What is multipurpose river project?

Today, dams are built not just for irrigation but for electricity generation, water supply for domestic and industrial uses, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish breeding. Therefore, dams are now referred to as multi-purpose projects where the many uses of the impounded water are integrated with one another.

Example: 

• Bhakra – Nangal project in the Sutlej-Beas river basin- water is being used both for hydel power production and irrigation. 
• Hirakud project in the Mahanadi basin- integrates conservation of water with flood control.

Further Reading:

• Water – A Resource
• Geography Notes

.