 on the Sutlej River, employs a 60.5-meter high concrete gravity dam and utilizes a closed-loop pumped storage cycle to regulate water discharge into the downstream Rampur station.
2. The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River features a riverbed powerhouse with an installed capacity of 1,200 MW and is integrated into the national grid under the guidelines of the 1979 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal for reversible turbine operation.
3. The Idukki Arch Dam in Kerala, completed in 1976, utilizes the waters of the Periyar River and functions as a dual-purpose facility that supports both base-load generation and seasonal pumped storage for the Southern regional grid.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Nathpa Jhakri project is a run-of-the-river scheme, not a pumped storage project. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Sardar Sarovar Dam's riverbed powerhouse is designed for conventional generation, not reversible turbine pumped storage. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Idukki project is a conventional hydroelectric facility and does not function as a pumped storage scheme.
Consider the following statements regarding Micro-hydel projects vs large-scale dam infrastructure:
1. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River involves a gravity dam with a height of 163 meters, designed to provide irrigation to over 1.8 million hectares of land.
2. Large-scale dam infrastructure projects in India are subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment notification of 2006, which necessitates public hearings for projects exceeding 25 megawatts.
3. Micro-hydel installations often employ cross-flow or Pelton turbines, which are specifically designed to operate efficiently under low-head conditions found in mountainous streams.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Sardar Sarovar Dam is a concrete gravity dam reaching a height of 163 meters, serving as a lifeline for irrigation across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Statement 2 is correct because the EIA Notification 2006 mandates environmental clearance and public consultation for river valley projects, including hydroelectric power plants with a capacity exceeding 25 MW. Statement 3 is correct as micro-hydel projects typically utilize run-of-the-river technology with turbines like Pelton or cross-flow to harness the kinetic energy of small, high-altitude streams without requiring massive reservoir inundation.
Consider the following statements regarding Sedimentation rates and reservoir capacity depletion:
1. According to the National Committee on Dam Safety, the loss of reservoir capacity due to sedimentation is calculated by comparing the original capacity at the time of impoundment with the capacity derived from periodic hydrographic surveys.
2. Data from the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) suggests that the rate of sedimentation in reservoirs located in the peninsular river basins is influenced significantly by the land-use patterns and deforestation in the upstream catchment.
3. The Hirakud Dam, completed in 1957, incorporates a series of dead storage zones specifically designed to accommodate the expected sediment inflow over a projected lifespan of 100 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as hydrographic surveys are the standard method for assessing capacity loss by comparing current bathymetry with original design data. Statement 2 is correct because DRIP reports confirm that high soil erosion rates in peninsular catchments, driven by deforestation and improper land use, significantly accelerate reservoir siltation. Statement 3 is correct as the Hirakud Dam was engineered with a substantial dead storage capacity specifically allocated to trap sediment, ensuring the functional lifespan of the reservoir for its projected 100-year operational cycle.
Consider the following statements regarding Geological stability of dam sites in seismic zones:
1. The Sardar Sarovar Project incorporates seismic dampeners at the base of the spillway gates, a design feature introduced following the 2001 Bhuj earthquake to mitigate ground acceleration in the Narmada valley.
2. The Tehri Dam, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, is classified as a rock-fill dam and incorporates a seismic monitoring network designed to withstand a magnitude 8.5 earthquake on the Richter scale.
3. The Pong Dam, constructed on the Beas River, features a clay-core embankment that functions as a flexible barrier, which geological surveys confirm is immune to the liquefaction effects common in the Shivalik foothills.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Tehri Dam is a rock-fill dam engineered to withstand a maximum credible earthquake of 8.5 magnitude in the seismically active Garhwal Himalayas. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Sardar Sarovar Project does not utilize seismic dampeners at the base of spillway gates; its design relies on massive concrete gravity structures to resist seismic forces. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Pong Dam has a clay-core embankment, no dam in the Shivalik foothills is considered 'immune' to liquefaction; rather, they are designed to minimize such risks through rigorous engineering and drainage filters.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-electric potential and pumped storage schemes:
1. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to construct run-of-river hydroelectric plants on the western rivers, provided the design conforms to the criteria specified in Annexure D of the treaty.
2. The Nagarjunasagar project, commissioned in 1967, utilizes a masonry dam across the Krishna River and incorporates a pumped storage scheme with an installed capacity of 815.6 MW.
3. The Hirakud Dam, inaugurated in 1957, is located on the Mahanadi River and incorporates a pumped storage unit that was upgraded in 1990 to enhance the irrigation capacity of the Sambalpur canal system.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allows India to build run-of-river projects on western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) subject to strict design constraints in Annexure D. Statement 2 is correct because the Nagarjunasagar project features a massive masonry dam on the Krishna River and includes a pumped storage plant with a total capacity of 815.6 MW. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Hirakud Dam is on the Mahanadi River, it is a conventional hydroelectric project and does not incorporate a pumped storage scheme.
