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MPPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IGeographyPractice question

Bansagar Multipurpose Project on Son River

Write a note on the Bansagar Project on the Son River.

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Introduce the Bansagar Multipurpose Project, highlighting its location on the Son River and interstate nature. Detail the water and cost-sharing arrangement alongside its key irrigation and power benefits. Conclude by summarizing its socio-economic impact on the Baghelkhand region and inter-state cooperation.

Model answer

243 words

Introduction

The Bansagar Multipurpose Project is a major water-resource initiative constructed on the Son River at Deolond in the Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. Named after the renowned 7th-century Sanskrit scholar Bana Bhatt, the dam represents a strategic joint venture between Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar to harness the water resources of the Son basin.

Inter-State Agreement and Sharing Mechanism

The project was conceptualized under an inter-state agreement signed in 1973 among the basin states:

  • Cost and Water Sharing Ratio: Capital costs and water storage allocations are shared among Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar in a 2:1:1 ratio.

Key Deliverables and Beneficiaries

  • Irrigation Outlay: Facilitates irrigation across 2.49 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh (covering Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, and Shahdol districts), 1.5 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, and 0.94 lakh hectares in Bihar.
  • Hydroelectric Generation: Houses an installed power capacity of 425 MW, with 100% of the generated electricity allocated exclusively to Madhya Pradesh.

Socio-Economic Impact

  • Agrarian Transformation: Dramatically increased cropping intensity and assured water supply in the historically drought-prone Vindhya and Baghelkhand regions.
  • Civic and Industrial Water Security: Serves as a dependable source of industrial and municipal drinking water for the Rewa division.
  • Allied Livelihoods: Promotes reservoir inland fisheries, local infrastructure expansion, and regional economic stability.

Conclusion

The Bansagar Project exemplifies effective cooperative federalism in inter-state river basin development. It continues to be a vital catalyst for agrarian prosperity, power generation, and drought mitigation across Eastern Madhya Pradesh and the neighboring riparian states.

Key facts to remember

definition
Bansagar Project

A multipurpose inter-state river valley initiative located on the Son River at Deolond, Shahdol district, jointly operated by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

scheme
Bansagar Inter-State Agreement (1973)

An inter-state river pact signed in 1973 determining the 2:1:1 ratio for capital funding and water allocation among Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

statistic

The project commands an irrigation potential of over 4.9 lakh hectares across three states and an installed hydroelectric capacity of 425 MW utilized entirely by MP.

— Government of Madhya Pradesh

Frequently asked questions

Which states share water and power from the Bansagar Dam?

Water and costs are shared in a 2:1:1 ratio among Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. However, 100% of the 425 MW hydroelectricity produced is allocated to Madhya Pradesh.

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