Q150. Which is India’s largest multipurpose river-valley project among the options?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (18 June 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Damodar Valley Project
(B) Bhakra–Nangal Project
(C) Sardar Sarovar Project
(D) Hirakud Project
Answer: (B) Bhakra–Nangal Project
Explanation: The Bhakra–Nangal project on the Sutlej is identified as the largest multipurpose river-valley project in this examination. It combines reservoir storage, major canal irrigation, flood moderation and generation of hydroelectricity.
Q149. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam was built across which river?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (16 June 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Krishna
(B) Godavari
(C) Tungabhadra
(D) Bhima
Answer: (A) Krishna
Explanation: Nagarjuna Sagar is a major masonry dam constructed on the Krishna at the border of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Its canals irrigate extensive farmland, and the reservoir is important for regional water storage and power generation.
Q148. In which regions has canal irrigation expanded most extensively in India?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I (14 June 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Coastal sandy soils
(B) High-rainfall steep slopes
(C) Rocky desert terrain
(D) Alluvial plains with perennial rivers
Answer: (D) Alluvial plains with perennial rivers
Explanation: Extensive alluvial plains are comparatively easy to excavate and permit gravity-fed distribution. Rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna provide sustained water supplies. Together, gentle gradients and perennial sources favour the construction of large, interconnected canal systems.
Q147. New crops such as sugarcane and improved irrigation during the Sultanate led mainly to what?
[SSC GD Constable (31 May 2026, Shift 3)]
(A) Declining agriculture
(B) Agricultural diversification and higher surplus
(C) Greater dependence on food imports
(D) Abandonment of traditional crops
Answer: (B) Agricultural diversification and higher surplus
Explanation: Irrigation devices such as waterwheels and improved canals allowed cultivation to extend beyond immediate rainfall patterns. Coupled with new or expanded crop production, more dependable water promoted agricultural diversification and greater marketed surplus.
Q146. Which was not a major challenge to Indian agriculture during 1950–1990?
[SSC GD Constable (19 May 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Fragmented landholdings
(B) Monsoon dependence
(C) Low use of irrigation and fertilizers
(D) Very high rural literacy reducing farm labour
Answer: (D) Very high rural literacy reducing farm labour
Explanation: Historically, Indian agriculture faced uncertain monsoon rainfall, small holdings and limited modern inputs or assured irrigation. Very high rural literacy was not a defining constraint during this period, making that choice the exception.
Q145. The Kosi–Mechi intrastate river-linking irrigation project belongs to which state?
[SSC GD Constable (18 May 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Bihar
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Kerala
(D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (A) Bihar
Explanation: The Kosi–Mechi link is a Bihar project planned to transfer surplus Kosi water toward the Mechi system. Its expected benefits include irrigation for agricultural areas in the northeastern part of the state.
Q144. Which ancient work mentions arrangements for water irrigation?
[Bihar Police SI Mains GS, memory-based (17 May 2026)]
(A) Arthashastra
(B) Nitisara
(C) Ashtadhyayi
(D) Shad-darshanas
Answer: (A) Arthashastra
Explanation: Kautilya’s Arthashastra discusses agriculture, state revenue and the creation and oversight of waterworks. Its references to reservoirs, embankments and canals show that irrigation administration was a recognized concern in ancient Indian governance.
Q143. Which state mainly practises tank irrigation because of uneven terrain and limited rainfall?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I (9 May 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) West Bengal
(C) Haryana
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (D) Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka has extensive undulating plateau terrain with natural depressions suitable for storing seasonal runoff. Tanks can retain monsoon water for agriculture during drier months, especially where establishing large gravity-fed canals would be difficult or expensive.
Q142. Which method is most efficient for saving irrigation water?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (9 May 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Flood irrigation
(B) Canal irrigation
(C) Sprinkler irrigation
(D) Drip irrigation
Answer: (D) Drip irrigation
Explanation: Drip emitters place water slowly near roots, wetting a smaller area of soil and reducing many evaporation and runoff losses. Compared with unrestricted field flooding it can use less water, provided installation and maintenance are adequate.
Q141. Which is the most widely used irrigation method in India?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I (8 May 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Surface irrigation
(B) Drip irrigation
(C) Sprinkler irrigation
(D) Subsurface irrigation
Answer: (A) Surface irrigation
Explanation: Surface irrigation applies water across fields mainly through gravity. Flooding, furrows, borders and basins are familiar forms. The system requires relatively simple infrastructure, although poor management may waste more water than well-designed micro-irrigation.
Q140. Which is the highest dam in India?
[SSC GD Constable (8 May 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Bhakra Nangal
(B) Hirakud
(C) Tehri
(D) Sardar Sarovar
Answer: (C) Tehri
Explanation: Tehri Dam, built on the Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand, is about 260.5 metres high. It is a multipurpose dam supporting hydroelectric power, water supply and irrigation. Bhakra is another major dam, but it is not India’s highest.
Q139. Which dam is constructed on the Sutlej River?
[SSC GD Constable (7 May 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Bhakra
(B) Nagarjuna Sagar
(C) Hirakud
(D) Tehri
Answer: (A) Bhakra
Explanation: Bhakra Dam impounds Sutlej water in Himachal Pradesh and forms the Gobind Sagar reservoir. The Bhakra–Nangal system supports canals irrigating land in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, in addition to generating hydropower.
Q138. Which Odisha dam–river pair is correctly matched?
[OSSSC Forester/Forest Guard (30 April 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Indravati–Krishna
(B) Balimela–Narmada
(C) Hirakud–Mahanadi
(D) Rengali–Godavari
Answer: (C) Hirakud–Mahanadi
Explanation: The Hirakud reservoir lies on the Mahanadi. Indravati is associated with the Indravati River, Balimela with the Sileru and Rengali with the Brahmani, so the other listed river pairs are not correct.
Q137. Which of these is not a micro-irrigation technique?
[SSC JE CBT-II Civil Engineering (7 April 2026)]
(A) Mist system
(B) Trickle method
(C) Surface flooding
(D) Bubbler irrigation
Answer: (C) Surface flooding
Explanation: Micro-irrigation supplies controlled quantities through emitters or small outlets. Trickle, bubbler and some mist systems use localized delivery. Surface flooding, in contrast, spreads comparatively large volumes over the field and is classed as conventional surface irrigation.
Q136. Which crop among these is most suitable for drip irrigation?
[SSC JE CBT-II Civil Engineering (7 April 2026)]
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Sugarcane
(D) Jute
Answer: (C) Sugarcane
Explanation: Sugarcane is a water-demanding row crop for which emitters can target the active root area. Properly managed drip lines provide frequent measured applications, reduce runoff and can improve water-use efficiency compared with widespread surface flooding.
Q135. Which listed Rajasthan irrigation project had the greatest projected irrigation potential by December 2024?
[Rajasthan Police SI GK & GS (6 April 2026)]
(A) Parwan
(B) Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project
(C) Pipalakhunt High Level Canal
(D) Upper High Level Canal (Mahi)
Answer: (B) Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project
Explanation: The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project was conceived to redistribute water in eastern Rajasthan, drawing on the Chambal basin system. Its planned irrigation command is larger than those of the other listed projects; proposed potential must not be confused with completed irrigation.
Q134. Which irrigation method uses emitters to deliver water directly to crop roots?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (25 March 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Overhead
(B) Flood
(C) Drip
(D) Sprinkler
Answer: (C) Drip
Explanation: Drip systems release water slowly through emitters beside plants. Targeting the root zone reduces evaporation from exposed surfaces, surface runoff and unnecessary wetting between rows. Filters and maintenance remain important to prevent emitter blockage.
Q133. Which irrigation system supplies water drop by drop at the root zone?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (22 March 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Sprinkler irrigation
(B) Sub-irrigation
(C) Drip irrigation
(D) Surface irrigation
Answer: (C) Drip irrigation
Explanation: The defining feature of drip irrigation is low-volume application near plant roots through pipes and outlets. Sprinklers spray over the crop, whereas surface methods spread water across land. Drip is particularly useful where irrigation water is scarce.
Q132. Which does not help explain the variety of farming practices in India?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (19 March 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Availability of irrigation
(B) Different soils
(C) Different climates
(D) Uniform landform
Answer: (D) Uniform landform
Explanation: Indian farming differs because climate, soils, topography and irrigation facilities vary considerably across regions. Uniform landforms would reduce rather than explain geographical diversity. The availability of canal or groundwater irrigation also shapes possible crops and cropping seasons.
