Q. In India, authorities always look to store the maximum amount of water in reservoirs during the monsoon season, which is then used for irrigation and generation of electricity during the summer months.
It is an internationally accepted practice that the water level or a reservoir should be kept below a certain level before the onset of monsoon season. This is so that when monsoon rains come, there is space to store the excess rainwater and also so that water can be released in a regulated manner. But the authorities store the maximum amount of water in reservoirs even before the close of the monsoon, only to ensure greater electricity generation and irrigation.
Q1. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. High risks involved in holding maximum water in reservoirs are due to our over-dependence on hydro power projects.
2. Storage capacity of dams should not be fully used before or during monsoon season.
3. Role of dams in flood control is underestimated in India.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2-only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Option (1) could be valid based on the statement that authorities store the maximum amount of water in reservoirs to ensure greater electricity generation, suggesting a reliance on hydro power projects.
Option (2) is explicitly stated in the passage as an internationally accepted practice to keep the water level in reservoirs below a certain level before the onset of the monsoon season.
Option (3) is also a possible valid assumption, as the passage suggests that the role of dams in flood control may be underestimated in India.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) 1, 2, and 3.