Consider the following statements regarding Siltation management and dredging technologies:
1. The 2016 National Framework for Sediment Management (NFSM) recommends the implementation of sediment bypass tunnels to mitigate reservoir siltation in high-altitude Himalayan dams.
2. The 1974 Farakka Barrage Agreement established a joint technical committee to monitor silt deposition in the Hooghly estuary and authorized the use of mechanical suction dredging to maintain a minimum discharge of 40,000 cusecs during the lean season.
3. The Dam Safety Act of 2021 identifies the National Dam Safety Authority as the primary agency responsible for executing dredging operations in all multipurpose projects, including those located within the inter-state river basins.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2016 NFSM emphasizes sediment bypass tunnels as a key strategy to manage high sediment loads in Himalayan reservoirs. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1974 Farakka Agreement focuses on water sharing and flow augmentation rather than authorizing specific mechanical dredging technologies. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Dam Safety Act, 2021, mandates the National Dam Safety Authority to provide surveillance and technical guidance, but the responsibility for actual dredging operations remains with the respective dam owners or state-level project authorities.
Consider the following statements regarding Multi-purpose usage conflicts: Irrigation vs Power generation:
1. The 1954 Kosi Agreement between India and Nepal established a joint commission that prioritizes hydroelectric power generation over irrigation supply during the peak summer months to ensure grid stability in the North Bihar region.
2. The Damodar Valley Corporation, established by the Act of 1948, follows a protocol where irrigation water releases are determined by the power generation output of the Panchet and Tilaiya dams to maintain a constant load factor.
3. The Bhakra Nangal project, commissioned in 1963, prioritizes irrigation releases during the rabi season which often results in reduced head availability for hydroelectric power generation at the Ganguwal and Kotla power houses.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Bhakra Nangal project prioritizes irrigation requirements for the rabi crop cycle, which necessitates water releases that may bypass turbines or reduce hydraulic head, impacting power generation at Ganguwal and Kotla. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1954 Kosi Agreement primarily focused on flood control and irrigation, with no mandate prioritizing power over irrigation for grid stability. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) prioritizes flood control and irrigation as its primary objectives, with power generation being a secondary function that is adjusted according to water availability rather than maintaining a constant load factor at the expense of irrigation.
Consider the following statements regarding Geological stability of dam sites in seismic zones:
1. The Koyna Dam project, completed in 1963, experienced a significant seismic event in 1967 that led to the establishment of the National Geophysical Research Institute to monitor reservoir-induced seismicity in the Deccan Plateau.
2. The Hirakud Dam, commissioned in 1957, utilizes a gravity-based structure that relies on the density of its concrete core to dissipate kinetic energy during tectonic shifts occurring along the Mahanadi fault line.
3. The Idukki Arch Dam in Kerala is situated in a region characterized by stable crystalline basement rocks, which allowed engineers to bypass the standard seismic safety protocols defined by the Central Water Commission for peninsular dams.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) was established in 1961, years before the 1967 Koyna earthquake. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Hirakud Dam is primarily an earthen and masonry composite dam, not a concrete-core gravity dam, and it is not located on a major active fault line. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Idukki Arch Dam, located in a seismically active zone of the Western Ghats, strictly adheres to rigorous seismic safety protocols mandated by the Central Water Commission and international dam safety standards.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of dams in flood moderation and disaster mitigation:
1. The Tehri Dam, commissioned in 2006 on the Bhagirathi River, encompasses a reservoir capacity of 3,540 million cubic meters and functions under the administrative oversight of the Central Water Commission to prevent glacial lake outburst floods in the Alaknanda basin.
2. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River, which became operational in 2017, includes provisions for a flood cushion of 0.71 million acre-feet, a capacity that was finalized during the 1979 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award.
3. The Tungabhadra Dam, completed in 1953, serves as a joint venture between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and its primary operational protocol involves releasing 100% of monsoon inflows to prevent sedimentation in the downstream canal network.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tehri Dam is managed by THDC India Limited, not the Central Water Commission, and its primary purpose is power generation and irrigation rather than mitigating glacial lake outburst floods in the Alaknanda basin. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Sardar Sarovar Project does not provide a dedicated flood cushion of 0.71 million acre-feet; the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award primarily focused on water sharing, and the dam's design lacks a specific flood moderation component. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Tungabhadra Dam's operational protocol is designed to store water for irrigation and power, and releasing 100% of monsoon inflows would defeat the purpose of a reservoir, which is meant to regulate flow and manage sedimentation through silt ejectors.
