UPSC Prelims 2008 Q49: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?
- (a) Alaknanda
- (b) Bhagirathi
- (c) Dhauliganga
- (d) Mandakini
Answer: (b) Bhagirathi
Explanation
Which river the Tehri Hydropower Complex is based on
This major hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand draws from a specific headwater tributary of the Ganga.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Alaknanda | Incorrect | Not the river for this specific complex |
| (b) Bhagirathi | Correct | The Tehri Hydropower Complex is located on the Bhagirathi river, one of the main headwater tributaries of the Ganga |
| (c) Dhauliganga | Incorrect | Not the relevant river for this project |
| (d) Mandakini | Incorrect | Not the relevant river for this project |
Tehri Hydropower Complex facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| River | Bhagirathi |
| Location | Uttarakhand |
Answer: (b) Bhagirathi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Alaknanda is not the relevant river for this project.
- (b) CORRECT. The Tehri Hydropower Complex is based on the Bhagirathi river.
- (c) Incorrect. Dhauliganga is also not the relevant river.
- (d) Incorrect. Mandakini is also not the relevant river.
Key point
The Tehri Hydropower Complex is located on the Bhagirathi river, in Uttarakhand.
Remember
The Tehri Hydropower Complex is located on the Bhagirathi river.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Bhagirathi with other Ganga headwater tributaries (Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, Mandakini).
- Not knowing the specific Tehri Dam's river association.
- Mixing up different Himalayan hydroelectric projects' river locations.
Exam tip
Tehri Hydropower Complex = based on the Bhagirathi river, a key Ganga headwater tributary.
Sources
- THDC India Limited — Tehri Hydro Power Complex (Bhagirathi river, Uttarakhand)
- Central Water Commission and National Remote Sensing Centre — India-WRIS: River Basin Atlas (Ganga basin: Bhagirathi)