NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Water ResourcesExplain the concept of multipurpose river projects and mention any two of their benefits.

Multipurpose river projects are large-scale engineering interventions involving the construction of dams across rivers to store water for various integrated purposes simultaneously, such as irrigation, electricity generation, flood control, water supply for domestic and industrial uses, inland navigation, and recreational activities. Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaimed dams as the 'temples of modern India' because they integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialization and urban economy. Two major benefits of these projects are the generation of hydroelectricity and the provision of regulated water supply for extensive irrigation in dry agricultural regions.