All questions of Drainage Systems for UPSC CSE Exam

The correct answer is option D, i.e. 1 and 4 only.

Explanation:

The Amarkantak Hills, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a prominent source of two major rivers in India - the Narmada and the Son. Let's understand the origin and characteristics of both these rivers:

1. Narmada River:
- The Narmada River is one of the major rivers in India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- The river originates from the Amarkantak Hills in Madhya Pradesh, at an altitude of about 1057 meters.
- It is also called the Rewa River and is considered sacred by many people.
- The river has a total length of about 1312 km, and its basin covers an area of about 98,796 square km.
- The Narmada River forms the famous Marble Rocks gorge in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh and also creates the Dhuandhar Falls in Bhedaghat.

2. Son River:
- The Son River is a major river in northern India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
- The river originates from the Amarkantak Hills in Madhya Pradesh, at an altitude of about 775 meters.
- It is a tributary of the Ganges River and has a total length of about 784 km.
- The river is known for its scenic beauty, and also for the Sonbhadra district, which is one of the largest districts in India.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the Amarkantak Hills is the source of both the Narmada and the Son rivers, making option D the correct answer.

Correct answer is A

The important river of the Indian desert is the Luni River. It is the only significant river in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. The Luni River originates in the Pushkar valley of the Aravalli Range and flows westward through the desert before finally draining into the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Key Points:
- Origin: The Luni River originates near the town of Ajmer in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan. It is formed by the confluence of two streams, the Saraswati and the Sabarmati.
- Flow: After its origin, the Luni River flows in a southwest direction through the arid and barren landscape of the Thar Desert. It is approximately 495 kilometers long and has a drainage basin of about 37,363 square kilometers.
- Tributaries: The Luni River has several tributaries, including the Sarsuti, Jojari, Bandi, and Khari rivers. These tributaries are seasonal and their flow depends on the monsoon rainfall in the region.
- Water Availability: The Luni River is not a perennial river and its flow is highly dependent on the monsoon rains. The river carries water only during the monsoon season and dries up for most of the year. The water availability in the river is limited, and it is primarily used for irrigation and drinking water purposes in the surrounding areas.
- Landforms: The Luni River has formed several landforms along its course, including alluvial plains, sand dunes, and salt pans. The river has also created a few small lakes and reservoirs, which provide water for irrigation and wildlife.
- Importance: Despite its limited flow, the Luni River plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of the Thar Desert. It supports vegetation and wildlife in the region, and the surrounding areas depend on its waters for agriculture and drinking water. The river also has historical and cultural significance, as it has been mentioned in ancient texts and is associated with several myths and legends.

In conclusion, the Luni River is an important river in the Indian desert. It provides water for irrigation and drinking purposes in the arid region, supports the ecosystem of the Thar Desert, and holds historical and cultural significance.

• The Son originates near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, just east of the headwater of the Narmada River, and flows north-northwest through Madhya Pradesh state before turning sharply eastward where it encounters the southwest-northeast- running Kaimur Range.
• The Son river at 784 kilometres (487 mi) long, is one of the largest rivers of India. Its chief tributaries are the Rihand and the North Koel.

The GB Pant Sagar Reservoir

The GB Pant Sagar reservoir is a man-made lake in India that is located on the Rihand River. It is one of the largest reservoirs in India, and it is a key source of water for the surrounding regions.

The Rihand River

The Rihand River is a tributary of the Son River, which in turn is a tributary of the Ganges River. The Rihand River originates in the Kaimur Range in Uttar Pradesh and flows through Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh before joining the Son River in Bihar.

Importance of the GB Pant Sagar Reservoir

The GB Pant Sagar reservoir is an important source of water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and drinking water supply. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 10.6 billion cubic meters and is used for irrigation in the surrounding areas. The Rihand hydroelectric power station, which is located at the reservoir, has a capacity of 3000 MW and is one of the largest power plants in India. The reservoir also supplies drinking water to the nearby towns and cities.

Conclusion

The GB Pant Sagar reservoir is located on the Rihand River and is an important source of water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and drinking water supply. The reservoir is a key infrastructure project in India and is essential for the development of the surrounding regions.

Narmada River flows through a rift valley.

Bhilangana is not a tributary of Alaknanda. Bhilangana River is a Himalayan river in Uttarakhand, India which is a major tributary of the Bhagirathi River.

JCRBS
tributaries of river Indus from North to South
Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej

Source of the Three Rivers in the Amarkantak Region:
The correct answer is option B - Son, Mahanadi, and Narmada.

1. Son River:
The Son River is one of the major rivers of India and flows through the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. It originates from the Amarkantak plateau in the Maikal Hills of the Annupur district in Madhya Pradesh. The Amarkantak region serves as the source of the Son River, making it one of the three rivers originating from this area.

