Static GK plays a crucial role in the AFCAT 1 2025 exam, and one of the key topics is Rivers, Dams, and Reservoirs in India. Knowing the major rivers, their tributaries, important dams, and reservoirs is essential for defence aspirants. This article provides an in-depth overview of these water bodies and structures, which are vital for India’s irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control.
AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Static GK Rivers, Dams, and Reservoirs in India
Major Rivers in India
India is blessed with numerous rivers, categorized into Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. Below is a list of the most significant rivers and their key details:
1. Himalayan Rivers (Perennial Rivers)
- Ganga River: Originates from Gangotri Glacier, flows through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- Yamuna River: Originates from Yamunotri Glacier, major tributary of the Ganga.
- Brahmaputra River: Originates from Tibet (Tsangpo), enters India through Arunachal Pradesh.
- Indus River: Originates from Tibet, flows through Ladakh and Pakistan.
2. Peninsular Rivers (Seasonal Rivers)
- Godavari River: Longest river in peninsular India, also called Dakshin Ganga.
- Krishna River: Flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Cauvery River: Major river of South India, crucial for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Narmada & Tapi Rivers: Flow westward into the Arabian Sea.
- Mahanadi River: Important for Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Major Dams in India
Dams play a crucial role in irrigation, hydroelectricity, and water storage. Here are some of the most important dams in India:
| Dam Name | River | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhakra Nangal | Sutlej | Himachal Pradesh | Hydroelectricity, irrigation |
| Sardar Sarovar | Narmada | Gujarat | Water supply, irrigation |
| Hirakud | Mahanadi | Odisha | Flood control, irrigation |
| Nagarjuna Sagar | Krishna | Telangana | Irrigation, hydroelectric power |
| Tehri | Bhagirathi (Ganga) | Uttarakhand | Hydroelectricity |
| Koyna | Koyna | Maharashtra | Power generation |
| Indira Sagar | Narmada | Madhya Pradesh | Hydroelectricity |
| Rihand | Rihand | Uttar Pradesh | Power generation |
| Mettur | Cauvery | Tamil Nadu | Irrigation |
| Idukki | Periyar | Kerala | Hydroelectricity |
Major Reservoirs in India
Reservoirs are artificial lakes created by damming rivers to store water. Here are some of the largest reservoirs in India:
| Reservoir | State | Connected Dam |
| Indira Sagar Reservoir | Madhya Pradesh | Indira Sagar Dam |
| Gobind Sagar | Himachal Pradesh | Bhakra Nangal Dam |
| Hirakud Reservoir | Odisha | Hirakud Dam |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir | Telangana | Nagarjuna Sagar Dam |
| Srisailam Reservoir | Andhra Pradesh | Srisailam Dam |
| Rihand Reservoir | Uttar Pradesh | Rihand Dam |
| Mettur Reservoir | Tamil Nadu | Mettur Dam |
| Idukki Reservoir | Kerala | Idukki Dam |
| Tungabhadra Reservoir | Karnataka | Tungabhadra Dam |
Key Facts for AFCAT 1 2025 Exam
- Bhakra Nangal Dam is the highest dam in India.
- Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India.
- Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam is a part of the Narmada Valley Project.
- Indira Sagar Reservoir is the largest reservoir in India.
- Mettur Dam is crucial for the Cauvery Water Dispute.
Conclusion
Understanding India’s rivers, dams, and reservoirs is essential for the AFCAT 1 2025 exam. This knowledge is vital not only for the examination but also for understanding the country’s water management system. Aspirants should focus on memorizing the major rivers, their tributaries, key dams, and reservoirs to perform well in the General Knowledge section.
