110. The proposed Pipalapanka dam raised concerns about which Odisha river?
[DSSSB TGT Social Science (8 November, Shift 1), 2025]
(A) Mahanadi
(B) Brahmani
(C) Rushikulya
(D) Subarnarekha
Answer: (C) Rushikulya
Explanation: Pipalapanka has been discussed in relation to the Rushikulya basin in Odisha. Proposed water-development works there have prompted concerns about river ecology and local livelihoods, reflecting the need to assess environmental effects before construction.
109. Which statements about Chenab dams are correct:
Salal, Aalal and Baglihar lie on Chenab;
Baglihar is taller than Salal;
The given operators of Salal and Baglihar are reversed
[UPSC CDS-II (14 September), 2025]
(A) Statements 1 and 2 only
(B) Statements 2 and 3 only
(C) Statement 2 only
(D) Statement 3 only
Answer: (A) Statements 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Salal, Aalal and Baglihar are associated with the Chenab system, and Baglihar is the taller structure. The third statement incorrectly identifies their operating agencies, so only the first two statements stand.
108. What is the artificial water body formed when a river is impounded behind a dam?
[SSC GD Constable (5 February, Shift 1), 2025]
(A) Lagoon
(B) Estuary
(C) Oxbow lake
(D) Reservoir
Answer: (D) Reservoir
Explanation: A reservoir forms when a dam stores a river’s water. Multipurpose storage reservoirs supply irrigation and drinking water, create a useful head for hydropower and may reserve space for floodwater during heavy rain.
107. What is the principal function of a small check dam?
[SSC JE Civil (5 December, Shift 1), 2025]
(A) Store drinking water exclusively
(B) Filter sewage
(C) Slow runoff and encourage groundwater recharge
(D) Measure precipitation
Answer: (C) Slow runoff and encourage groundwater recharge
Explanation: A check dam reduces the velocity of water flowing through small drainage channels. By holding runoff briefly, it can limit erosion, trap sediment and improve infiltration into the surrounding ground.
106. Tilaiya Dam is constructed across which river?
[Bihar Police Constable (23 July), 2025]
(A) Barakar
(B) Kolar
(C) Bokaro
(D) Koyna
Answer: (A) Barakar
Explanation: Tilaiya is built on the Barakar River in Jharkhand. It was the first multipurpose dam completed under the Damodar Valley Corporation framework and is intended for flood moderation, irrigation and electricity generation.
105. Which river does the Sardar Sarovar Dam span?
[RPF Constable 2024 recruitment (18 March 2025, Shift 1), 2025]
(A) Tapi
(B) Krishna
(C) Narmada
(D) Mahanadi
Answer: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a major structure on the Narmada in Gujarat. Water from its reservoir is distributed through canals for irrigation and drinking-water schemes, and the project also produces hydropower.
104. Bhakra Dam is constructed on which river?
[SSC MTS (14 October, Shift 2), 2024]
(A) Sutlej
(B) Chenab
(C) Ravi
(D) Beas
Answer: (A) Sutlej
Explanation: The Bhakra Dam stands across the Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh. Its reservoir, Gobind Sagar, supplies water for irrigation and hydropower through the wider Bhakra–Nangal system serving northwest India.
103. What is the principal use of Salal Dam on the Chenab?
[SSC MTS (14 October, Shift 1), 2024]
(A) Hydroelectricity
(B) Drinking water only
(C) Canal irrigation only
(D) Navigation only
Answer: (A) Hydroelectricity
Explanation: Salal is a major hydroelectric installation on the Chenab in the Jammu region. River flow is channelled through turbines for power generation, making electricity the principal purpose of this particular project.
102. Which listed project is NOT a hydroelectric power plant?
[SSC MTS (28 October, Shift 1), 2024]
(A) Bhakra–Nangal
(B) Damodar Valley
(C) Sambhar Lake Hydel Project
(D) Kopili
Answer: (C) Sambhar Lake Hydel Project
Explanation: Sambhar Lake is a saline lake in Rajasthan known for salt production, not a hydroelectric installation. The other options refer to recognised water-based power schemes that harness river flow.
101. Somasila Dam is constructed on which river?
[SSC CHSL (2 July, Shift 1), 2024]
(A) Sabarmati
(B) Tapi
(C) Krishna
(D) Pennar
Answer: (D) Pennar
Explanation: Somasila is a water-storage and irrigation project on the Pennar in Andhra Pradesh. The reservoir is particularly significant for irrigated agriculture and water supply in the Nellore region.