Q131. Jawaharlal Nehru described which structures as the temples of modern India?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (19 March 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Hospitals
(B) Dams
(C) Schools
(D) Parliament
Answer: (B) Dams
Explanation: Nehru used the phrase for modern development works such as large dams, which he viewed as symbols of national progress. Multipurpose dams store and regulate water for irrigation, generate electricity and can assist flood management.
Q130. Which irrigation technique produces the least water wastage among these?
[RRB JE CBT-I (20 February 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Sprinkler
(B) Furrow
(C) Flood
(D) Drip
Answer: (D) Drip
Explanation: Drip delivers small quantities at plant root zones instead of wetting entire fields. It generally limits evaporation and runoff more effectively than flood and furrow irrigation. Good system design, filtration and correct scheduling are essential for these savings.
Q129. What are check dams?
[RRB Group D (10 February 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Earthen or concrete barriers across gullies
(B) Small huts near rivers
(C) Dams solely for industry
(D) Crescent-shaped hills
Answer: (A) Earthen or concrete barriers across gullies
Explanation: Small check dams intercept runoff across gullies or minor seasonal streams. They slow flowing water, reduce soil erosion, trap some sediment and encourage infiltration, which can improve local groundwater conditions and agricultural water availability.
Q128. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is constructed on which river?
[MP Police SI (18 January 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Godavari
(B) Mahi
(C) Narmada
(D) Tapi
Answer: (C) Narmada
Explanation: Sardar Sarovar is a multipurpose dam on the Narmada in Gujarat. Its canal system supplies irrigation and drinking water across extensive regions, while the associated works generate hydropower. The Narmada is a west-flowing peninsular river.
Q127. Hirakud Dam is built across which river?
[MP Police SI (17 January 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Cauvery
(B) Krishna
(C) Mahanadi
(D) Godavari
Answer: (C) Mahanadi
Explanation: Hirakud Dam spans the Mahanadi near Sambalpur in Odisha. The multipurpose project was built to reduce damaging floods, store water for canal irrigation and produce electricity, making it a landmark in post-independence water management.
Q126. Which is India’s longest irrigation canal?
[Delhi Police Head Constable (10 January 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Eastern Kosi Canal
(B) Sirhind Canal
(C) Yamuna Canal
(D) Indira Gandhi Canal
Answer: (D) Indira Gandhi Canal
Explanation: The Indira Gandhi Canal, formerly the Rajasthan Canal, carries water from the Harike system toward arid western Rajasthan. It supports irrigation and drinking water access across desert districts and is widely identified as India’s longest irrigation canal network.
2025 Previous-Year Questions
Q125. The Chorborari Medium Irrigation Project lies in which river basin?
[MP Police ASI & Subedar Steno (17 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Ganga
(B) Mahi
(C) Narmada
(D) Godavari
Answer: (B) Mahi
Explanation: Chorborari is identified with the Mahi basin of Madhya Pradesh. The Mahi river originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat toward the Arabian Sea; the basin supports several medium and major water-resource projects.
Q124. Kanhargaon Tank Medium Irrigation Project belongs to which basin?
[MP Police ASI & Subedar Steno (17 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Ganga
(B) Narmada
(C) Tapi
(D) Godavari
Answer: (D) Godavari
Explanation: Kanhargaon Tank Medium Irrigation Project is listed under the Godavari river basin. Basin identification helps authorities plan water allocation and account for upstream and downstream drainage connections across state and district boundaries.
Q123. Which irrigation source pumps groundwater from deeper strata?
[RRB Group D (9 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Canals
(B) Tube wells
(C) River-lift system
(D) Rain-fed cultivation
Answer: (B) Tube wells
Explanation: Tube wells bore into underground water-bearing formations and lift water with mechanical pumps. Canals transport surface water, whereas rain-fed farming relies on precipitation. Pumping makes tubewells useful but excessive withdrawals can deplete aquifers.
Q122. How is economic feasibility of an irrigation project commonly evaluated?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (6 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Rainfall records alone
(B) Topographic maps alone
(C) Benefit–cost ratio
(D) Water-quality tests alone
Answer: (C) Benefit–cost ratio
Explanation: A benefit–cost ratio compares the value of anticipated project benefits with total costs over the assessment period. It helps judge economic viability. Hydrological and environmental assessments are also needed, but they are not substitutes for economic appraisal.
Q121. What does duty of water denote in irrigation planning?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (6 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Crop water requirement
(B) Evaporation loss
(C) Area irrigated per unit discharge
(D) Reservoir storage capacity
Answer: (C) Area irrigated per unit discharge
Explanation: Duty expresses the land area served by a unit flow of irrigation water during a crop period, commonly hectares per cumec. It depends on crop type, soil, climate, conveyance losses and agricultural water-management practices.
Q120. What is the principal advantage of micro-irrigation over conventional irrigation?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (6 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Higher water losses
(B) Lower yields
(C) Efficient use of water
(D) Higher labour requirement
Answer: (C) Efficient use of water
Explanation: Micro-irrigation applies water in measured amounts, often near active roots, reducing avoidable wetting and conveyance losses. The result is potentially higher water productivity. Actual savings still depend on crop needs, maintenance and irrigation scheduling.
Q119. For which soil is sprinkler irrigation especially suitable?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (6 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loamy soil
(D) Rocky soil
Answer: (A) Sandy soil
Explanation: Sandy soils absorb water rapidly and hold relatively little. Well-designed sprinklers can apply a controlled shower at a rate suited to infiltration, reducing excessive deep percolation compared with poorly managed flooding on permeable fields.
Q118. What is the command area limit for a minor irrigation project?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (6 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Less than 2,000 hectares
(B) More than 10,000 hectares
(C) Exactly 5,000 hectares
(D) More than 2,500 hectares
Answer: (A) Less than 2,000 hectares
Explanation: Under the commonly used Indian classification, minor irrigation projects cover up to about 2,000 hectares of cultivable command area. Medium projects lie between 2,000 and 10,000 hectares, while major projects exceed 10,000 hectares.
Q117. What is the irrigation-planning objective of interlinking rivers?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (6 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Raising every dam
(B) Electricity generation alone
(C) Balancing surplus and deficit river basins
(D) Sending floodwater to cities
Answer: (C) Balancing surplus and deficit river basins
Explanation: Inter-basin links seek to transfer water from relatively water-abundant basins to regions facing shortages. Such schemes may extend irrigation, but feasibility depends on hydrology, ecology, costs, resettlement and inter-state water-sharing agreements.
Q116. Which irrigation arrangement most closely resembles natural rainfall?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (5 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Surface irrigation
(B) Drip system
(C) Sprinkler system
(D) Canal irrigation
Answer: (C) Sprinkler system
Explanation: A sprinkler network pumps or pressurizes water through nozzles that form droplets falling over a field. This resembles rainfall. The uniformity achieved depends on nozzle spacing, wind conditions, pressure and proper system operation.
Q115. Which is not normally a function of an irrigation project?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (5 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Soil salinity control
(B) Enhanced crop production
(C) Industrial wastewater management
(D) Groundwater recharge
Answer: (C) Industrial wastewater management
Explanation: Irrigation projects primarily deliver water to farmland and may support groundwater recharge and soil-salinity management when drainage is included. Treating industrial wastewater belongs to a separate pollution-control infrastructure system rather than the core purposes of irrigation.
Q114. Which of the following is a micro-irrigation method?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (5 December 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Surface irrigation
(B) Furrow irrigation
(C) Drip irrigation
(D) Flood irrigation
Answer: (C) Drip irrigation
Explanation: Drip irrigation uses small outlets and pipes to apply water close to plant roots at low rates. Flood, furrow and general surface irrigation depend on spreading water over the land and are not categorized as localized micro-irrigation methods.
Q113. What is a major potential drawback of perennial irrigation?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (5 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Soil salinity
(B) Low cropping intensity
(C) Dependence on high rainfall
(D) Flood loss in every case
Answer: (A) Soil salinity
Explanation: Continuous or excessive irrigation without drainage can raise the water table. Subsequent evaporation leaves dissolved salts in the root zone, reducing crop growth. Perennial water availability is useful, but requires appropriate drainage and careful application.
Q112. What is the net irrigation requirement (simplified expression)?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (5 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Crop water requirement minus effective rainfall
(B) Effective rainfall plus canal losses
(C) Water requirement multiplied by application efficiency
(D) Crop demand plus runoff losses
Answer: (A) Crop water requirement minus effective rainfall
Explanation: Net irrigation requirement estimates the portion of crop water demand not provided by effective rainfall, before adding distribution and application losses. More detailed field calculations may also account for leaching and changes in stored soil moisture.
