Q61. The Tungabhadra multipurpose project features a major masonry dam built near which historically significant site in Karnataka?
Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects: RAS Prelims MCQs
74 RAS Prelims MCQs on irrigation in India cover the sources and types of irrigation, the major projects and the river water disputes. Traditional rainwater harvesting structures, canal irrigation and its problems, the Indira Gandhi Canal, Bhakra Nangal, the Narmada tribunal and the Krishna disputes are asked as facts, matches and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 61–70 of 74 questions
Q62. Which of the following rivers is an exception, as it is NOT part of the interstate water dispute generally known as the Cauvery Water Dispute?
Explanation
The Cauvery Water Dispute primarily involves the main Cauvery River and its tributaries such as the Hemavati, Kabini, and Arkavathy. These rivers are part of the Cauvery basin shared by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The Tungabhadra River, however, is a major tributary of the Krishna River and is involved in separate water-sharing agreements and disputes, primarily between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Q63. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below: Note: Treat A and B as being on the same river but distinct dams.
| DVC Dams | River/Tributary |
|---|---|
| A. Tilaiya Dam | i. Barakar River |
| B. Maithon Dam | ii. Barakar River |
| C. Panchet Dam | iii. Damodar River |
| D. Konar Dam | iv. Konar River |
Explanation
Within the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Tilaiya and Maithon dams are both situated on the Barakar River, a major tributary of the Damodar. The Panchet Dam is built directly across the main Damodar River itself. The Konar Dam is constructed on the Konar River, which is another tributary. These dams work in coordination to provide flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.
Q64. The problem of ‘Sem’ in the districts of Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar is caused by which of the following mechanisms?
Explanation
The term ‘Sem’ refers to the ecological degradation caused by rising groundwater levels in the canal command areas of northwestern Rajasthan. When large volumes of irrigation water are applied to land with poor natural drainage, the excess water seeps into the ground. This eventually causes the water table to rise to the surface, creating swampy, waterlogged conditions that make the soil unfit for cultivation.
Q65. The Sardar Sarovar Dam was surrounded by immense controversy primarily spearheaded by the Narmada Bachao Andolan. What was the core focus of this movement?
Explanation
The Narmada Bachao Andolan was a prominent social and environmental movement that challenged the Sardar Sarovar Dam project. Its primary focus was the large-scale displacement of thousands of tribal families and local communities whose lands were to be submerged. The movement also highlighted the potential loss of vast forest areas and the overall environmental impact of constructing such a massive dam.
Q66. Read the following statements regarding the geographical distribution of irrigation:
I. Uttar Pradesh has the largest total irrigated area in India.
II. Punjab has the highest percentage of its net sown area under irrigation.
III. Mizoram heavily relies on dense canal networks for agriculture.
IV. Well irrigation is completely absent in the state of Gujarat.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Uttar Pradesh has the largest total irrigated area in India.
II. Punjab has the highest percentage of its net sown area under irrigation.
III. Mizoram heavily relies on dense canal networks for agriculture.
IV. Well irrigation is completely absent in the state of Gujarat.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
While Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are correctly identified for their high irrigated areas, the third and fourth statements are incorrect. Mizoram, a hilly state, relies more on rainfed and Jhum cultivation rather than dense canal networks. Additionally, well irrigation is a major source of water in Gujarat, especially in the Saurashtra and northern regions, making the claim of its total absence false.
Q67. Which of the following is considered the primary reason for the declining efficiency of tank irrigation in Peninsular India over the past few decades?
Explanation
The effectiveness of traditional tank irrigation in Peninsular India has significantly declined due to several man-made factors. Extensive siltation has reduced the storage capacity of many tanks over centuries. Furthermore, the encroachment of tank beds for residential or commercial purposes and the general lack of regular maintenance by community or government bodies have rendered many of these ancient systems dysfunctional.
Q68. Identify the most accurate statement regarding the Indira Gandhi Canal project:
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Canal command development includes extensive afforestation to stabilise the sand dunes. The canal has lift sections and draws its water from the Sutlej and Beas, not from the Yamuna.
Q69. Read the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: The National Water Policy of India emphasizes that water is a scarce national resource that must be planned and managed on a river basin approach.
Statement II: A river basin is a distinct hydrological unit, making it the most scientific basis for multi-sectoral water planning.
Statement I: The National Water Policy of India emphasizes that water is a scarce national resource that must be planned and managed on a river basin approach.
Statement II: A river basin is a distinct hydrological unit, making it the most scientific basis for multi-sectoral water planning.
Explanation
The National Water Policy advocates for water management based on the river basin approach because a basin is a natural hydrological unit where all water resources are interconnected. This scientific framework allows for the integrated and multi-sectoral planning of water use, ensuring that the needs of various stakeholders--such as agriculture, industry, and ecology--are balanced effectively within the entire catchment area.
Q70. Which of the following is NOT a direct benefit associated with the implementation of a comprehensive Command Area Development (CAD) program?
Explanation
The Command Area Development programme improves irrigation efficiency, cropping intensity, and equitable water distribution while addressing drainage issues. However, it is an engineering and management program that has no direct influence on the regional climate or meteorological patterns. Therefore, claiming that it causes an immediate and massive increase in annual rainfall is factually incorrect and not an objective of the program.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (b) Hampi (Hosapete) |
| 62 | (c) River Tungabhadra |
| 63 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 64 | (c) Waterlogging and rising water tables due to intense canal irrigation |
| 65 | (b) Environmental concerns and displacement of tribal communities |
| 66 | (b) III and IV only |
| 67 | (a) Encroachment of tank beds, siltation, and poor maintenance |
| 68 | (c) Its command area development includes extensive afforestation to stabilize sand dunes. |
| 69 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. |
| 70 | (d) Immediate doubling of the total annual rainfall in the command area |
Key facts from Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects
- Wells and tube wells account for the highest net irrigated area; the largest contiguous canal-irrigated area is the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
- Johad is the structure of Rajasthan, Surangam of Kerala, Zing of Ladakh and Eri of Tamil Nadu.
- The Indira Gandhi Canal is the longest canal system in India and has lift canals; dune stabilisation by afforestation is part of its command area development.
- The reservoir behind the Bhakra Dam is Gobind Sagar; the Tehri Dam, the tallest in India, is in Uttarakhand.
- Interstate water disputes are dealt with under Article 262 and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act; the Krishna dispute involves Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
- Unlined canals cause waterlogging and secondary salinisation; saline soils are reclaimed with gypsum and leaching.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects?
This page has 74 practice MCQs on Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects (Indian Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which source irrigates the largest area in India?
Tube wells and wells, which account for the highest net irrigated area. They are common in the Indo-Gangetic plains, which have deep, readily recharged alluvial aquifers, and wells are also widely used in the peninsular plateau.
Which Article deals with interstate water disputes?
Article 262 of the Constitution. It lets Parliament make a law to settle disputes over the waters of interstate rivers, and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956 sets up the tribunals.
Which is the tallest dam in India?
The Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand, on the Bhagirathi river. It is a multipurpose project for irrigation and hydropower and is one of the tallest dams in the world.