Part of: Himachal Pradesh Gk set 1

Bhakra dam the highest dam in India is on which river

Category: Himachal Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location of the Bhakra Dam.

Correct Answer: C) Sutlej

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Bhakra Dam, also known as the Bhakra Nangal Dam, is a large multi-purpose dam located in the Himalayan foothills in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated on the Sutlej River, which is one of the major tributaries of the Indus River. The Sutlej River originates in Tibet and flows through Himachal Pradesh before entering Punjab and eventually joining the Indus River in Pakistan.

The Bhakra Dam is one of the largest and most significant dams in India, both in terms of its height and its impact on the region. It was constructed primarily for the purposes of irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. The dam is a crucial part of the Bhakra Nangal Project, which also includes the Nangal Dam downstream on the Sutlej River.

The construction of the Bhakra Dam was a significant engineering feat and was completed in 1963. It stands at a height of 226 meters (741 feet), making it one of the tallest dams in the world. The dam has a reservoir capacity of about 9.34 billion cubic meters (2.47 billion acre-feet) and is a vital source of water for irrigation in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Understanding the geographical context of the Bhakra Dam is important for several reasons. First, it helps in comprehending the hydrological and ecological systems of the region. Second, it is crucial for understanding the socio-economic impact of the dam on the local communities and the broader region. The dam has played a significant role in the development of agriculture and power generation in the region, contributing to the economic growth of the states it serves.

It is important to note that the Bhakra Dam is not located on the Ganga or Yamuna rivers, which are major rivers in northern India but are not associated with the Bhakra Dam. The Kollidam River, which is a distributary of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu, is also unrelated to the Bhakra Dam. Therefore, the correct answer is that the Bhakra Dam is located on the Sutlej River.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Ganga is a major river in India, but the Bhakra Dam is not located on the Ganga. The Ganga flows through northern India and is not associated with the Bhakra Dam.
  • Option B: Incorrect. The Yamuna is another major river in India, but it is not the river on which the Bhakra Dam is located. The Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga and flows through northern India.
  • Option C: Correct. The Bhakra Dam is located on the Sutlej River, which is a major tributary of the Indus River. The Sutlej flows through Himachal Pradesh and is the site of the Bhakra Dam.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The Kollidam River is a distributary of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu and is not related to the Bhakra Dam, which is located in Himachal Pradesh.

Mnemonic: Bhakra Dam stands tall on the Sutlej, not the Ganga or Yamuna.

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