Q111. Why are pressure-compensating drip emitters used?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (5 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Only to prevent clogging
(B) To maintain nearly constant outlet flow despite pressure changes
(C) To increase watering frequency
(D) Only to apply fertiliser
Answer: (B) To maintain nearly constant outlet flow despite pressure changes
Explanation: Pressure-compensating emitters maintain nearly uniform discharge even when operating pressure varies along a lateral or sloping field. This helps different plants receive similar amounts of water; filtration is still separately required to address clogging.
Q110. Which is not itself a direct method of supplying irrigation water to fields?
[RRB Group D (5 December 2025, Shift 3)]
(A) Check dams
(B) River-lift systems
(C) Canals
(D) Wells
Answer: (A) Check dams
Explanation: Check dams primarily slow runoff and retain water to promote recharge or storage. Canals, wells and river-lift systems are established means of delivering irrigation water. Stored check-dam water can still be used indirectly for agriculture.
Q109. Which method allows the most precise application of irrigation water?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering (3 December 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Drip
(B) Flood
(C) Sprinkler
(D) Furrow
Answer: (A) Drip
Explanation: Drip lines meter water through emitters next to crop roots. Because delivery is localized and adjustable, this method usually provides better control and efficiency than flooding, furrows or broad sprinkling, particularly in orchards and row crops.
Q108. Which pair represents initiatives to increase irrigation-water availability?
[RRB Group D (27 November 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Manuring and chemical spraying
(B) Drip irrigation and crop rotation
(C) Sprinkling and ploughing
(D) Rainwater harvesting and watershed management
Answer: (D) Rainwater harvesting and watershed management
Explanation: Rainwater harvesting captures runoff for later use, while watershed management coordinates measures such as contour bunding, recharge and soil conservation across a catchment. Together they can improve local water availability and agricultural resilience.
Q107. Which statements about Kaleshwaram are correct: (1) inaugurated in Telangana; (2) large multi-stage lift irrigation; (3) built on Krishna River?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (22 September 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) 1 and 3
(B) 1 only
(C) 1 and 2
(D) 3 only
Answer: (C) 1 and 2
Explanation: Kaleshwaram is a large multi-stage lift irrigation undertaking in Telangana based on the Godavari river system, not the Krishna. Its multiple pumping stages move water to higher elevations for distribution to intended command areas.
Q106. At which Harappan settlement have traces of irrigation canals been found?
[NDA-II General Ability Test (14 September 2025)]
(A) Banawali
(B) Lothal
(C) Shortughai
(D) Dholavira
Answer: (C) Shortughai
Explanation: Shortughai was a Harappan settlement in present-day Afghanistan near the Oxus region. Archaeological evidence of canals there suggests efforts to divert water for agriculture, a valuable adaptation in the relatively dry environment.
Q105. Canal irrigation is best suited to which geographical area?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (29 August 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) High mountains
(B) Rocky plateaus
(C) River basins and flat land
(D) Very rocky deserts
Answer: (C) River basins and flat land
Explanation: Canals can distribute water by gravity over broad, gently sloping plains, especially where nearby rivers provide dependable flows. Mountainous or rocky terrain makes excavation and construction harder, increasing both engineering costs and maintenance requirements.
Q104. Why is canal irrigation particularly suitable for the northern Indian plains?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (28 August 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Rivers flow only in monsoon
(B) Annual rainfall is always negligible
(C) Terrain is steep and rocky
(D) Flat terrain and perennial rivers
Answer: (D) Flat terrain and perennial rivers
Explanation: The northern plains combine extensive level alluvium with major perennial rivers. These conditions favour the excavation of canal distributaries and gravity-fed movement of water, enabling irrigation of large farming areas throughout varying cropping seasons.
Q103. Which irrigation technique conserves the most water among the options?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (19 August 2025, Shift 1)]
(A) Furrow
(B) Drip
(C) Flood
(D) Sprinkler
Answer: (B) Drip
Explanation: Drip outlets release water in small quantities close to active roots. This decreases wetting of unused soil, runoff and surface evaporation. Correct filtration and scheduled application are necessary to achieve the possible water savings.
Q102. Which canal serves irrigation in Gurugram and Faridabad districts?
[Haryana CET (26 July 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Jawahar Lal Canal
(B) Gurugram Canal
(C) Bhakra Canal
(D) Bhiwani Canal
Answer: (B) Gurugram Canal
Explanation: The Gurugram Canal supplies agricultural water across parts of southern Haryana, including Gurugram and Faridabad. It forms part of the broader regional canal network that helps supplement uncertain rainfall and support cultivation.
Q101. Where is sub-irrigation especially suitable?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (23 June 2025, Shift 3)]
(A) Sandy soils alone
(B) Low fertility soils
(C) Very low water tables
(D) Areas with relatively high water tables
Answer: (D) Areas with relatively high water tables
Explanation: Sub-irrigation makes moisture available below the surface, commonly through controlled water tables and capillary rise. It works best where groundwater is sufficiently near the roots; excessively deep water tables cannot supply adequate moisture by capillarity.
Q100. Which irrigation method conveys low-pressure water through pipes to individual plants?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (9 June 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Furrow irrigation
(B) Localised irrigation
(C) Tubewell irrigation
(D) Canal irrigation
Answer: (B) Localised irrigation
Explanation: Localized systems deliver limited quantities of water close to chosen plants rather than wetting the full field. Drip is a common example. Such targeted supply reduces unnecessary evaporation and can improve water productivity in dry regions.
Q99. Which combined source is an important leading contributor to irrigation in India?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (6 June 2025, Shift 3)]
(A) Sub-irrigation
(B) Tube wells and canals
(C) Only rainwater harvesting
(D) Only tanks
Answer: (B) Tube wells and canals
Explanation: Groundwater lifted by tubewells and surface water distributed through canals together serve extensive Indian farmland. Tubewells offer local control while canal systems move river or reservoir water across larger command areas. Their relative importance varies by state.
Q98. A cultivable command area above 10,000 hectares denotes what class of irrigation project?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (5 June 2025, Shift 3)]
(A) Local
(B) Micro
(C) Minor
(D) Major
Answer: (D) Major
Explanation: Indian irrigation projects are commonly classified by cultivable command area. Projects exceeding 10,000 hectares are major, those around 2,000–10,000 hectares medium, and smaller projects minor. The classification describes scale rather than water-delivery technology.
Q97. Which is not a disadvantage of irrigation?
[MPPKVVCL Assistant Engineer Civil (4 June 2025)]
(A) Soil salinisation
(B) Increased agricultural productivity
(C) Waterlogging
(D) Groundwater depletion
Answer: (B) Increased agricultural productivity
Explanation: Reliable irrigation generally raises crop productivity and permits additional cropping. Conversely, excessive application can cause waterlogging and salinity, while poorly regulated groundwater withdrawals lower aquifer levels. Increased production is therefore an intended benefit, not a disadvantage.
Q96. Which statement about saline soils in India is correct: (1) rich in nitrogen, (2) occur in arid, semiarid and waterlogged areas?
[UPSC CDS-I General Knowledge (13 April 2025)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) 2 only
Explanation: Saline soils contain excessive soluble salts, rather than an abundance of nitrogen. They occur where evaporation exceeds leaching or drainage is poor. Irrigation without suitable drainage may aggravate salt accumulation and harm crop growth.
2024 Previous-Year Questions
Q95. Which state principally benefits from the Sirhind Canal?
[RPF SI CBT-I (12 December 2024, Shift 3)]
(A) Bihar
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Punjab
(D) West Bengal
Answer: (C) Punjab
Explanation: The Sirhind Canal takes water from the Sutlej system near Ropar and serves agricultural tracts of Punjab. Established during the nineteenth century, the network made dependable canal irrigation possible in important grain-producing districts.
Q94. Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is situated on which river?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering Paper-II (6 November 2024)]
(A) Kaveri
(B) Ganga
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Godavari
Answer: (D) Godavari
Explanation: The Kaleshwaram system in Telangana lifts water from the Godavari using barrages, reservoirs, tunnels and pumping stages. Its design transfers water to areas above river level, where natural gravity distribution from the river alone would be insufficient.
Q93. Which factor does not directly determine the duty of irrigation canal water?
[SSC JE Civil Engineering Paper-II (6 November 2024)]
(A) Soil properties
(B) Cultivation methods
(C) Water-application method
(D) Reservoir storage
Answer: (D) Reservoir storage
Explanation: Duty is the area irrigated per unit discharge over a crop period. Soil infiltration, canal losses, agronomic practices and field application affect its value. Reservoir capacity is a storage characteristic rather than an immediate duty-determining factor.
