UPSC Prelims 2016 Q85: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
Recently, linking
of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
- (a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra
- (b) Godavari and Krishna
- (c) Mahanadi and Sone
- (d) Narmada and Tapti
Answer: (b) Godavari and Krishna
Explanation
Linking of the Godavari and the Krishna
In September 2015, Andhra Pradesh linked the two rivers through the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Water lifted from | The Godavari at Pattiseema |
| Carried by | The Polavaram Right Main Canal |
| Joins | The Krishna near Vijayawada (Prakasam Barrage) |
| Benefit | Surplus Godavari water for the Krishna delta |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra | Incorrect |
| (b) Godavari and Krishna | Correct |
| (c) Mahanadi and Sone | Incorrect |
| (d) Narmada and Tapti | Incorrect |
The Ken-Betwa link is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for river linking.
Answer: (b) Godavari and Krishna.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Cauvery and Tungabhadra were not linked.
- (b) CORRECT. The Godavari and Krishna were linked through the Pattiseema project in 2015.
- (c) Incorrect. No link of the Mahanadi and Sone was undertaken.
- (d) Incorrect. The Narmada and Tapti were not linked.
Key point
Godavari-Krishna link (2015): Pattiseema lift project and Polavaram Right Main Canal carry Godavari water to the Krishna near Vijayawada.
Remember
Godavari-Krishna link = Pattiseema, 2015.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this State project with the national Ken-Betwa link.
- Placing Pattiseema in Telangana; it is in Andhra Pradesh.
- Thinking the Polavaram dam itself was complete in 2015.
Exam tip
Godavari has surplus water; Krishna is short. The link runs from surplus to deficit.
Sources
- Government of Andhra Pradesh, Water Resources Department — Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme
- National Water Development Agency — Interlinking of Rivers