Question

What is the benefit in construction of the Narmada Sagar project?

• A. Enhanced flood control
• B. Decrease in potential of agriculture
• C. Reduced water availability downstream
• D. Increased sediment load in the river

Hint:

• Large multipurpose dam projects like Narmada Sagar (Indira Sagar) are built with several objectives.
• Key intended benefits include:
  • Irrigation for agriculture.
  • Hydroelectric power generation.
  • Flood control by regulating river flow.
  • Domestic and industrial water supply.
• Options (b), (c), and (d) generally describe potential negative impacts or problems, not benefits.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks about a benefit of the construction of the Narmada Sagar project.

1. Understanding the Project:

The Narmada Sagar Project is a large multi-purpose dam project on the Narmada River. Dams are constructed to provide irrigation, generate electricity, and control floods.

2. Analyzing the Options:

- Enhanced flood control: Dams are built to regulate river flow, storing water during periods of high rainfall and releasing it gradually. This reduces the risk of downstream flooding.
- Decrease in potential of agriculture: Dams usually aim to increase the potential of agriculture by providing irrigation water to a larger area, not decrease it. This option is thus counterintuitive to the project's goals.
- Reduced water availability downstream: Dams can reduce water flow downstream during certain times as water is stored in the reservoir. This is generally considered a negative impact, not a benefit.
- Increased sediment load in the river: Dams trap sediment, leading to reduced sediment load downstream. Increased sediment load is generally undesirable, causing issues like siltation of irrigation canals.

3. Determining the Benefit:

The primary benefit of dam construction, related to the options given, is enhanced flood control downstream.

Final Answer:

The benefit in the construction of the Narmada Sagar project is Enhanced flood control.