Daily Current Affairs : 5-October-2023

The recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs marks a significant milestone in the completion of the North Koel Reservoir Project. This major irrigation initiative, spanning across Bihar and Jharkhand, holds the promise of transforming drought-prone regions by providing vital irrigation support. Let’s delve into the project’s details, its anticipated benefits, and the concerns raised by environmentalists.

Project Overview:

The North Koel Reservoir Project encompasses several crucial components:

  1. Dam Construction: Located near Kutku village in Latehar, Jharkhand, the project involves the construction of a dam on the North Koel river. This structure serves as the primary reservoir for water storage.
  2. Barrage Development: A barrage, situated 96 km downstream of the dam at Mohammadganj in Palamu, Jharkhand, is a key feature. It acts as a control point for water release, ensuring regulated distribution into the agricultural fields.
  3. Main Canals: The project includes the construction of the Right Main Canal (RMC) and Left Main Canal (LMC) originating from the barrage. These canals facilitate the distribution of water to the designated areas for irrigation, promoting agricultural activities.
Anticipated Benefits:

Upon the completion of the remaining works, the North Koel Reservoir Project is poised to bring about numerous advantages:

  • Increased Irrigation: The project aims to provide additional annual irrigation to a vast area spanning 42,301 hectares. This infusion of water is particularly crucial in drought-prone regions, where agricultural productivity often suffers due to water scarcity.
  • Enhanced Agricultural Output: With a reliable irrigation system in place, farmers can diversify crops, improve yield, and contribute significantly to the overall agricultural output of the region. This, in turn, can bolster the economic stability of the communities involved.
  • Socio-Economic Upliftment: Improved agricultural productivity can lead to increased income for farmers, thereby uplifting the socio-economic status of the local populace. Additionally, job opportunities in the agricultural sector are likely to witness a surge, fostering sustainable development.
Concerns and Environmental Implications:

However, amid the optimism surrounding the project, concerns have been raised regarding its potential environmental impact:

  • Threat to Biodiversity: Environmentalists and conservationists express apprehension that the accumulation of water in the dam might pose a threat to the nearby Betla National Park and Palamu Tiger Reserve. These ecologically sensitive areas are home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species.

Important Points:

  • Project Overview:
    • Construction of a dam on the North Koel river near Kutku village, Jharkhand.
    • Development of a barrage 96 km downstream at Mohammadganj, Palamu, Jharkhand.
    • Inclusion of Right Main Canal (RMC) and Left Main Canal (LMC) originating from the barrage for water distribution.
  • Anticipated Benefits:
    • Additional annual irrigation for 42,301 hectares of land in drought-prone regions of Bihar and Jharkhand.
    • Increased agricultural output due to reliable irrigation, enabling crop diversification and improved yields.
    • Socio-economic upliftment through enhanced income for farmers and increased job opportunities in the agricultural sector.
  • Concerns and Environmental Implications:
    • Apprehension about the project’s impact on nearby ecologically sensitive areas:
      • Threat to Betla National Park and Palamu Tiger Reserve due to water accumulation in the dam.
Why In News

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently given its approval to complete the balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project, a significant milestone that marks the government’s commitment to enhancing water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable development in the region.

MCQs about North Koel Reservoir Project

  1. What is the primary purpose of the North Koel Reservoir Project?
    A. To build a dam for recreational activities
    B. To provide irrigation support in Bihar and Jharkhand
    C. To create a water reservoir for industrial use
    D. To establish a wildlife sanctuary
    Correct Answer: B. To provide irrigation support in Bihar and Jharkhand
    Explanation: The North Koel Reservoir Project aims to provide additional irrigation support to 42,301 hectares of land in drought-prone regions of Bihar and Jharkhand.
  2. Where is the dam of the North Koel Reservoir Project located?
    A. Mohammadganj, Jharkhand
    B. Kutku village, Jharkhand
    C. Palamu, Bihar
    D. Betla National Park
    Correct Answer: B. Kutku village, Jharkhand
    Explanation: The dam of the North Koel Reservoir Project is located near Kutku village in Latehar, Jharkhand.
  3. What are the potential environmental concerns associated with the project?
    A. Threat to nearby ecologically sensitive areas
    B. Pollution of the North Koel river
    C. Overuse of water resources
    D. Soil erosion in agricultural fields
    Correct Answer: A. Threat to nearby ecologically sensitive areas
    Explanation: Environmentalists are concerned about the threat posed to nearby Betla National Park and Palamu Tiger Reserve due to the accumulation of water in the dam.
  4. How does the project contribute to socio-economic development?
    A. By building roads and bridges
    B. By enhancing agricultural productivity and creating job opportunities
    C. By promoting tourism
    D. By establishing educational institutions
    Correct Answer: B. By enhancing agricultural productivity and creating job opportunities
    Explanation: The project contributes to socio-economic development by improving agricultural productivity through reliable irrigation, which, in turn, creates job opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading