Concept notes: The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a large dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat, India. The reservoir created by the dam, known as the Sardar Sarovar Lake, extends into the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. This project is a significant inter-state water resource project in India.
Explanation: The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a significant hydroelectric and irrigation project located on the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat, India. The dam is one of the largest in the world and is part of the Narmada Valley Development Project, which includes several other dams and reservoirs along the Narmada River.
The reservoir created by the Sardar Sarovar Dam, known as the Sardar Sarovar Lake, is a vast water body that extends across multiple states. The lake's primary purpose is to provide water for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir's capacity is approximately 14.94 billion cubic meters, making it a crucial water resource for the region.
The Sardar Sarovar Lake covers parts of three states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The dam's location in Gujarat does not limit the reservoir's reach to just one state. The Narmada River flows through these states, and the reservoir's extent is determined by the river's course and the dam's design.
The inter-state nature of the Sardar Sarovar Lake is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the importance of inter-state cooperation in managing water resources. The project involves complex negotiations and agreements between the states to ensure equitable distribution of water. Second, the lake's inter-state coverage underscores the project's impact on a broader regional scale, affecting the lives and livelihoods of people in multiple states.
Understanding the geographical extent of the Sardar Sarovar Lake is crucial for comprehending the project's significance in the context of India's water resource management and inter-state relations. The correct answer, therefore, is (D) All of the above, as the lake indeed covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.