Who proclaimed dams as the temples of modern India?
Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer:
The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed dams as the temples of modern India. Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
Jawaharlal Nehru felt that the dams would integrate the village economy, and agricultural development with the growth of urban economy and rapid industrialization. It was thought that the nation would move in the path of progress and development by overcoming the handicap of the colonial past through an integrated water resources management approach launched after independence.
Usually, dams were built to hold rainwater and river water which could be used at a later stage for irrigating the agricultural fields. Today, dams are not only built for irrigation purposes but also many other purposes such as fish breeding, inland navigation, creating spots for recreation, flood control, and very importantly to supply water for industries and to meet domestic water requirements.
Some of the examples are the Hirakud project in Mahanadi basin which integrates flood control and water conservation. The Bhakra-Nangal project in Sutlej-Beas river basin is used for both irrigation and hydel power production.