Previous Year Question
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Dams/Lakes — Rivers
Govind Sagar — Sutlej
Kolleru Lake — Krishna
Ukai Reservoir — Tapi
Wular Lake — Jhelum
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Option (b) is the correct answer because Kolleru Lake is not directly associated with the Krishna River alone. It is a natural, shallow freshwater lake situated in Andhra Pradesh between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
Kolleru primarily receives water from streams such as the Budameru and Tammileru. Its excess water drains into the Bay of Bengal through an outlet called Upputeru. Therefore, it cannot be described as a lake situated on the Krishna or as a reservoir formed by that river.
Important facts about Kolleru Lake:
It is situated between the Eluru and Krishna regions of Andhra Pradesh.
It acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir between the Krishna and Godavari deltas.
It was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002.
It provides an important habitat for migratory waterbirds and local aquatic biodiversity.
Encroachment, expansion of fish ponds, pollution and alteration of natural water flow are important threats to the lake.
Examination of the other pairs:
(a) Govind Sagar—Sutlej: Correctly matched
Govind Sagar is a reservoir formed on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh.
It was created by the construction of the Bhakra Dam.
It extends across the Bilaspur and Una districts of Himachal Pradesh.
The Bhakra project is a multipurpose project associated with irrigation, hydroelectricity generation and flood control.
The reservoir is named after Guru Gobind Singh.
(c) Ukai Reservoir—Tapi: Correctly matched
The Ukai Dam is constructed across the Tapi River in Gujarat.
The Ukai Reservoir is also known as Vallabh Sagar.
It is a multipurpose project used for irrigation, hydroelectricity generation, water supply and flood control.
Construction began in 1964 and the project was completed in 1972.
(d) Wular Lake—Jhelum: Correctly matched
Wular is a natural freshwater lake situated in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jhelum River enters the lake and subsequently flows out of it.
The lake helps regulate the flow of the Jhelum and temporarily stores floodwater.
It is considered to be a lake of tectonic origin.
It was designated a Ramsar Wetland in 1990.