Consider the following statements regarding Siltation management and dredging technologies:
1. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh incorporates specific technical clauses for sediment flushing at the Farakka Barrage, permitting India to conduct annual reservoir drawdown during the monsoon months of July and August.
2. The 2005 National Water Policy encourages the use of desilting basins in run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects and suggests that dredged material can be utilized for commercial brick manufacturing under the guidelines of the Ministry of Mines.
3. The 1954 Kosi Agreement provides for the construction of embankments and silt-trapping reservoirs in the upstream reaches of Nepal, with the project maintenance costs shared equally between the two nations since the 1978 amendment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty focuses on water flow allocation and does not contain specific technical clauses for sediment flushing at Farakka. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Water Policy (2002/2012) does not mandate the use of desilting basins for commercial brick manufacturing, nor does the Ministry of Mines govern such specific downstream sediment disposal guidelines. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1954 Kosi Agreement primarily focuses on flood control and irrigation, and the 1978 amendment did not shift the maintenance cost burden to an equal 50:50 split between India and Nepal.
Consider the following statements regarding Socio-economic displacement and rehabilitation challenges:
1. The 2013 Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act includes provisions for the formation of a National Monitoring Committee that oversees the direct disbursement of funds to individual oustees.
2. The Tungabhadra Project, established through the 1944 agreement between Madras and Hyderabad, incorporates a framework for the systematic resettlement of riparian communities based on the 1952 Central Board of Irrigation guidelines.
3. The Nagarjuna Sagar Project, inaugurated in 1967, features a dedicated socio-economic zone for displaced farmers that operates under the 1969 Andhra Pradesh Land Ceiling Act to facilitate equitable distribution of agricultural inputs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2013 Act establishes a National Monitoring Committee for rehabilitation and resettlement, but it does not mandate direct disbursement of funds to individual oustees as a primary function. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Tungabhadra Project agreement focused on water sharing and irrigation benefits rather than a systematic resettlement framework based on 1952 guidelines. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Nagarjuna Sagar Project did not feature a dedicated socio-economic zone governed by the 1969 Land Ceiling Act, which was a later legislative measure unrelated to the project's initial resettlement planning.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of small-scale dams with watershed management:
1. The 2005 National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provides for the construction of large-scale concrete dams, and the 2008 revision of the guidelines shifted the focus toward decentralized watershed management.
2. The 2016 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) incorporates the 'Har Khet Ko Pani' component, which emphasizes the renovation of small-scale water bodies to improve irrigation efficiency in rain-fed areas.
3. The 1994 National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) introduced the concept of inter-basin water transfer, which utilizes small-scale check dams to regulate flow in the Godavari-Krishna link.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the PMKSY, launched in 2015-16, includes the 'Har Khet Ko Pani' component to enhance physical access to water through the repair and restoration of small water bodies. Statement 1 is incorrect because MGNREGA prioritizes water conservation and minor irrigation works rather than large-scale concrete dams, which are typically outside its scope. Statement 3 is incorrect because the NWDPRA (1990-91) focused on sustainable rainfed agriculture and soil conservation, whereas the inter-basin water transfer project is a separate, large-scale national initiative unrelated to the NWDPRA.
Consider the following statements regarding Eutrophication and water quality in artificial reservoirs:
1. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty includes provisions for data exchange regarding water quality parameters, which are essential for monitoring the impacts of siltation and nutrient accumulation in the Bhakra-Nangal reservoir system.
2. In the Nagarjuna Sagar project, the reduction in flow velocity within the reservoir basin promotes the sedimentation of particulate organic matter, which contributes to anaerobic conditions in the hypolimnion during summer months.
3. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies the water quality of the Gobind Sagar reservoir under Category A, reflecting its suitability for drinking water sources with conventional treatment despite localized nitrogen enrichment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Article VI of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty mandates the exchange of data, including sediment and water quality, between India and Pakistan for the Indus system. Statement 2 is correct because the reduced flow velocity in large reservoirs like Nagarjuna Sagar facilitates the settling of organic matter, which undergoes microbial decomposition, consuming dissolved oxygen and creating anaerobic conditions in the deep, cooler hypolimnion layer. Statement 3 is correct as the CPCB classifies the Gobind Sagar reservoir under Category A (Drinking Water Source without conventional treatment but after disinfection), acknowledging that while it faces localized nutrient enrichment, its overall water quality remains high.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of dams in flood moderation and disaster mitigation:
1. The Rihand Dam, constructed in 1962 in Uttar Pradesh, is associated with the Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar reservoir, which maintains a fixed water level throughout the year to provide consistent flood moderation for the Son River valley.
2. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to construct storage works on the Western Rivers, including the Kishanganga hydroelectric project, provided the design capacity for flood moderation remains within specified technical parameters.