Q92. Which of these dams belongs to the Damodar Valley Corporation system?
[SSC MTS (30 September 2024, Shift 2)]
(A) Maithon
(B) Rihand
(C) Koyna
(D) Salal
Answer: (A) Maithon
Explanation: Maithon Dam is built on the Barakar River, a Damodar tributary, and forms part of the Damodar Valley Corporation’s reservoir network. DVC projects combine flood moderation with irrigation, power generation and industrial water supply.
Q91. Which traditional water-harvesting arrangement is found in Jaisalmer?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (12 September 2024, Shift 3)]
(A) Guls
(B) Johads
(C) Khadins
(D) Kuls
Answer: (C) Khadins
Explanation: Khadins are traditional runoff-farming structures of western Rajasthan. A bund holds stormwater briefly across gently sloping land, allowing moisture to soak into the soil so crops can be grown with stored soil moisture.
Q90. When was the centrally sponsored micro-irrigation scheme introduced?
[UP Police Constable Re-Exam (25 August 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) March 2004
(B) January 2004
(C) January 2006
(D) March 2002
Answer: (C) January 2006
Explanation: A central micro-irrigation scheme was launched in January 2006 to promote efficient use of agricultural water. It encouraged drip and sprinkler installations, and later programmes developed and reorganized this financial and technical support.
Q89. Why is irrigation especially important in India?
[NBCC JE Civil (25 August 2024)]
(A) Adequate but uneven rainfall
(B) Adequate and even rainfall
(C) Inadequate and uneven rainfall
(D) Inadequate yet uniform rainfall
Answer: (C) Inadequate and uneven rainfall
Explanation: Rainfall across India is strongly seasonal and geographically unequal, with dry spells occurring even in farming regions receiving substantial annual rain. Irrigation supplements uncertain monsoon supply and permits crops to grow when precipitation is insufficient.
Q88. Tilpara irrigation canal is located in which district?
[WBCS 2023 Mains History Paper-III (held 18 August 2024)]
(A) Birbhum
(B) Purulia
(C) Malda
(D) None of these
Answer: (A) Birbhum
Explanation: Tilpara Barrage is on the Mayurakshi River close to Suri in Birbhum, West Bengal. Its canal system supports irrigation of fields within Birbhum and surrounding agricultural areas through regulated surface-water distribution.
Q87. Which scheme promotes solar energy use for agricultural irrigation?
[WBCS 2023 Mains History Paper-III (held 18 August 2024)]
(A) PM-KUSUM
(B) PMFBY
(C) PKVY
(D) e-NAM
Answer: (A) PM-KUSUM
Explanation: PM-KUSUM supports solar-powered farm pumps and related renewable-energy installations. Solar irrigation can reduce reliance on diesel and grid electricity, although sustainable groundwater management remains essential so cheaper pumping does not encourage over-extraction.
Q86. Which answer best describes the principal importance of Farakka Barrage?
[WBCS 2023 Mains History Paper-III (held 18 August 2024)]
(A) Hydroelectricity only
(B) Flood control only
(C) Navigation and irrigation
(D) Drinking water only
Answer: (C) Navigation and irrigation
Explanation: Farakka Barrage diverts Ganga water into a feeder canal toward the Bhagirathi–Hooghly system. The diversion helps maintain flows important for navigation toward Kolkata Port and is associated with regional water distribution and irrigation benefits.
Q85. Which state is known for traditional bamboo drip irrigation?
[Bihar TRE 3.0 Upper Primary Social Science (19 July 2024)]
(A) Meghalaya
(B) Jharkhand
(C) Assam
(D) More than one listed state
(E) None
Answer: (A) Meghalaya
Explanation: Communities in Meghalaya use networks of bamboo pipes to convey water from upland springs to plant roots. This traditional form of controlled application reduces reliance on powered machinery and works with gravity and local materials.
Q84. Which government project involved villagers in conserving water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries and afforestation?
[SSC CPO Paper-I (28 June 2024, Shift 3)]
(A) Neeru–Meeru
(B) Haryali
(C) Chipko Andolan
(D) Arvari Pani Sansad
Answer: (B) Haryali
Explanation: Haryali was a watershed development initiative emphasizing village participation in local water and land-resource management. The approach integrated soil conservation, storage and recharge to support irrigation along with drinking-water security, forestry and livelihoods.
Q83. Which programme was not introduced as part of the Tenth Five-Year Plan?
[SSC CPO Paper-I (27 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Jute Technology Mission
(B) Drought Prone Areas Programme
(C) National Horticulture Mission
(D) Micro Irrigation Programme
Answer: (B) Drought Prone Areas Programme
Explanation: The Drought Prone Areas Programme predates the 2002–07 Tenth Plan, while the other named missions or programmes were associated with the plan period. Micro-irrigation policy focused on greater efficiency in on-farm use of scarce water.
Q82. Which formula gives Culturable Command Area?
[SSC JE Civil (7 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) CCA = GCA
(B) CCA = unculturable area − GCA
(C) CCA = GCA + unculturable area
(D) CCA = GCA − unculturable area
Answer: (D) CCA = GCA − unculturable area
Explanation: Gross Command Area includes both potentially cultivable and uncultivable land under a scheme. Deducting uncultivable land gives Culturable Command Area, a critical measure when estimating potential cropped acreage and irrigation-project classification.
Q81. Which method has the greatest irrigation efficiency among these?
[SSC JE Civil (6 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Drip
(B) Sprinkler
(C) Furrow
(D) Border strip
Answer: (A) Drip
Explanation: Drip irrigation applies measured water close to plant roots, avoiding much of the evaporation, runoff and deep percolation of broad surface techniques. System performance depends on design and maintenance, but its potential application efficiency is generally highest.
Q80. Canal lining limits seepage and therefore generally does what to irrigated command area?
[SSC JE Civil (6 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Does not affect it
(B) Leaves it unchanged
(C) Increases it
(D) Decreases it
Answer: (C) Increases it
Explanation: A lined canal loses less water through infiltration along its bed and sides. More water can therefore reach distributaries and farm outlets, potentially extending the irrigated command area while also limiting seepage-induced waterlogging.
Q79. Which statement about soil pollution and water conservation is incorrect?
[SSC JE Civil (6 June 2024, Shift 3)]
(A) Salty irrigation water can salinise land
(B) Rainwater storage bunds are area-treatment works
(C) Area treatment means treatment of natural watercourses
(D) DDT can persist for years in temperate soil
Answer: (C) Area treatment means treatment of natural watercourses
Explanation: Area treatments generally intervene across a watershed landscape, for example with bunds or soil-moisture conservation. Treating natural drainage lines is ordinarily part of drainage-line treatment, making the stated classification incorrect.
Q78. Low-pressure drip pipes release irrigation water in which plant zone?
[MPPGCL JE Civil (1 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) General soil zone
(B) Stem zone
(C) Atmospheric zone
(D) Root zone
Answer: (D) Root zone
Explanation: Plant roots absorb most of the applied water and dissolved nutrients. Drip emitters therefore discharge within or near the root zone, reducing evaporation from distant ground and enabling controlled watering of individual crops.
Q77. Which canal type best improves the duty of irrigation water?
[MPPGCL JE Civil (1 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Alluvial unlined canal
(B) Lined canal
(C) Unlined canal
(D) Carrier canal
Answer: (B) Lined canal
Explanation: Concrete or other protective lining reduces water seepage through a canal bed and sidewalls. For a given source discharge, improved conveyance means more water reaches fields, increasing effective duty and reducing unwanted groundwater rise near canals.
Q76. Which set correctly identifies reasons for irrigation?
[MPPGCL JE Civil (1 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Low uneven rain, water-demanding crops, regulated supply
(B) Heavy uneven rain, water-demanding crops, regulated supply
(C) Low uniform rain, water-demanding crops, regulated supply
(D) Low uneven rain, water-demanding crops, unregulated supply
Answer: (A) Low uneven rain, water-demanding crops, regulated supply
Explanation: Farmers need irrigation when rainfall is too little or poorly distributed and when crops require supplemental moisture. Planned irrigation also offers control over timing and quantity of water, whereas unregulated application wastes water and may damage soil.
Q75. Which was not a primary objective of the Damodar Valley Project?
[RPSC Assistant Professor Geography Paper-II (18 May 2024)]
(A) Flood control
(B) Soil erosion
(C) Irrigation development
(D) Hydropower generation
Answer: (B) Soil erosion
Explanation: The Damodar Valley project was conceived as a multipurpose river-basin scheme. Its major objectives included flood moderation, water availability for irrigation and generation of electricity. Soil conservation may be related but is not the principal objective listed.