2. Mahanadi River:
The Mahanadi River is one of the longest rivers in India, flowing through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It also originates from the Amarkantak region in the Maikal Hills of the Annupur district in Madhya Pradesh. The Amarkantak plateau serves as the source of the Mahanadi River, making it another river originating from this area.

3. Narmada River:
The Narmada River is one of the major rivers in central India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. It also originates from the Amarkantak plateau in the Maikal Hills of the Annupur district in Madhya Pradesh. The Amarkantak region is the source of the Narmada River, making it the third river originating from this area.

Conclusion:
The Amarkantak region in the Maikal Hills of the Annupur district in Madhya Pradesh serves as the source of three rivers in the peninsula India - the Son River, Mahanadi River, and Narmada River. These rivers have significant importance in terms of water resources, irrigation, and cultural significance in the regions they flow through.

Narmada flows into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea).

The correct answer is option 'C', Godavari River.

The Godavari River is the longest river in peninsular India and has the largest catchment area among the given options. Let's explore why the Godavari River has the largest catchment area:

1. Catchment Area: The catchment area of a river refers to the total area from which water drains into the river. It includes all the tributaries and smaller streams that contribute to the flow of water. The larger the catchment area, the more water it can receive and the larger the river becomes.

2. Length: The Godavari River has a total length of about 1,465 kilometers (910 miles), making it the longest river in peninsular India. The length of a river is an important factor in determining its catchment area. Longer rivers tend to have larger catchment areas as they receive water from a larger geographic region.

3. Tributaries: The Godavari River has numerous tributaries, which further contribute to its catchment area. Some of the major tributaries of the Godavari River include the Pranhita River, Indravati River, Manjira River, and Sabari River. These tributaries drain water from their respective regions and add to the overall catchment area of the Godavari River.

4. Geographic Area: The Godavari River flows through several states in central and southern India, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. This extensive geographic coverage allows the river to receive water from a large area, thereby increasing its catchment area.

5. Rainfall: The catchment area of a river is also influenced by the amount of rainfall it receives. The Godavari River basin experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which further contributes to the river's catchment area. The rainfall helps in replenishing the river and maintaining its flow throughout the year.

In conclusion, the Godavari River has the largest catchment area among the given options due to its length, numerous tributaries, extensive geographic coverage, and significant rainfall.

Location of Rajarappa

Rajarappa is a historical site located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, India. It is situated on the confluence of two rivers.

Confluence of Rivers

The two rivers that meet at Rajarappa are:

- Damodar River: It is one of the most important rivers in eastern India and is also known as the "River of Sorrows" due to the devastating floods it causes in the region. It originates in the Chota Nagpur plateau and flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal before finally merging with the Hooghly River in Kolkata.

- Behera River: It is a small tributary of the Damodar River and originates in the hills of Jharkhand. It flows through the Ramgarh district and meets the Damodar River at Rajarappa.

Historical Significance

Rajarappa has a significant place in the history of Jharkhand. It was the site of a major battle between the local tribal people and the British East India Company in 1771. The tribal people, led by Raja Medini Ray, fought bravely against the British troops but were eventually defeated. The Rajarappa temple, located near the confluence of the two rivers, is also considered a sacred site by the locals and attracts a large number of devotees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rajarappa is located at the confluence of the Damodar and Behera rivers in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. The site has historical significance due to the battle fought there between the local tribal people and the British East India Company. The Rajarappa temple is also a popular pilgrimage site in the region.

The Lodh Falls is a waterfall in a mid forest in Latehar district. It is located on the Burha river.

The river is choked because the valley of a river is widest in its lower course and the velocity of a river in its lower course is low.

• Saraswati River refers to a river that was a distributary of the Bhagirathi and is now no more there but was active till around the 16th century AD.
• The course and condition of the Saraswati have played an important role in the development and decline of river port towns in Bengal. Initially, the major port town was Tamralipta, after its decline Saptagram rose and declined, and finally, Kolkata came up.

Incorrectly Matched Pair:
Godavari River and its tributary Amaravati

Explanation:

Godavari : Wainganga
- The Wainganga River is a tributary of the Godavari River in India.
- It is one of the important rivers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.

Cauvery : Bhavani
- The Bhavani River is a tributary of the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- It originates in the Nilgiri Hills and joins the Kaveri River near Bhavani town.

Narmada : Amaravati
- The Narmada River is not connected to the Amaravati River.
- The Amaravati River is a tributary of the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu.

Krishna : Bhima
- The Bhima River is a tributary of the Krishna River in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- It meets the Krishna River near Raichur in Karnataka.
Therefore, the incorrectly matched pair is Narmada : Amaravati. The Narmada River does not have the Amaravati River as one of its tributaries.