3. The Hirakud Dam, completed in 1957 on the Mahanadi River, incorporates a flood control storage capacity of approximately 5.81 billion cubic meters to mitigate downstream inundation in the Odisha delta.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar reservoir operates on a dynamic seasonal cycle to manage power generation and irrigation rather than maintaining a fixed water level. Statement 2 is correct as the Indus Waters Treaty allows India to construct hydroelectric projects on Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) with specific design limitations, including run-of-the-river requirements. Statement 3 is correct because the Hirakud Dam, India's longest earthen dam, is specifically engineered with a massive reservoir capacity of 5.81 billion cubic meters to regulate the Mahanadi's flow and protect the Odisha delta from catastrophic flooding.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of dams on deltaic regions and coastal erosion:
1. The construction of the Farakka Barrage on the Ganga River has resulted in a significant reduction in sediment discharge reaching the Hooghly estuary, contributing to increased coastal erosion in the Sagar Island region.
2. The Hirakud Dam, commissioned in 1957 on the Mahanadi River, has altered the natural flood pulse, leading to a decrease in the nutrient-rich silt deposition necessary for maintaining the stability of the Mahanadi delta.
3. Data from the National Centre for Coastal Research indicates that approximately 33% of the Indian coastline experienced varying degrees of erosion between 1990 and 2018, with dam-induced sediment starvation being a contributing factor in deltaic zones.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. The Farakka Barrage traps substantial sediment, depriving the Hooghly estuary of necessary replenishment and accelerating coastal erosion at Sagar Island. Similarly, the Hirakud Dam regulates the Mahanadi's flow, trapping nutrient-rich silt that historically stabilized the delta, while the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) report confirms that sediment starvation caused by upstream dams is a primary driver of the 33% erosion observed along India's coastline between 1990 and 2018.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-electric potential and pumped storage schemes:
1. The Koyna Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra, which began operations in 1962, utilizes a four-stage power generation system and is recognized as the first facility in India to implement a dedicated tidal-pumped storage mechanism.
2. The Bhakra Nangal project, completed in 1963, serves as a multipurpose scheme where the Left Bank Power House operates in tandem with the Gobind Sagar reservoir to facilitate seasonal pumped storage during the monsoon.
3. The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation operates the Tehri Pumped Storage Plant, which utilizes the 260-meter high rock-fill dam and was commissioned in 2006 to provide peaking power to the Northern Grid.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Koyna is a conventional hydroelectric project and not a tidal-pumped storage facility; India's first pumped storage plant was actually the Nagarjunasagar project. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Bhakra Nangal project is a conventional multipurpose dam and does not utilize a pumped storage mechanism. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Tehri Dam was commissioned in 2006, the Tehri Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) is a separate component that was only recently commissioned in 2024, not 2006.
Consider the following statements regarding Trans-boundary river water treaties and hydro-diplomacy:
1. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty includes provisions for the joint management of the Teesta River barrage and establishes a technical committee to review flow data at the Dinhata gauging station.
2. The 1929 Nile Waters Agreement, while primarily involving Egypt and Sudan, serves as a historical reference point for hydro-diplomacy regarding the allocation of flow volumes measured in billion cubic meters.
3. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allows India to construct run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants on the western rivers, provided the design conforms to specific criteria regarding pondage and spillway capacity.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty exclusively concerns the sharing of Ganga waters at Farakka and does not include provisions for the Teesta River, which remains a separate, unresolved bilateral issue. Statement 2 is correct as the 1929 Nile Waters Agreement established historical water rights for Egypt and Sudan, setting a precedent for volumetric allocation in hydro-diplomacy. Statement 3 is correct because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty grants India the right to generate hydroelectric power on the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) through run-of-the-river projects, subject to strict technical constraints on pondage and spillway design to prevent water storage.
Consider the following statements regarding Dam safety legislation and structural integrity monitoring:
1. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, incorporates the 1987 Dam Safety Guidelines formulated by the Central Water Commission as a legally binding technical annexure for all existing large dams.
2. The National Dam Safety Authority, headquartered in New Delhi, maintains the authority to resolve inter-state disputes regarding water sharing and reservoir release schedules for dams located on transboundary rivers.
3. The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase-I, initiated in 2012 with World Bank assistance, focused on the structural strengthening of dams located in the Himalayan region to mitigate seismic vulnerability.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Dam Safety Act, 2021, provides a legal framework for surveillance, inspection, and maintenance but does not incorporate the 1987 guidelines as a legally binding technical annexure. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Dam Safety Authority is mandated to address dam safety issues and technical standards, not to resolve inter-state water sharing or reservoir release disputes, which fall under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act. Statement 3 is incorrect because DRIP Phase-I (2012-2021) was a pan-India project covering multiple states, not exclusively focused on the Himalayan region or seismic mitigation alone, but rather on the rehabilitation of existing dams across various geographical zones.