Q74. In which state is the Polavaram Irrigation Project located?
[OSSC Vital Statistics Assistant (12 March 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Karnataka
(C) Kerala
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (D) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Polavaram is a multipurpose project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. Intended uses include irrigation and water transfer, along with other benefits. It is important in discussions of the Godavari basin and agricultural water distribution.
Q73. In which state did farmers develop canal-like channels called kulhs more than 400 years ago?
[UP Police Constable (17 February 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) Gujarat
(C) Kerala
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (A) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation: Kulhs are traditional hillside channels of Himachal Pradesh that divert water from streams into cultivated fields. The system frequently relied on village cooperation to build, clean and regulate shared watercourses across uneven terrain.
Q72. Tank-based irrigation has traditionally been common in which state?
[PSSSB JE Civil (20 January 2024)]
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Himachal Pradesh
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (D) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh has numerous traditional tanks for capturing seasonal rain and river runoff. These local storage structures support agriculture between monsoon periods, particularly in terrain where maintaining large canals can be costly or impractical.
Q71. Which irrigation method suits lawns and coffee plantations on uneven land with limited water?
[HTET PRT 2024 Official Paper]
(A) Dhekli
(B) Rahat
(C) Drip
(D) Sprinkler
Answer: (D) Sprinkler
Explanation: Sprinklers deliver water as spray and can cover a relatively uneven field without precise surface leveling. Proper nozzle design helps distribute water over lawns and plantation crops; application must be adjusted for wind and available supply.
2023 Previous-Year Questions
Q70. For standing crops, sprinklers are especially suitable on what sort of field?
[SSC JE Civil (11 October 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Level surface only
(B) Undulating sandy soil
(C) Heavy soil with very low infiltration
(D) Alluvial soil in every case
Answer: (B) Undulating sandy soil
Explanation: Sprinklers can apply a controlled rainfall-like shower without extensive land leveling. This is valuable on undulating or sandy fields, where uncontrolled flooding can cause erosion or water loss through rapid infiltration.
Q69. Which is a possible harmful effect of badly managed irrigation?
[SSC JE Civil (10 October 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Flood prevention
(B) Famine protection
(C) Mosquito breeding and malaria
(D) Urbanization
Answer: (C) Mosquito breeding and malaria
Explanation: Standing water from poor drainage and waterlogging can provide breeding sites for mosquitoes, increasing disease risk. Irrigation brings major agricultural benefits, but drainage, canal maintenance and field water management are necessary to avoid such public-health impacts.
Q68. Which irrigation method suits arid, hot and windy conditions with minimum water loss?
[SSC JE Civil (9 October 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Drip
(B) Sprinkler
(C) Furrow
(D) Border strip
Answer: (A) Drip
Explanation: Wind can scatter sprinkler spray, and high temperatures increase evaporation from wet field surfaces. Drip applies water near roots through low-flow outlets, making it especially suitable for efficient use of scarce water in hot, dry conditions.
Q67. Dhekli and lever systems are traditional methods of what?
[MP Police Constable (3 September 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Cultivation
(B) Sowing
(C) Harvesting
(D) Irrigation
Answer: (D) Irrigation
Explanation: A dhekli uses a lever to raise water from a source such as a well or stream. Before widespread pumps, such simple devices helped farmers lift and channel water to crops, making them traditional irrigation technologies.
Q66. Which state retains the traditional bamboo drip irrigation method?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I (11 August 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Telangana
(B) Meghalaya
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Chhattisgarh
Answer: (B) Meghalaya
Explanation: Meghalaya communities have long channelled spring and stream water through interconnected bamboo pipes. The pipes divide flows and release small quantities close to plants, making the method a striking traditional example of localized irrigation.
Q65. Which is a major suitable use for harvested rainwater among the choices?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I (9 August 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Cooking alone
(B) Irrigation
(C) Only drinking water for pets
(D) Industrial processes only
Answer: (B) Irrigation
Explanation: Stored rainfall can supplement crop-water needs during dry intervals. Harvesting improves local water availability and can reduce demand on canals or aquifers, although stored-water quality and the design of tanks affect practical uses.
Q64. Traditional mountain irrigation channels called kulhs are associated with which state?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I (7 August 2023, Shift 3)]
(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) Odisha
(C) Andhra Pradesh
(D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (A) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation: Kulhs are small gravity-fed channels traditionally used in Himachal Pradesh to divert water from hillside streams toward fields. Collective village maintenance was important because channel performance depended on keeping intakes and pathways clear.
Q63. Consider:
(1) India has more arable land than China;
(2) India has a larger irrigated-area share;
(3) India has higher crop productivity per hectare.
How many are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (28 May 2023)]
(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) All three
(D) None
Answer: (A) Only one
Explanation: The examination answer accepts only the statement about India’s relative share of irrigated land. The statement about greater arable land and the assertion of higher Indian productivity are not accepted in this comparison.
Q62. India withdraws more than one-quarter of global groundwater annually (Statement I);
this is necessary primarily for drinking water and sanitation (Statement II).
Which is correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (28 May 2023)]
(A) Both correct; II explains I
(B) Both correct; II does not explain I
(C) I correct; II incorrect
(D) I incorrect; II correct
Answer: (C) I correct; II incorrect
Explanation: India is one of the world’s largest groundwater extractors, and agriculture accounts for most withdrawals. Hence the report-based extraction statement is accepted, but attributing this high volume chiefly to drinking water and sanitation is mistaken.
Q61. What is the name of irrigation using thin tubes that carry water to a plant base?
[SSC MTS (17 May 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Sprinkler
(B) Canal
(C) Drip
(D) Surface
Answer: (C) Drip
Explanation: Narrow pipes connected to drippers supply small doses to individual plant bases. The approach limits wetting between plants, helps conserve water and is common in horticulture, orchards and cultivated rows where precise supply is advantageous.
Q60. Which is not a reason for developing irrigation?
[MPPGCL JE Civil (29 April 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Low rainfall
(B) Uncontrolled supply of water
(C) Perennial crops
(D) Uneven rainfall
Answer: (B) Uncontrolled supply of water
Explanation: The purpose of irrigation is to control water delivery according to crop needs. Low or erratic rainfall and perennial crop requirements create demand for planned supply, while an uncontrolled flow risks both waste and land degradation.
Q59. Which effects of irrigation are considered correct:
S1 increased food output,
S2 improved groundwater storage,
S3 greater mixed-cropping tendency?
[MPPGCL JE Civil (29 April 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) All three
(B) S1 and S2 only
(C) S1 and S3 only
(D) S2 and S3 only
Answer: (B) S1 and S2 only
Explanation: Reliable irrigation commonly raises food output and canal seepage may recharge groundwater in a command area. The assertion that it necessarily encourages mixed cropping is not accepted here; dependable water can favour more specialized cropping patterns.
Q58. An irrigation outlet serves 2,200 hectares of sugarcane at 17 cm kor depth in 30 days. What flow is required?
[MPPGCL JE Civil (29 April 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) 1.54 cubic m/s
(B) 1.44 cubic m/s
(C) 1.30 cubic m/s
(D) 1.65 cubic m/s
Answer: (B) 1.44 cubic m/s
Explanation: Required volume equals 2,200 × 10,000 × 0.17 = 3,740,000 cubic metres. Dividing by 30 × 86,400 seconds gives approximately 1.44 cubic metres per second. This assumes continuous delivery during the stated kor period.
Q57. Identify the true statements:
(1) irrigation helps during deficient rain,
(2) uneven rain makes irrigation important,
(3) water can improve arid cropland.
[MPPGCL JE Civil (29 April 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Only 1 true
(B) Only 3 true
(C) All three true
(D) All three false
Answer: (C) All three true
Explanation: Irrigation supplements inadequate rainfall, smooths seasonal variability and makes crop growth possible in some naturally dry regions. Feasibility still depends on available water, soil conditions, drainage and suitable management to avoid salinisation.
Q56. Which are important sources of irrigation water in India?
[BPSC Assistant (28 April 2023)]
(A) Wells
(B) Ponds
(C) Canals
(D) All of these
Answer: (D) All of these
Explanation: Indian farmers draw water from several complementary sources. Wells access groundwater, ponds store runoff and canals convey river or reservoir supplies. Their suitability depends on local geology, rainfall, topography and infrastructure.
Q55. In which Five-Year Plan was agriculture and irrigation’s percentage allocation highest?
