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Understanding the Shahpurkandi Dam Project

A Comprehensive Overview of Its Impact and Benefits

Understanding the Shahpurkandi Dam Project

  • 11 May, 2024
  • 349

Overview of the Shahpurkandi Dam Project

The Shahpurkandi Dam Project is a significant multipurpose initiative located on the Ravi River in Punjab, close to the Jammu and Kashmir border. This project comprises a dam and two hydropower plants aimed at facilitating irrigation, generating energy, and managing flood control.

Construction Timeline

Construction of the dam commenced in 1995 and has recently reached completion after nearly three decades of development. The lengthy timeline was influenced by funding challenges and disputes between the Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir regions.

Specifications of the Dam

  • Dam Height: 55.5 meters
  • Hydropower Plants: 206 MW installed capacity

Benefits of the Shahpurkandi Dam

The Shahpurkandi Dam offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Irrigation of approximately 37,000 hectares across Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Additional power generation to meet regional energy demands.
  • Enabling the full-capacity operation of the nearby Ranjit Sagar Dam.

Impact of the Indus Water Treaty

The project plays a crucial role in optimizing the use of India's allocated water share from the Ravi River, effectively reducing water spillage into Pakistan. This enhancement is vital for managing regional water resources more efficiently.

Status of Hydropower Projects

The hydropower projects associated with the Shahpurkandi Dam are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with full operational benefits anticipated in terms of power generation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Shahpurkandi Dam?
Answer: The main purpose of the Shahpurkandi Dam is to support irrigation, generate hydropower, and manage flood control in the Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir regions.

Q2. When did the construction of the Shahpurkandi Dam begin?
Answer: Construction started in 1995. However, it faced delays and was only recently completed after nearly three decades.

Q3. How much land will the Shahpurkandi Dam irrigate?
Answer: The dam will irrigate approximately 37,000 hectares of land across Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

Q4. What is the installed capacity of the hydropower plants at Shahpurkandi Dam?
Answer: The hydropower plants at the Shahpurkandi Dam have a total installed capacity of 206 MW.

Q5. What impact does the Indus Water Treaty have on the Shahpurkandi Dam?
Answer: The Indus Water Treaty facilitates better utilization of India's allocated water from the Ravi River, minimizing spillage into Pakistan.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the height of the Shahpurkandi Dam?
A) 45.5 meters
B) 50.5 meters
C) 55.5 meters
D) 60.5 meters
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: When did the construction of the Shahpurkandi Dam commence?
A) 1990
B) 1995
C) 2000
D) 2005
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the installed capacity of the Shahpurkandi Dam's hydropower plants?
A) 150 MW
B) 206 MW
C) 250 MW
D) 300 MW
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: How much land does the Shahpurkandi Dam irrigate?
A) 20,000 hectares
B) 30,000 hectares
C) 37,000 hectares
D) 50,000 hectares
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What is one of the main benefits of the Shahpurkandi Dam?
A) Increased flood risk
B) Reduced irrigation capacity
C) Enhanced energy production
D) Decreased water supply
Correct Answer: C

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