Consider the following statements regarding Inter-state water sharing disputes and riparian rights:
1. The Mullaperiyar Dam, located on the Periyar River in Kerala, is operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886 between the Maharaja of Travancore and the Secretary of State for India.
2. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 allocates the waters of the three eastern rivers-the Ravi, the Beas, and the Sutlej-to India for unrestricted use.
3. Under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956, the central government is empowered to constitute a tribunal upon receiving a request from a state government if a dispute cannot be settled by negotiations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1886 lease agreement grants Tamil Nadu control over the Mullaperiyar dam despite its location in Kerala. Statement 2 is correct because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, grants India exclusive rights to the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan holds rights to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Statement 3 is correct because the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, provides the legal framework for the Union government to establish ad-hoc tribunals to adjudicate disputes that remain unresolved through bilateral negotiations.
Consider the following statements regarding Climate change implications for glacial-fed river flows:
1. The National Hydrology Project launched in 2016 focuses on the modernization of water resource management, and its implementation framework utilizes satellite-based remote sensing to track the expansion of proglacial lakes in the Zanskar range.
2. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River utilizes a gravity dam structure to generate hydroelectric power, and the 1979 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award established a fixed annual water allocation based on the 75 percent dependable flow of the river.
3. The 1959 agreement regarding the Kosi Project provides for the construction of embankments to control sediment deposition, and the technical specifications were revised in 1984 to integrate real-time glacial lake outburst flood warning systems for the trans-boundary region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Hydrology Project focuses on water data systems and monitoring, not specifically the tracking of proglacial lakes in the Zanskar range. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award is based on a 75 percent dependable flow of 28 million acre-feet, but the Sardar Sarovar is a concrete gravity dam, not a standard gravity dam, and the allocation is not a simple 'fixed' annual volume but a complex sharing mechanism. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1959 Kosi agreement focused on flood control and irrigation, and there was no 1984 revision to integrate real-time glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) warning systems for the trans-boundary region.
Consider the following statements regarding Riparian ecosystem restoration and environmental flow (e-flow) norms:
1. The 1987 National Water Policy established the National Water Development Agency, which encompasses the responsibility for monitoring groundwater recharge rates in the command areas of multipurpose projects.
2. The 2016 Guidelines for Environmental Flows in India categorize river reaches into high, medium, and low flow regimes to account for seasonal variability in riparian biodiversity.
3. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to construct run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants on the western rivers, provided the design conforms to the criteria specified in Annexure D.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was established in 1982 to study inter-basin water transfer proposals, not by the 1987 National Water Policy, and it does not monitor groundwater recharge. Statement 2 is correct as the 2016 Guidelines for Environmental Flows mandate the maintenance of specific flow regimes to sustain riparian biodiversity across seasonal variations. Statement 3 is correct because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allows India to build run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects on the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), subject to strict technical design criteria outlined in Annexure D to ensure water flow to Pakistan.
Consider the following statements regarding Inter-state water sharing disputes and riparian rights:
1. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was established in 1990 under the provisions of the River Boards Act of 1956 to resolve the sharing of surplus flows between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
2. The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal, which submitted its final report in 1979, established the Narmada Control Authority to oversee the implementation of the Sardar Sarovar Project and the equitable distribution of power between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
3. The Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, constituted in 1969, finalized its award in 1980, which includes a provision for the automatic diversion of surplus water from the Indravati sub-basin to the Krishna basin.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was established under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, not the River Boards Act. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Narmada Control Authority oversees water and power distribution among Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, not just Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award does not contain a provision for the automatic diversion of surplus water from the Indravati sub-basin to the Krishna basin.
Consider the following statements regarding Riparian ecosystem restoration and environmental flow (e-flow) norms:
1. The 1924 Cauvery Water Agreement, which expired in 1974, provides for the regulation of the Mettur Dam and includes clauses for the automatic release of 50 TMC of water during drought years.
2. The 1954 Kosi Agreement between India and Nepal established the Kosi Project, which includes provisions for the permanent diversion of the river to facilitate irrigation in the Purnia district.
3. The 1973 Wildlife Protection Act amendment introduced the concept of riparian buffer zones, which provides for a 500-meter non-development area around all major dam reservoirs in India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1924 Cauvery Agreement did not expire in 1974 but was a subject of prolonged legal dispute, and it lacks provisions for automatic drought-year releases of 50 TMC. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 1954 Kosi Agreement focused on flood control and irrigation through the construction of a barrage and embankments, not a permanent diversion of the river course. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, does not mandate a 500-meter non-development zone around all major dam reservoirs; such buffer zones are typically determined by site-specific Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notifications under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Consider the following statements regarding Socio-economic displacement and rehabilitation challenges:
1. The Sardar Sarovar Project, as per the 1979 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award, includes provisions for the allocation of land to oustees with a minimum of two hectares of irrigable land for families losing more than 25 percent of their holdings.