[NDA General Ability Test (16 April 2023)]
(A) Seventh
(B) Third
(C) First
(D) Second
Answer: (C) First
Explanation: The First Five-Year Plan, covering 1951–56, gave exceptional priority to agricultural rehabilitation, food security and irrigation. Large water projects and community development featured prominently because food shortages and rural production were urgent development concerns.
Q54. Which set contains only traditional irrigation water-lifting devices?
[KVS PRT (24 February 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Moat, chain pump, rahat, ploughshare
(B) Moat, chain pump, dhekli, ploughshare
(C) Rahat, seed drill, plough, dhekli
(D) Moat, chain pump, dhekli, rahat
Answer: (D) Moat, chain pump, dhekli, rahat
Explanation: Moat, chain pump, dhekli and rahat are traditional devices that lift or draw water for fields. A plough and seed drill instead prepare soil or sow seeds, making them agricultural implements rather than irrigation technologies.
Q53. Which condition is favourable for sprinkler irrigation?
[UPSC ESE Civil Prelims (19 February 2023)]
(A) Regular terrain only
(B) Soil that is never erodible
(C) Low water table alone
(D) Highly permeable soil
Answer: (D) Highly permeable soil
Explanation: Sprinklers apply water at adjustable rates and work on irregular terrain. On very permeable land they can deliver smaller applications than uncontrolled flooding, helping match the infiltration capacity and avoid unnecessary deep drainage.
Q52. Where was sprinkler irrigation made compulsory across the command area of a major Rajasthan project?
[Rajasthan CET Senior Secondary (11 February 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Bisalpur
(B) Narmada Canal
(C) Jakham
(D) Mahi Bajaj Sagar
Answer: (B) Narmada Canal
Explanation: The Rajasthan portion of the Narmada Canal Project requires sprinkler irrigation across its designated command. Pressure application is intended to use limited transferred water efficiently, especially in dry western districts where conventional flooding is wasteful.
Q51. Which Sutlej basin project was developed for both irrigation and hydroelectricity?
[SSC GD Constable (6 February 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Nagarjuna project
(B) Hirakud project
(C) Bhakra–Nangal project
(D) Sardar Sarovar
Answer: (C) Bhakra–Nangal project
Explanation: Bhakra–Nangal is a multipurpose system on the Sutlej. Stored and diverted water serves an extensive northern canal network while the dam and associated works produce hydroelectricity. The other named schemes belong to different river systems.
Q50. Which irrigation project–district pair is incorrectly matched?
[Rajasthan CET Graduate (8 January 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Benthali–Baran
(B) Indira Lift–Ganganagar
(C) Bankali–Jalore
(D) Bhimlat–Bundi
Answer: (B) Indira Lift–Ganganagar
Explanation: Benthali is associated with Baran, Bankali with Jalore and Bhimlat with Bundi. The specified Indira Lift–Ganganagar pairing is the mismatched option in this Rajasthan examination item.
Q49. Which Rajasthan irrigation project first made sprinklers mandatory?
[Rajasthan CET Graduate (8 January 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Narmada Canal
(B) Mahi Bajaj Sagar
(C) Indira Gandhi Canal
(D) Chambal Canal
Answer: (A) Narmada Canal
Explanation: Rajasthan adopted compulsory sprinkler delivery for the Narmada Canal command to conserve transferred water. This approach suits water-scarce irrigated tracts, reducing broad field flooding and helping distribute limited canal allocations.
Q48. Which villages were to benefit from the Parvan Mega irrigation project?
[Rajasthan CET Graduate (8 January 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) 637 villages in Jhalawar, Baran and Kota
(B) 535 villages in Bundi, Kota and Baran
(C) 637 villages in Jhalawar, Bundi and Kota
(D) 535 villages in Pratapgarh, Jhalawar and Kota
Answer: (A) 637 villages in Jhalawar, Baran and Kota
Explanation: The Parvan multipurpose project in Rajasthan is intended to supply irrigation and other water services within parts of the Chambal basin. The examination specified 637 beneficiary villages across Jhalawar, Baran and Kota districts.
Q47. Which irrigation project–district pairing is wrong?
[Rajasthan CET Graduate (7 January 2023, Shift 1)]
(A) Parvan Lift–Jaipur
(B) Savan–Bhado–Kota
(C) Som–Kamla–Amba–Dungarpur
(D) Som Kagdar–Udaipur
Answer: (A) Parvan Lift–Jaipur
Explanation: The Parvan Lift project is associated with southeastern Rajasthan rather than Jaipur. The other listed associations are accepted in the paper, including Som–Kamla–Amba in Dungarpur and Savan–Bhado in Kota.
Q46. Which irrigation project–district association is incorrect?
[Rajasthan CET Graduate (7 January 2023, Shift 2)]
(A) Panchna–Karauli
(B) Mansi Wakal–Dungarpur
(C) Orai–Chittorgarh
(D) Gudha–Bundi
Answer: (B) Mansi Wakal–Dungarpur
Explanation: Mansi Wakal is situated in the Udaipur district, so its proposed association with Dungarpur is wrong. The matching of Panchna with Karauli, Orai with Chittorgarh and Gudha with Bundi is accepted.
2022 Previous-Year Questions
Q45. Which is a benefit rather than a problem associated with large dams?
[RRB Group D (1 September 2022, Shift 3)]
(A) Forest loss
(B) High cost relative to benefit
(C) Storage of water for irrigation
(D) Displacement of inhabitants
Answer: (C) Storage of water for irrigation
Explanation: Large dams can store seasonal runoff for controlled release to farms, helping crops through dry periods. By contrast, inundated forests, displacement and unequal distribution of costs and benefits are important potential adverse consequences.
Q44. Which crop grows with temperatures of about 21–37°C and generally needs approximately 100 cm of rainfall or irrigation?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I (3 June 2022)]
(A) Rice
(B) Maize
(C) Gram
(D) Barley
Answer: (A) Rice
Explanation: Rice grows best in warm conditions and often requires abundant moisture during cultivation. Rainfall alone may be insufficient or poorly timed, so canals, tanks and wells supply supplementary irrigation in many rice-growing regions.
Q43. Which statement is not an advantage of sprinkler irrigation?
[NHPC Junior Engineer Mechanical (6 April 2022, Shift 2)]
(A) Fertilizer can be applied in water
(B) It requires greater electrical power
(C) It can reduce waterlogging
(D) It may save labour
Answer: (B) It requires greater electrical power
Explanation: Sprinklers can distribute water uniformly and reduce labour needs but need pumping pressure. Electrical or mechanical energy demand is a potential cost, not a benefit. Their suitability also depends on wind, water quality and soil infiltration.
Q42. An irrigation project with a cultivable command area of 8,000 hectares belongs to which category?
[JKSSB Junior Engineer Civil (20 March 2022)]
(A) Major
(B) Medium
(C) Minor
(D) Groundwater
Answer: (B) Medium
Explanation: Indian irrigation-project classifications generally designate up to 2,000 hectares as minor, above 2,000 through 10,000 as medium, and over 10,000 as major. The stated cultivable command area falls within the medium class.
2021 Previous-Year Questions
Q41. A canal must supply 16 cm of useful field water, with 80% application efficiency. What depth is needed at the field outlet?
[JKSSB Junior Engineer Civil (27 October 2021)]
(A) 16 cm
(B) 18 cm
(C) 20 cm
(D) 24 cm
Answer: (C) 20 cm
Explanation: Gross application depth equals net depth divided by application efficiency. Thus 16 ÷ 0.80 gives 20 centimetres. The extra four centimetres account for water that does not contribute to the intended field requirement.
Q40. Which crop is least efficient in water use among these choices?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (10 October 2021)]
(A) Sugarcane
(B) Sunflower
(C) Pearl millet
(D) Red gram
Answer: (A) Sugarcane
Explanation: Sugarcane has a long growing period and demands substantial water over its crop cycle. Pearl millet and red gram are more adapted to relatively dry conditions. Water productivity varies by region, variety and irrigation management.
Q39. In drip irrigation, water is mainly supplied according to which crop requirement?
[RSMSSB Agriculture Supervisor (2021)]
(A) Seed rate
(B) Soil slope
(C) Consumptive use
(D) Harvesting method
Answer: (C) Consumptive use
Explanation: Consumptive use refers principally to evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants. Drip irrigation schedules are designed to replace water required in the active root zone with relatively small, controlled applications.
Q38. What is a main benefit of drip irrigation?
