Question

Hirakud Multipurpose Project is on which river?
A.Ravi
B.Mahanadi
C.Gandak
D.Betwa

Answer 1

Hint: The Hirakud Multipurpose Project was the first major multipurpose project after India’s Independence in 1947. The construction of this dam was proposed by M. Visveswarya to reduce flood in the Mahanadi delta.

Complete Step by Step Answer: The Hirakud Multipurpose Project’s main motives were to control flood, power generation and irrigation. It is built across river Mahanadi at about 15 km north of Sambalpur town of Orissa, India. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948 laid the foundation stone for this project.
The nearest railway station is the Hirakud Railway station which is 8 km away from the dam. Water supply for irrigation along with power generation started progressively from 1956 and in 1966 the full potential was achieved.
Now let us examine the options

Option A – The Chamera hydro-electric project with 540 MV was implemented on river Ravi with Canadian credit offer of about INR 335 crore. Another project was built across one of the tributaries of river Ravi, that is the Ujh Multipurpose Project.
Option B – The Hirakud Multipurpose Project was built across the Mahanadi river. It is the first major multipurpose project after India’s Independence in 1947 which gained its full potential in 1966.
Option C – Gandak Project is a joint venture of Nepal and India. Hydroelectricity is produced at Surat Port of Nepal and the dam has been built in Bihar.
Option D – Matatila Project is a joint project of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on the river Betwa and the dam was built in Uttar Pradesh.
Hence, from the above-mentioned points, the correct option is B.

Note: The Hirakud Dam is more than twice the size of Sri Lanka with an area of 1,33,090 sq km and is the longest earthen dam in the world. Do not confuse yourself with different Multipurpose river valley projects of India.