Water Resources — Objectives of Multi-Purpose River Projects Identify the most complete statement describing the core objectives served by India’s multi-purpose river-valley projects (e.g., Bhakra–Nangal, Damodar, Hirakud).

Introduction / Context:
Large river-valley projects in monsoon climates aim to smooth water availability across seasons and provide multiple co-benefits. This classic civics/geography question checks recognition that such projects are “multi-purpose,” not single-purpose, infrastructure investments.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Monsoon creates surplus in rainy season and scarcity in dry months.
• Major dams can deliver irrigation, power, flood moderation, and navigation improvements.
• Ancillary benefits may include fisheries, recreation, and regional development.

Concept / Approach:

“Multi-purpose” explicitly signals more than one objective. The listed goals—irrigation storage and release, hydropower generation, and flood control/navigation—are all canonical functions of such projects. Therefore, “All of the above” best captures the breadth of purposes served by these schemes in planning literature and exam keys.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Confirm each listed function is standard: irrigation ✓, hydropower ✓, flood control/navigation ✓.Since all are valid, choose the inclusive option.

Verification / Alternative check:

Project brochures and planning documents for Bhakra–Nangal, Damodar Valley Corporation, and Hirakud enumerate these very objectives, affirming the all-inclusive choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Any single item (a, b, or c) understates the “multi-purpose” nature.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming “power” dominates; in agrarian economies, irrigation and flood attenuation are equally central.

Final Answer:

All of the above