[JKSSB Junior Engineer Civil (2021)]
(A) Increased runoff
(B) Greater waterlogging
(C) Reduced yield
(D) Higher crop yield with efficient water use
Answer: (D) Higher crop yield with efficient water use
Explanation: When designed well, drip systems keep root-zone moisture closer to crop demand while minimizing excessive wetting outside planted rows. This can improve water-use efficiency and, under suitable conditions, produce higher yields.
Q37. For expensive irrigation supplies, which outcome should be maximized?
[MPSC Engineering Services Civil (2021)]
(A) Water applied per hectare
(B) Conveyance losses
(C) Crop output per unit of water
(D) Soil saturation time
Answer: (C) Crop output per unit of water
Explanation: Where water is costly, efficient scheduling aims to obtain more valuable crop output from each unit used. Measuring crop yield or economic return per unit of irrigation water helps guide investment and water allocation.
Q36. What is the cultivable command-area threshold for a major irrigation project in India?
[JKSSB Junior Engineer Civil (2021)]
(A) More than 2,000 ha
(B) More than 5,000 ha
(C) More than 10,000 ha
(D) More than 20,000 ha
Answer: (C) More than 10,000 ha
Explanation: A major irrigation project has a cultivable command area exceeding 10,000 hectares. The category is based on potential agricultural area served, not simply the volume stored or the dam’s physical height.
Q35. How frequently a crop should be irrigated chiefly depends on which factors?
[GPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2021)]
(A) Only field shape
(B) Only irrigation canal length
(C) Soil, crop and climate
(D) Only fertilizer type
Answer: (C) Soil, crop and climate
Explanation: Different soils store different quantities of plant-available water, crops have varying rooting depths and climate drives evapotranspiration. Scheduling irrigation therefore considers soil properties, crop stage, atmospheric demand and available rainfall.
2020 Previous-Year Questions
Q34. The Baithali irrigation project is associated with which Rajasthan district?
[RSMSSB JE Electrical/Mechanical (26 December 2020)]
(A) Jhalawar
(B) Kota
(C) Baran
(D) Bundi
Answer: (C) Baran
Explanation: Baithali is an irrigation project associated with Baran district in southeastern Rajasthan. Local projects like this are often examined through project–district identification because they form an important part of state water-resource geography.
Q33. An irrigation channel designed by Lacey’s theory has mean velocity 1.5 m/s and silt factor 1. What is its hydraulic mean radius?
[UPPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (13 December 2020)]
(A) 2.5 m
(B) 1.5 m
(C) 5.625 m
(D) 6.525 m
Answer: (C) 5.625 m
Explanation: Lacey’s empirical relation gives hydraulic radius R = 2.5 V²/f. Substituting V = 1.5 metres per second and f = 1 yields R = 2.5 × 2.25 = 5.625 metres.
Q32. What is the crossing called when an irrigation canal passes above a drainage channel?
[UPPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (13 December 2020)]
(A) Aqueduct
(B) Super passage
(C) Level crossing
(D) None
Answer: (A) Aqueduct
Explanation: An aqueduct conveys canal flow across the top of a natural drain when sufficient vertical clearance exists. A super passage is the reverse arrangement, with the drain above the canal. Such structures preserve independent flow paths.
Q31. Approximately what percentage of Uttar Pradesh’s irrigated area was under canals in the examination data?
[UPPSC RO/ARO GS-I (20 September 2020)]
(A) 25%
(B) 29%
(C) 28%
(D) 27%
Answer: (A) 25%
Explanation: The paper used an older breakdown placing about one-quarter of irrigated area under canals. Tube wells contributed a much larger portion. Such percentages are date-sensitive and should not be interpreted as current statistics.
Q30. Irrigation supplied by pumping water from wells is classified as which irrigation?
[GPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2020)]
(A) Flow irrigation
(B) Lift irrigation
(C) Tidal irrigation
(D) Direct flood irrigation
Answer: (B) Lift irrigation
Explanation: A well or tube well requires water to be lifted from below ground to the field, usually using mechanical or electrical pumping. Gravity-based flow irrigation instead relies principally on available hydraulic head.
Q29. Which is an especially important irrigation source in Rajasthan?
[RSMSSB JE (2020)]
(A) Tanks alone
(B) Sea-water canals
(C) Glacial channels
(D) Wells and tube wells
Answer: (D) Wells and tube wells
Explanation: Groundwater extracted through open wells and tube wells has been central to Rajasthan agriculture in many areas. Relative dependence varies among districts and over time, and continued pumping requires attention to aquifer depletion.
2019 Previous-Year Questions
Q28. In which state is bamboo drip irrigation an old traditional practice?
[SSC GD Constable (18 February 2019, Shift 1)]
(A) Chhattisgarh
(B) Meghalaya
(C) Telangana
(D) Maharashtra
Answer: (B) Meghalaya
Explanation: Meghalaya’s bamboo drip systems divert spring water through a series of hollow bamboo channels. The channels progressively reduce discharge and deliver water near plants, providing a low-energy adaptation to steep terrain.
Q27. Which Indian state has the largest total area under irrigation in the examination comparison?
[UP PGT Geography (2019)]
(A) Punjab
(B) Haryana
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Kerala
Answer: (C) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh’s extensive plains and major canal and tube-well networks give it a very large irrigated area in absolute terms. Percentage of cultivated land irrigated is a different indicator and may favour other states.
Q26. What is an important loss mechanism in overhead sprinkler irrigation?
[DSSSB Junior Engineer Civil (2019)]
(A) No evaporation ever
(B) Evaporation from airborne droplets
(C) Complete elimination of runoff
(D) Zero pumping requirements
Answer: (B) Evaporation from airborne droplets
Explanation: Some sprinkler droplets evaporate before reaching the ground, especially in hot, dry or windy conditions. Designing suitable nozzle sizes, pressure and irrigation times helps reduce these losses and improve application uniformity.
2018 Previous-Year Questions
Q25. Which Rajasthan irrigation project was the first to require sprinkler irrigation throughout its command?
[RPSC RAS Prelims (2018)]
(A) Parban
(B) Dholpur Lift
(C) Narmada
(D) Takli
Answer: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada Canal Project introduced mandatory sprinkler irrigation for its Rajasthan command. Water conservation is important because the scheme conveys river water into relatively arid areas where broad surface flooding can waste supplies.
Q24. The Mohanpura irrigation project inaugurated in 2018 is located in which Madhya Pradesh district?
[MP Jail Prahari (2018)]
(A) Guna
(B) Sehore
(C) Rajgarh
(D) Raisen
Answer: (C) Rajgarh
Explanation: Mohanpura Dam lies in Rajgarh district and was inaugurated in June 2018. Its purpose includes expanding assured irrigation to agricultural land, supporting crop production in a region affected by variable rainfall.
2017 Previous-Year Questions
Q23. Which is an irrigation method?
[MPPEB Group 2/Subgroup 4 Labour Inspector (10 January 2017, Shift 2)]
(A) Burrow
(B) Furrow
(C) Harrow
(D) Fallow
Answer: (B) Furrow
Explanation: Furrow irrigation uses shallow channels between planted ridges to convey water by gravity. A harrow is a soil-working implement, fallow refers to temporarily uncropped land and burrow has a different ordinary meaning.
Q22. The Polavaram irrigation and hydroelectric project is on which river?
[WBCS Prelims (2017)]
(A) Cauvery
(B) Pennar
(C) Krishna
(D) Godavari
Answer: (D) Godavari
Explanation: Polavaram, also called the Indira Sagar Project, is a multipurpose water scheme on the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. It is planned to supply irrigation water, hydropower and other benefits across parts of the state.
Q21. Crop irrigation requirement is determined from which primary crop-water quantity?
[GPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2017)]
(A) Maximum flood depth
(B) Minimum canal width
(C) Evapotranspiration
(D) Reservoir volume only
Answer: (C) Evapotranspiration
Explanation: Evapotranspiration combines soil evaporation and plant transpiration. Crop irrigation requirement is estimated by considering crop evapotranspiration after accounting for effective rainfall, stored soil moisture and other water contributions.
Q20. What are particularly critical stages for irrigation of pulse crops?
[Maharashtra Agriculture Service (2017)]
(A) Branching and pod formation
(B) Seed storage and threshing
(C) Transport and sale
(D) Post-harvest drying
Answer: (A) Branching and pod formation
Explanation: Pulse crops are relatively drought tolerant but sensitive to moisture stress at branching, flowering and pod development. Timely irrigation around these stages helps maintain reproductive growth and protect yield without excessive watering.
