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 71–74 of 74 questions
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects
Q71. Read the following statements regarding multi-purpose river valley projects: I. They simultaneously serve irrigation, power generation, flood control, and navigation. II. Jawaharlal Nehru proudly referred to them as the "Temples of Modern India". III. The environmental impact of these large dams has been universally negligible. IV. They often require the inundation of large tracts of forests and arable land. V. The Hirakud Dam is an example of a multi-purpose project. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Multipurpose projects like Hirakud were designed to provide multiple benefits simultaneously, and were famously described as "Temples of Modern India" by Nehru. They often involve the inundation of forests and farm lands, causing social and environmental impacts. The claim that their environmental impact is "universally negligible" is incorrect, as these projects frequently face criticism for their significant ecological consequences.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects
Q72. The term ‘Aquifer’ refers to which of the following?
Explanation
An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures, or unconsolidated materials such as gravel, sand, or silt. These geological formations are essential because they act as natural reservoirs that can store vast quantities of water and yield it in usable amounts through wells or springs. They are the primary source of groundwater for agricultural and domestic use.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects
Q73. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
River System
Associated Canal/Project
A. Sutlej System
i. Nagarjunasagar Right Canal
B. Krishna River
ii. Sirhind Canal
C. Mahanadi Basin
iii. Narmada Main Canal
D. Narmada Valley
iv. Bargarh Canal
Explanation
The Sirhind Canal is a major irrigation structure that draws water from the Sutlej River system. The Nagarjunasagar Right Canal is part of the Krishna River project. The Bargarh Canal is an important distribution channel within the Mahanadi River basin in Odisha. The Narmada Main Canal is the primary conduit for transporting water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam across the Narmada Valley.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Irrigation: Types, Sources and Major Projects
Q74. What is the primary cause for the emergence of interstate water disputes in India?
Explanation
Most major rivers in India flow through multiple states, creating a complex situation where administrative boundaries do not align with natural hydrological units. As the demand for water grows for agriculture and industry, these limited resources become a source of contention. States often compete for a larger share of the water, leading to disputes over the allocation and control of the flow.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
71
(a) I, II, IV and V only
72
(c) A geological formation capable of storing and yielding groundwater
73
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
74
(a) Mismatch between river and state boundaries and limited resources
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.