2. The 1978 Bhakra Beas Management Board Act provides for the proportional distribution of electricity to partner states and includes clauses that prioritize the employment of displaced persons in the project's administrative offices.
3. The Hirakud Dam project, completed in 1957, utilized the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 to determine compensation, which was subsequently adjusted by the 1962 Odisha Irrigation Act to include lifetime annuity payments for landless laborers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) award mandated that every displaced family losing more than 25% of their land be allotted at least 2 hectares of irrigable land. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Bhakra Beas Management Board Act, 1966, focuses on the administration and distribution of water and power, but does not contain specific statutory clauses mandating employment for displaced persons. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hirakud Dam relied solely on the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 for cash compensation, and there was no provision for lifetime annuity payments for landless laborers under the 1962 Odisha Irrigation Act.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of dams on deltaic regions and coastal erosion:
1. The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River has been linked to changes in the estuarine morphology, where the entrapment of bedload sediment behind the dam affects the coastal sediment budget near the Gulf of Khambhat.
2. The 1974 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission report provides for the diversion of Brahmaputra waters into the Teesta basin, which is credited with preventing the loss of coastal landmass in the Meghna estuary.
3. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allows India to construct run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, which inherently limits the downstream transport of coarse sediment necessary for maintaining the coastal landforms of the Indus delta.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as dams trap sediment, reducing the bedload reaching the Gulf of Khambhat, which leads to coastal erosion and morphological changes. Statement 3 is correct because run-of-the-river projects, while not storing large volumes of water, still trap coarse sediments behind barrages, disrupting the natural delta-building processes of the Indus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1974 Joint Rivers Commission focused on the Farakka Barrage and the sharing of Ganga waters, not the diversion of the Brahmaputra into the Teesta, and such diversions generally exacerbate rather than prevent coastal land loss.
Consider the following statements regarding Geological stability of dam sites in seismic zones:
1. The Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir employs a concrete gravity design that incorporates deep-seated rock anchors, which geological reports suggest provide total structural isolation from the Main Boundary Thrust fault.
2. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, completed in 1967, is located on the Krishna River and utilizes a masonry construction technique that was specifically chosen to provide structural elasticity during tremors originating from the Godavari graben.
3. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 1893:2002), the seismic zoning map of India categorizes the entire Himalayan belt, where major projects like the Bhakra Dam are situated, under Zone V, the highest risk area.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the BIS seismic zoning map (IS 1893) classifies the high-seismicity Himalayan region, including the Bhakra Dam area, under Zone V. Statement 1 is incorrect because no engineering technique, including rock anchors, can provide 'total structural isolation' from a major tectonic fault like the Main Boundary Thrust. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a masonry gravity dam designed for stability against hydrostatic pressure, not for 'structural elasticity' to mitigate tremors from the Godavari graben, which is not the primary seismic driver for this region.
Consider the following statements regarding Reservoir-induced seismicity (RIS) phenomena:
1. The 1975 seismic event near the Kariba Dam, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, demonstrated that RIS can occur even in regions previously classified as tectonically stable cratons.
2. Studies conducted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) indicate that the frequency of micro-earthquakes in the vicinity of the Tehri Dam shows a correlation with the seasonal fluctuations of the reservoir water level.
3. Pore pressure diffusion from the reservoir into underlying fractured rock formations reduces the effective stress on existing fault planes, potentially triggering seismic events.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Kariba Dam reservoir, filled in the late 1950s, triggered significant seismic activity in the stable African craton, proving RIS is not limited to active plate boundaries. Statement 2 is correct because NGRI studies confirm that the loading and unloading cycles of the Tehri Dam reservoir modulate pore pressure, directly influencing the frequency of micro-seismic events in the Garhwal Himalaya. Statement 3 is correct because the infiltration of reservoir water increases pore fluid pressure, which counteracts the normal stress holding fault planes together, thereby reducing frictional resistance and facilitating slip.
Consider the following statements regarding Irrigation efficiency and command area development:
1. The Bhakra Nangal project, commissioned in 1963, serves the irrigation needs of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan through the extensive Bhakra canal system.
2. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was established in 1982 to carry out detailed surveys and investigations for the Peninsular River Development component of the National Perspective Plan.
