UPSC Prelims 2020 CSAT Paper II · Q44 of 80 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage—4 In India, authorities always look to store the maximum amount of water in reservoirs during the monsoon season, which is then used for irrigation and generation of electricity during the summer months. It is an internationally accepted practice that the water level of a reservoir should be kept below a certain level before the onset of monsoon season. This is so that when monsoon rains come, there is space to store the excess rainwater and also so that water can be released in a regulated manner. But the authorities store the maximum amount of water in reservoirs even before the close of the monsoon, only to ensure greater electricity generation and irrigation.

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. High risks involved in holding maximum water in reservoirs are due to our over-dependence on hydropower projects. 2. Storage capacity of dams should not be fully used before or during monsoon season. 3. Role of dams in flood control is underestimated in India. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

  1. (a) 1 and 2 only
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) 3 only
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Assumption 1 is valid because the passage states authorities store maximum water 'only to ensure greater electricity generation and irrigation,' implying that the drive to maximize storage stems from a heavy reliance on these outputs, particularly hydropower.

• Assumption 2 is valid as the passage explicitly notes it is an 'internationally accepted practice' to keep water levels below a certain level before the monsoon to allow space for excess rainwater, meaning full capacity should not be utilized beforehand.

• Assumption 3 is valid because the passage highlights that the primary motivation for over-storage is electricity and irrigation, not flood control, suggesting that the critical role of dams in managing flood risks is overlooked or underestimated by authorities.

• Since all three assumptions are directly supported by the text's description of the conflict between international safety practices and local priorities for power and irrigation, the correct option is (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only
This option is incorrect because it excludes Assumption 3, which is valid as the passage implies flood control is deprioritized in favor of electricity generation.
(b) 2 only
This option is incorrect because it excludes Assumptions 1 and 3, both of which are valid inferences regarding the motivation for over-storage and the neglect of flood control.
(c) 3 only
This option is incorrect because it excludes Assumptions 1 and 2, which are valid based on the text's mention of hydropower dependence and international storage practices.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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