Multipurpose River Projects were launched after Independence with the approach of integrated water resource management. The objective was to provide multifarious benefits that would lead to the development and progress of the nation, overcoming the handicap of its colonial past. Jawaharlal Nehru had proudly proclaimed the present-day dams or multipurpose projects as ‘temples of modern India’. The reason behind this was that these projects integrate the development of agriculture with rapid industrialisation and lead to the progress of both the village and urban economy. The benefits provided by Multipurpose Projects include : (i) Providing water to those areas which suffer from water scarcity. (ii) Irrigation of agricultural fields during dry season as well as in regions of scanty or inadequate rainfall.This helps in increasing agricultural productivity and bringing more area under cultivation. (iii) Flood control by regulating flow of water. (iv) Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes. (v) Generation of hydroelectricity for our industries and homes. (vi) Inland navigation for the purpose of transport and trade. (vii) Fish breeding. (viii) Recreational facilities. (ix) Soil conservation through afforestation. As a result of these benefits that lead to all round development of the nation, the multipurpose projects are termed as ‘temples of modern India.