3. Under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), financial assistance is provided to states for the completion of major and medium irrigation projects that were in advanced stages of construction.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Bhakra Nangal project, completed in 1963, is a joint venture providing irrigation to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Statement 2 is correct because the NWDA was established in 1982 as an autonomous society under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to prepare feasibility reports for the National Perspective Plan. Statement 3 is correct as the AIBP was launched in 1996-97 to provide Central Loan Assistance to states to accelerate the completion of major and medium irrigation projects that were languishing due to resource constraints.
Consider the following statements regarding Reservoir-induced seismicity (RIS) phenomena:
1. Seismic monitoring protocols established by the 1996 World Bank guidelines for large dams suggest that RIS is limited to reservoirs situated within the Himalayan-Tibetan orogenic belt due to the high geothermal gradient.
2. The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China's Sichuan province is officially classified by the United Nations Geological Survey as a direct consequence of the Zipingpu Reservoir's rapid seasonal filling cycle.
3. The load-induced stress change caused by the weight of the water column in a reservoir exceeding 100 meters in depth can contribute to the reactivation of dormant geological faults.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the massive hydrostatic pressure and pore-pressure diffusion from reservoirs deeper than 100 meters can alter effective stress on pre-existing fault planes, triggering seismic activity. Statement 1 is false because RIS is a global phenomenon occurring in diverse geological settings, not limited to the Himalayan-Tibetan belt or geothermal gradients. Statement 2 is false because while the Zipingpu Reservoir is widely debated in scientific literature as a potential trigger, it is not officially classified by the USGS as a direct, proven consequence of reservoir filling, as distinguishing RIS from natural tectonic activity remains scientifically complex.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of small-scale dams with watershed management:
1. Under the 2015 Atal Bhujal Yojana, the government allocated 6,000 crore rupees to incentivize the participation of local village committees in managing small-scale check dams for sustainable aquifer mapping.
2. The 1982 Rashtriya Barh Ayog report recommended the implementation of small-scale dams in the Brahmaputra basin, which led to the 1985 creation of the Brahmaputra Board to oversee inter-state dam construction.
3. The 1974 Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) guidelines were consolidated in 2009 to prioritize the construction of check dams and contour trenches as a primary strategy for groundwater recharge.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Atal Bhujal Yojana (launched in 2020, not 2015) focuses on community-led groundwater management with a âš6,000 crore outlay. Statement 3 is correct because the IWMP was indeed consolidated in 2009 under the Department of Land Resources to emphasize soil and water conservation structures like check dams. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Rashtriya Barh Ayog (National Flood Commission) submitted its report in 1980, not 1982, and the Brahmaputra Board was established by an Act of Parliament in 1980, not 1985.
Consider the following statements regarding Multi-purpose usage conflicts: Irrigation vs Power generation:
1. The Hirakud Dam, completed in 1957, utilizes a rule curve that governs reservoir levels to balance flood control requirements during the monsoon with the need for water storage for downstream irrigation in the Mahanadi delta.
2. The Sardar Sarovar Project operates under the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award of 1979, which allocates specific water shares to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan while defining the power benefit sharing ratio.
3. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to utilize the waters of the western rivers-Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab-for run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects, provided the storage capacity remains within the specified technical limits.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Hirakud Dam employs a rule curve to manage the trade-off between flood moderation and irrigation storage in the Mahanadi basin. Statement 2 is correct because the 1979 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award legally mandates the inter-state water allocation and the specific power-sharing ratio (MP 57%, Maharashtra 27%, Gujarat 16%) for the Sardar Sarovar Project. Statement 3 is correct as the Indus Waters Treaty grants India the right to construct run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants on the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) while imposing strict technical constraints on pondage and storage capacity to ensure downstream flow.
Consider the following statements regarding Riparian ecosystem restoration and environmental flow (e-flow) norms:
1. The 2018 notification by the Ministry of Jal Shakti specifies that the upper reaches of the Ganga must maintain a minimum environmental flow of 20 percent of the monthly average flow during the lean season.
2. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) utilizes the 'e-Flow' assessment framework developed by the Central Water Commission to determine the ecological requirements of the river basin.
3. The Farakka Barrage project, commissioned in 1975, operates under the 1996 India-Bangladesh Treaty which allocates water sharing based on 10-day periods during the dry season from January to May.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2018 notification mandates 20% of monthly average flow during the lean season for the upper Ganga. Statement 2 is correct because the NMCG follows the e-Flow assessment framework established by the CWC to balance ecological health with water usage. Statement 3 is correct as the 1996 India-Bangladesh Treaty governs water sharing at Farakka based on specific 10-day schedules during the critical dry period from January 1 to May 31.
Consider the following statements regarding Irrigation efficiency and command area development:
1. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015, focuses on 'Har Khet Ko Pani' and integrates the Command Area Development programme under the administrative control of the Ministry of Rural Development.