2016 Previous-Year Questions
Q19. Which advantages of drip irrigation are correct:
(1) fewer weeds,
(2) lower soil salinity,
(3) reduced soil erosion?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2016)]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) None
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Localized dripping wets a smaller area and produces little surface runoff, discouraging some weeds and erosion. It does not automatically cure soil salinity; poorly managed systems can concentrate salts around the wetted zone.
Q18. What was an araghatta in medieval Indian economic history?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2016)]
(A) Bonded labour
(B) Military land grant
(C) Waterwheel for irrigation
(D) Reclaimed wasteland
Answer: (C) Waterwheel for irrigation
Explanation: An araghatta was a water-lifting wheel used in agriculture, commonly with pots attached around a rotating structure. Animals or human effort could drive the mechanism, lifting water from wells or channels into field distribution systems.
Q17. Which two rivers were linked in a recently undertaken river-linking project?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2016)]
(A) Cauvery and Tungabhadra
(B) Godavari and Krishna
(C) Mahanadi and Sone
(D) Narmada and Tapti
Answer: (B) Godavari and Krishna
Explanation: The Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme transferred water from the Godavari toward the Krishna basin in Andhra Pradesh. Pumping and canal links can redistribute water between basins, although costs and environmental effects require assessment.
Q16. Which listed state had the highest percentage associated with tank irrigation in the examination?
[WBCS Prelims (2016)]
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) West Bengal
(C) Kerala
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (A) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu has a long history of irrigation tanks constructed for capturing monsoon runoff. Its landscape and traditional water institutions supported tank networks, though modern proportions of irrigation sources can change over time.
Q15. What subsidy percentage was offered to small and marginal farmers for drip irrigation in the relevant state scheme?
[CGPSC Prelims (2016)]
(A) 50%
(B) 60%
(C) 75%
(D) 90%
Answer: (B) 60%
Explanation: The examination referred to a scheme providing a 60 percent subsidy. Such financial assistance lowers the upfront purchase and installation burden of drip systems; exact rates change by programme, farmer category and year.
Q14. Evaluate statements:
(a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq built Sudarshan Lake;
(b) Punyagupta built the Western Yamuna Canal.
[MPSC State Service Prelims (2016)]
(A) A only
(B) B only
(C) Both
(D) Neither
Answer: (D) Neither
Explanation: Sudarshan Lake’s early construction is associated with Pushyagupta, while the Western Yamuna Canal is linked to Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Both statements reverse or misattribute historical waterworks, so neither is correct.
2015 Previous-Year Questions
Q13. IRS satellites are used for
(1) crop-productivity assessment,
(2) groundwater location,
(3) mineral exploration,
(4) telecom,
(5) traffic studies.
Which set is correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (23 August 2015)]
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 4 and 5 only
(C) 1 and 2 only
(D) All five
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Earth-observation satellites provide images useful for crop condition, geological mapping and the identification of potential groundwater zones. Telecommunications traffic functions are normally performed by other satellite systems, so the first three applications are correct.
Q12. Which traditional source has historically been important for irrigation in Telangana?
[TSPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2015)]
(A) Glacier-fed canals
(B) Tanks
(C) Tidal reservoirs
(D) Desalination plants
Answer: (B) Tanks
Explanation: Tank irrigation has deep historical roots on the Deccan Plateau, including Telangana, where embankments store monsoon runoff. The importance of tanks as a traditional system should be distinguished from changing contemporary groundwater-use patterns.
Q11. Water drawn from a tube well is categorized as what?
[OSSC JE Civil (2015)]
(A) Surface water
(B) Subsurface water
(C) Surface runoff
(D) Wholesome water
(E) Potable water
Answer: (B) Subsurface water
Explanation: Tube wells penetrate water-bearing layers below the ground and withdraw groundwater. This is subsurface water, unlike water captured directly from rivers, reservoirs or rainfall runoff. Water quality depends on local aquifer conditions.
Q10. For orchards, which flooding method typically supplies water to individual tree basins?
[OSSC JE Civil (2015)]
(A) Free flooding
(B) Contour flooding
(C) Border strip
(D) Basin flooding
Answer: (D) Basin flooding
Explanation: Basin irrigation confines applied water within bunded areas around trees, allowing controlled infiltration near their root systems. Its effectiveness depends on basin size, soil infiltration and the need to avoid prolonged waterlogging.
2014 Previous-Year Questions
Q9. If an irrigation canal passes below a drainage channel, which cross-drainage arrangement can be used?
[CGPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2014)]
(A) Aqueduct
(B) Level crossing
(C) Weir
(D) Super passage
(E) Canal escape
Answer: (D) Super passage
Explanation: A super passage carries the natural drain over an irrigation canal when sufficient clearance permits. An aqueduct instead carries the canal above the drain. Distinguishing their relative levels is central to cross-drainage design.
Q8. Which assertion is not a normal advantage of tube-well irrigation over canal irrigation?
[CGPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2014)]
(A) Independent operation
(B) Flexible timing
(C) Localized delivery
(D) Farmer-level control
(E) Well water is always much cheaper than canal water
Answer: (E) Well water is always much cheaper than canal water
Explanation: Tube wells can offer on-demand supply and flexible operation, but pumping, fuel or electricity and maintenance make costs variable. It is incorrect to assume that tube-well water is invariably cheaper than canal supplies.
Q7. Paddy requires 12 cm water every ten days over a 120-day growth period. What is the total irrigation depth?
[CGPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2014)]
(A) 100 cm
(B) 120 cm
(C) 144 cm
(D) 160 cm
(E) 180 cm
Answer: (C) 144 cm
Explanation: There are 120 ÷ 10 = 12 irrigation intervals. Multiplying 12 applications by 12 centimetres gives a seasonal irrigation depth of 144 centimetres, assuming the stated uniform application schedule.
2013 Previous-Year Questions
Q6. Consider Rajasthan statements:
(1) first in solar-pump micro-irrigation since 2010,
(2) first in wind-energy harvesting,
(3) 10,000 solar pumps by March 2013.
Which are true?
[RPSC RAS Prelims (2013)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 2
(D) 1 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: According to the examination’s contemporary figures, Rajasthan led in the specified solar-powered micro-irrigation activity. The two additional claims were not accurate for that period. Historical counts must not be confused with present-day installations.
2012 Previous-Year Questions
Q5. Strainer-type tube wells are unsuitable in which aquifer material?
[BPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2012)]
(A) Coarse gravel
(B) Fine-grained strata
(C) Clean gravel
(D) All these
Answer: (B) Fine-grained strata
Explanation: Fine particles can clog a tube-well strainer if screen slots are narrow; larger openings may admit excessive sand. Screen selection must match aquifer grain size to sustain discharge while controlling sediment entry.
2011 Previous-Year Questions
Q4. Which statements on micro-irrigation are true:
(1) fertilizer loss can fall,
(2) it is the only dryland irrigation method,
(3) groundwater decline may be reduced?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2011)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) All three
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Precise root-zone delivery can reduce nutrient leaching and groundwater withdrawals relative to less efficient application. Micro-irrigation is not the only possible method in dry regions, so statements one and three alone are correct.
Q3. What may result when salts remain after irrigation water evaporates from soil?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2011)]
(A) Greatly higher yield
(B) Some soils become impermeable
(C) Raised water table necessarily
(D) Soil pores simply fill with water
Answer: (B) Some soils become impermeable
Explanation: Continued irrigation with inadequate drainage may concentrate salts. Where sodium dominates, dispersed clay can destroy soil structure and reduce permeability. Salinity and sodicity harm plant growth, making proper drainage and leaching vital.
2004 Previous-Year Questions
Q2. Regarding Bihar, assess:
(I) about 37% of irrigated land supplied by canals,
(II) north Ganga plain covers 33,620 sq km,
(III) Kishanganj and West Champaran have highest rainfall,
(IV) highways total 2,461 km.
[46th BPSC Prelims (2004)]
(A) I and II
(B) II and III
(C) II and IV
(D) I, III and IV
Answer: (D) I, III and IV
Explanation: This historical Bihar question combines irrigation with area, rainfall and road statistics. The official keyed combination accepts statements I, III and IV. Values relate to the examination period and should not be treated as current estimates.
2002 Previous-Year Questions
Q1. The Triveni Canal receives water from which river?
[45th BPSC Prelims (2002)]
(A) Sone
(B) Kosi
(C) Gandak
(D) Mayurakshi
Answer: (C) Gandak
Explanation: The Triveni Canal draws on the Gandak river system to irrigate agricultural land in northwestern Bihar. The Gandak descends from the Himalayas through Nepal and enters the Ganga system in Bihar.