UPSC Prelims 2008 Q103: Science & Technology – Energy & Environment
Where was the first desalination plant in India to produce one lakh litres freshwater per
day based on low temperature thermal desalination principle commissioned?
- (a) Kavaratti
- (b) Port Blair
- (c) Mangalore
- (d) Valsad
Answer: (a) Kavaratti
Explanation
Where India's first low-temperature thermal desalination plant was commissioned
This pioneering freshwater technology was first deployed at a specific island location.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Kavaratti | Correct | India's first low-temperature thermal desalination plant, producing one lakh litres of freshwater daily, was commissioned at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep |
| (b) Port Blair | Incorrect | Not the location of this specific first plant |
| (c) Mangalore | Incorrect | Not the location of this specific first plant |
| (d) Valsad | Incorrect | Not the location of this specific first plant |
Kavaratti desalination plant facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kavaratti, Lakshadweep |
| Technology | Low-temperature thermal desalination |
| Capacity | One lakh litres/day |
Answer: (a) Kavaratti.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. India's first such desalination plant was commissioned at Kavaratti.
- (b) Incorrect. Port Blair is not the location of this specific first plant.
- (c) Incorrect. Mangalore is also not the location.
- (d) Incorrect. Valsad is also not the location.
Key point
India's first low-temperature thermal desalination plant, producing one lakh litres of freshwater daily, was commissioned at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
Remember
India's first low-temperature thermal desalination plant was commissioned at Kavaratti.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Kavaratti's (Lakshadweep) pioneering desalination plant with other coastal cities.
- Not knowing the specific low-temperature thermal desalination technology name.
- Mixing up different Indian desalination facility locations.
Exam tip
India's first low-temperature thermal desalination plant (1 lakh litres/day) = Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
Sources
- National Institute of Ocean Technology — Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep (2005)
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India — Annual Report 2007–08 (desalination)