2. The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) was launched in 1974-75 to bridge the gap between irrigation potential created and the actual utilization of water.
3. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 allocates the waters of the three eastern rivers-the Ravi, the Beas, and the Sutlej-to India for unrestricted use.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because PMKSY is under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, not the Ministry of Rural Development. Statement 2 is correct as the CADP was initiated in 1974-75 to optimize irrigation potential utilization by bridging the gap between infrastructure creation and field-level application. Statement 3 is correct because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty grants India exclusive rights to the waters of the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) for unrestricted use.
Consider the following statements regarding Eutrophication and water quality in artificial reservoirs:
1. Excessive phosphorus loading from agricultural runoff in the catchment area of the Tungabhadra reservoir has been identified as a primary driver of periodic algal blooms since the late 1990s.
2. The Tehri Dam reservoir, which reached its full reservoir level in 2006, incorporates deep-water aeration systems to prevent nitrogen fixation, a strategy supported by the 2002 National Water Policy guidelines on reservoir management.
3. The Indira Gandhi Canal project receives water from the Pong Dam, and the 1984 Punjab Accord includes specific clauses that authorize the state government to implement biological control measures for aquatic weed management in the reservoir.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Tungabhadra reservoir frequently faces algal blooms due to high nutrient loading, particularly phosphorus, from upstream agricultural runoff. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Tehri Dam does not utilize deep-water aeration systems for nitrogen fixation control, and the 2002 National Water Policy focuses on integrated water resources management rather than specific engineering mandates for aeration. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Indira Gandhi Canal receives water primarily from the Harike Barrage (fed by the Beas and Sutlej rivers), and the 1984 Punjab Accord (Rajiv-Longowal Accord) pertains to water sharing and territorial disputes rather than biological weed control protocols.
Consider the following statements regarding Trans-boundary river water treaties and hydro-diplomacy:
1. The 2006 agreement on the Kosi Project includes provisions for the construction of embankments and the management of siltation in the downstream regions of Bihar.
2. Article VII of the Indus Waters Treaty provides for the establishment of a Permanent Indus Commission consisting of one commissioner from each country.
3. The 1983 agreement between India and Bangladesh regarding the Teesta River allocated 39% of the water to India and 36% to Bangladesh during the dry season, leaving the remainder for environmental flows.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2006 Kosi Agreement focuses on flood control and silt management in the Kosi basin. Statement 2 is correct because Article VIII (often cited as VII in broader contexts of the commission's functions) of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty mandates the Permanent Indus Commission to ensure cooperation and data exchange between India and Pakistan. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no 1983 agreement on the Teesta River; the Teesta water-sharing issue remains unresolved, and no formal treaty allocating specific percentages of water has been signed between India and Bangladesh to date.
Consider the following statements regarding Climate change implications for glacial-fed river flows:
1. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allocates the waters of the three eastern rivers-the Ravi, the Beas, and the Sutlej-to India for unrestricted use, accounting for approximately 33 million acre-feet of annual flow.
2. Data from the 2021 IPCC Sixth Assessment Report indicates that glacial runoff in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is projected to increase until the 2050s before declining as glacial mass reaches a critical threshold of depletion.
3. The Bhakra Nangal Project, commissioned in 1963, serves as a primary irrigation source for Punjab and Haryana, and its reservoir capacity is currently regulated by the 1972 Shimla Agreement to mitigate downstream flooding during peak monsoon.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty grants India exclusive rights to the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, totaling about 33 MAF. Statement 2 is correct because the IPCC AR6 confirms that glacial meltwater in the HKH region will initially increase due to warming, followed by a 'peak water' decline as glaciers shrink. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Bhakra Nangal Project is managed under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), and the 1972 Shimla Agreement was a bilateral peace treaty between India and Pakistan, not a regulatory framework for reservoir operations.
Consider the following statements regarding Eutrophication and water quality in artificial reservoirs:
1. The Hirakud Dam reservoir, commissioned in 1957, experiences seasonal thermal stratification that influences the vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen and nutrient cycling in the Mahanadi river basin.
2. The 1974 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act established the National Lake Conservation Plan, which focuses on the restoration of artificial reservoirs by regulating industrial thermal discharge into the Rihand Dam.
3. The Sardar Sarovar Project reservoir utilizes a multi-level intake structure designed to mitigate eutrophication, and the 1985 Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award provides the operational framework for its annual sediment flushing schedule.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because large reservoirs like Hirakud exhibit thermal stratification, where density differences create distinct layers that govern oxygen levels and nutrient availability. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1974 Water Act regulates pollution but did not establish the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP), which was launched by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2001. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Sardar Sarovar Dam uses multi-level intakes for water quality management, the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal award of 1979 focused on water sharing and resettlement, not an operational framework for sediment flushing.