Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed dams as the temple of modern India.

Explanation:

Introduction:
- Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India, serving from 1947 to 1964.
- He played a crucial role in shaping the modern India and was a staunch advocate of industrialization and development.

The Importance of Dams:
- Nehru recognized the importance of dams in India's development and believed that they were vital for the country's progress.
- Dams provide multiple benefits such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water storage.
- They help in improving agricultural productivity, providing electricity to rural areas, and ensuring water availability during dry seasons.

Dams as the Temple of Modern India:
- Nehru's vision of dams as the "temple of modern India" reflected his belief that dams were not just structures but symbols of progress and development.
- He saw dams as a means to transform the Indian economy and uplift millions of people from poverty.
- Nehru believed that through the construction of dams, India could achieve self-sufficiency in food production and become an industrialized nation.

Key Initiatives:
- Nehru initiated several major dam projects in India, including the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej River and the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River.
- These projects were aimed at harnessing the potential of India's rivers for agricultural and industrial development.
- The Bhakra Nangal Dam, for example, was the highest dam in the world at the time of its construction and provided irrigation water and electricity to a large part of northern India.

Legacy:
- Nehru's emphasis on dams as the temple of modern India laid the foundation for India's water resource development and management policies.
- His vision and initiatives continue to shape India's approach towards harnessing its water resources for sustainable development.

Conclusion:
- Jawaharlal Nehru's proclamation of dams as the temple of modern India reflects his vision of using dams as a catalyst for India's progress and development.
- His belief in the transformative power of dams has had a lasting impact on India's water resource development and management strategies.