Previous Year Question
Shivanasamudra and Kalpakkam are respectively important for—
Thermal Power and Nuclear Energy
Hydel Power and Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy and Hydel Power
Solar Power and Nuclear Energy
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Shivanasamudra, located on the Cauvery River in Karnataka, is one of India's historic centres of hydroelectric power generation. A hydro-electric power station was established here in 1902, initially supplying electricity to the Kolar Gold Fields.
In the Shivanasamudra region, the Cauvery divides around an island and forms the famous Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls. The available river flow and difference in elevation provided favourable conditions for hydel power generation.
Kalpakkam, on the other hand, is a major centre of nuclear energy and nuclear research in Tamil Nadu. The Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) located here has two PHWR units, each with a capacity of 220 MWe.
Kalpakkam's importance extends beyond MAPS. It also hosts the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and India's 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). As a current update, the PFBR achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026, meaning that a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction was established for the first time. This should not be confused with the start of commercial power generation.