Answer will be (d) 3 only coz
Chambal is yamuna tributary
sone is Ganga tributary
manas is brahamputra

India is blessed with a vast network of rivers, some of which form deltas as they meet the sea. However, there are also rivers that do not form deltas. One such river is the Narmada.

The Narmada River is one of the major rivers of India that does not form a delta. It is one of the few rivers in the world that flows from east to west. The Narmada originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before draining into the Arabian Sea.

There are several reasons why the Narmada River does not form a delta:
- The Narmada River has a steep gradient, which means that it flows swiftly and does not deposit sediment at its mouth like other rivers.
- The river has a rocky terrain along its course, which further inhibits the formation of a delta.
- The Narmada River also has a relatively small catchment area compared to other major rivers in India, resulting in less sediment being carried downstream.
Despite not forming a delta, the Narmada River is still an important river in India, providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and supporting the livelihoods of people living along its banks.

Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet at DevPrayag and downstream flow as the Ganges.

Sequence of Rivers from North to South

The correct sequence of rivers from north to south is as follows:

a) Damodar-Brahmani-Mahanadi-Tungabhadra

Explanation:

Damodar River - It originates from the Chota Nagpur plateau and flows through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal before joining the Hugli River.

Brahmani River - It originates from the highlands of Sundargarh district of Odisha and flows through the states of Odisha and Jharkhand before joining the Bay of Bengal.

Mahanadi River - It originates from the Satpura Range in Chhattisgarh and flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha before joining the Bay of Bengal.

Tungabhadra River - It is a tributary of the Krishna River and originates from the Western Ghats in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Therefore, the correct sequence of rivers from north to south is Damodar-Brahmani-Mahanadi-Tungabhadra.

Understanding River Deltas in India
Deltas are landforms created at river mouths where sediment is deposited as the river flows into a larger body of water, such as an ocean. The formation of deltas is influenced by various factors, especially the river's water volume and sediment load.
East-Flowing Rivers vs. West-Flowing Rivers
- Abundance of East-Flowing Rivers: India has numerous east-flowing rivers, like the Ganges and Brahmaputra, which carry large volumes of water and sediment.
- Sediment Load: These rivers originate in the Himalayas and traverse through fertile plains, picking up silt and clay, which contributes to delta formation as they slow down and deposit this material in the Bay of Bengal.
Characteristics of West-Flowing Rivers
- Fewer Rivers: The West Coast of India has fewer rivers compared to the East Coast. This limits the potential for delta formation.
- Lower Water Volume: West-flowing rivers, such as the Narmada and Tapi, typically have a lower water volume.
- Reduced Sediment Transport: Due to their shorter lengths and steeper gradients, these rivers carry less runoff and sediment to the sea.
- Origin in Dry Regions: Many of these rivers originate in the Western Ghats, which are characterized by less rainfall compared to the Himalayan region, leading to lower sediment yield.
Conclusion
In summary, the absence of significant deltas on the West Coast of India is primarily due to the lower water volume and sediment transport capacity of its rivers. This contrasts sharply with the east-flowing river systems, which are rich in sediment and capable of forming extensive deltas. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending India's diverse riverine landscapes.

West Flowing Rivers of India

The rivers in India can be broadly categorized into two types, namely, the Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular Rivers. The Himalayan Rivers are those rivers that originate from the Himalayan mountain range, whereas the Peninsular Rivers are those rivers that originate from the Peninsular Plateau.

West Flowing Rivers of India are those rivers that flow towards the west from their origin.

The West Flowing Rivers of India are as follows:

1. Narmada River: It is one of the most significant rivers of Central India. It originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows towards the west, ultimately draining into the Arabian Sea.

2. Tapti River: It is a river that originates in the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.

3. Sabarmati River: It is a river that originates in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan and flows through Gujarat before meeting the Arabian Sea.

4. Mahi River: It is a river that originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.

5. Luni River: It is a river that originates in the Pushkar valley of the Aravalli Range and flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat before disappearing into the Rann of Kutch.

Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option (c) Only 3, which means that Narmada River is the only west flowing river of the given options.

It is one of only three major rivers in peninsular India that run from east to west (longest west flowing river), along with the Tapti River and the Mahi River. It is one of the rivers in India that flows in a rift valley, flowing west between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.

The Narmada, also called the Rewa, is a river in central India and the fifth-longest river in the Indian subcontinent. It is the third-longest river that flows entirely within India, after the Godavari and the Krishna.

• The Ganges is a trans-boundary river of India and Bangladesh. The 2,525 km (1,569 mi) river rises in the western Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and flows south and east through the Gangetic Plain of North India into Bangladesh, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal. It is the third-largest river in the World by discharge.

The Gandak River, river in central Nepal and northern India is a left-bank tributary of the Ganges in India.