UPSC Prelims 2009 Q124: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Checking two claims about the Baglihar Power Project
This hydroelectric project was a point of dispute with Pakistan, ultimately resolved through specific treaty-compliance mechanisms.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty | Correct | After a neutral expert's review (prompted by Pakistan's objections), the Baglihar project was found to comply with the Indus Water Treaty's parameters, with some design adjustments |
| 2. Completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and World Bank | Incorrect | The project was actually built by the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation, financed through domestic mechanisms (like the Power Finance Corporation), not specifically Japan/World Bank loans |
Baglihar Power Project facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Treaty compliance | Confirmed via a neutral expert's review, within IWT parameters |
| Builder/financing | J&K State Power Development Corporation, domestic financing — NOT specifically Japan/World Bank loans |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The project's IWT compliance (after neutral-expert review) is accurate; the Japan/World Bank financing claim is false.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2's Japan/World Bank financing claim is false, so '2 only' is wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is inaccurate, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
The Baglihar Power Project was confirmed (via neutral-expert review) to comply with the Indus Water Treaty's parameters — but it was NOT built with specific loans from Japan and the World Bank; it was built by the J&K State Power Development Corporation with domestic financing.
Remember
Baglihar Power Project: constructed within Indus Water Treaty parameters (confirmed by neutral expert) — but NOT built with Japan/World Bank loans; it was the J&K State Power Development Corporation's project.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all major Indian infrastructure projects are financed through international loans like Japan/World Bank.
- Not knowing the neutral-expert review process that resolved the Pakistan-India dispute over this project.
- Confusing the J&K State Power Development Corporation's role with the Union Government building it 'completely'.
Exam tip
Baglihar Project: found IWT-compliant via neutral-expert review; built by J&K's own power corporation, NOT with specific Japan/World Bank loans.
Sources
- Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 — Expert Determination by the Neutral Expert (Raymond Lafitte) on the Baglihar Hydroelectric Plant (February 2007)
- Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India — Annual Report 2007–08 (Indus Waters Treaty)