Statement — Inflows into Govindsagar reservoir of the Bhakra Dam have declined steeply and continuously; thermal plants in the North also face depleted stocks of steam coal, creating a risk of a serious regional power crisis. Courses of Action — I. Immediately step up the supply of steam coal to the thermal power plants. II. Set up hydroelectric power plants on other rivers in the region.

Introduction / Context:The scenario combines immediate hydrological shortfall and fuel scarcity. Sound courses of action in such questions must be timely, actionable, and proportionate to the stated immediacy of the crisis risk.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Immediate risk: serious power crisis in the near term.
• COA I: urgent logistics to raise coal supply to existing thermal capacity.
• COA II: construct new hydropower plants elsewhere.

Concept / Approach:To avert a near-term shortfall, leveraging installed thermal capacity by restoring coal inventories (I) is direct and time-relevant. Building new hydro (II) is a long-gestation infrastructure project involving surveys, clearances, design, financing, and construction; it cannot address the immediate crisis flagged by the statement. While hydel diversification is good policy, it does not “follow” from the current emergency as an immediate remedy.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:If coal stocks recover, the immediate risk abates; new hydro plants would take years, failing the urgency test.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:Confusing strategic diversification with emergency response.

Final Answer:Only I follows.