Physical Geography of Uttar Pradesh MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

Eastern Uttar Pradesh is traditionally flood-prone due to several geographical and climatic factors. This region is located in the Gangetic plain, which is formed by the alluvial deposits of the Ganges and its tributaries. The combination of heavy rainfall, high discharge from the rivers, and the flat topography of the area makes it vulnerable to flooding. Here is a detailed explanation of why Eastern Uttar Pradesh is prone to floods:

1. Geographical Location:
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh is situated in the lower part of the Gangetic plain, which is a vast stretch of fertile land formed by the sedimentary deposits of the Ganges River.
- The region is crisscrossed by several major rivers, including the Ganges, Yamuna, Ghaghara, and Gandak, which contribute to the flooding during the monsoon season.
- The rivers in this region receive water from the Himalayan rivers and the runoff from the surrounding areas, leading to a significant volume of water flow.

2. Monsoonal Climate:
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh experiences a monsoonal climate characterized by heavy rainfall during the months of June to September.
- The region receives a substantial amount of rainfall during this period, which leads to an increase in the water level of the rivers.
- The excessive rainfall, combined with the already high water levels, often exceeds the carrying capacity of the rivers, resulting in floods.

3. Flat Topography:
- The topography of Eastern Uttar Pradesh is predominantly flat, with low-lying areas and floodplains.
- The lack of natural barriers or slopes in the landscape makes it easier for water to accumulate and spread over a larger area during floods.
- The flat terrain also hampers the drainage of excess water, causing it to stagnate and prolonging the duration of floods.

4. Human Interventions:
- Certain human activities have further increased the vulnerability of Eastern Uttar Pradesh to floods.
- Deforestation, encroachment of floodplains, and inadequate maintenance of river embankments have disrupted the natural flow of water and reduced the capacity of rivers to handle floodwaters.
- The construction of dams and barrages upstream can also contribute to the intensity and duration of floods downstream.

In conclusion, Eastern Uttar Pradesh is traditionally flood-prone due to its geographical location in the Gangetic plain, the monsoonal climate with heavy rainfall, the flat topography, and human interventions. These factors combined make the region susceptible to flooding, causing significant damage to lives, property, and agriculture.

The Betwa River flows through the Bundelkhand region and is considered the lifeline of this area. It rises in the Vindhya Range and flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The Ghaghra River is the largest tributary of the Ganges in terms of volume. It originates near Mansarovar Lake and joins the Sharda River near Brahmaghat in Uttar Pradesh before ultimately joining the Ganges at Dariganj in Bihar.

Uttar Pradesh is located between 25° N to 30° N latitudes and 80° E to 88° E longitudes, covering a vast area with diverse geographical features.

The Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch) is recognized as a Ramsar Site in Uttar Pradesh.

Soil in the Terai region rich in nitrogen and organic matter:
- The soil in the Terai region is known for its richness in nitrogen and organic matter. This is due to the presence of fertile alluvial soil deposited by rivers flowing down from the Himalayas.
- The high organic matter content in the soil is a result of the decomposition of plant and animal materials over time, enriching the soil with essential nutrients.

Deficiency in phosphate:
- Despite being rich in nitrogen and organic matter, the soil in the Terai region is often deficient in phosphate. Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, playing a crucial role in processes such as photosynthesis, energy transfer, and root development.
- The deficiency of phosphate in the soil can limit plant growth and productivity, leading to decreased crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.

Silty Soil:
- Silty soil is the type of soil commonly found in the Terai region. It has a fine texture with particles that are smaller than sand but larger than clay, providing good drainage and water retention properties.
- Silty soil is known for its high fertility due to its rich organic matter content, making it ideal for agriculture. However, it is often deficient in phosphate, which can be addressed through the application of phosphate fertilizers to ensure optimal plant growth and productivity.
In conclusion, while the soil in the Terai region is rich in nitrogen and organic matter, it is crucial to address the deficiency of phosphate to support sustainable agriculture and maximize crop yields in the region.

Bangar Soil, covering the largest part of the Gangetic plains, is characterized by calcareous deposits known as Kankar. It is an old and matured alluvial soil, but its fertility has been lost due to continuous agricultural use, requiring additional fertilizers for cultivation.

Primary Focus of Uttar Pradesh Forest Policy, 2017
The primary focus of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Policy, 2017 is Biodiversity Conservation.

Importance of Biodiversity Conservation
- Biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems.
- Forests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, and conserving biodiversity helps in preserving these habitats.

Objectives of the Forest Policy
- The Uttar Pradesh Forest Policy, 2017 aims to protect and conserve the rich biodiversity of the state.
- It focuses on sustainable management of forests to ensure their long-term ecological integrity.

Key Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation
- The policy emphasizes the need for effective protection and management of protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks.
- It promotes community participation in forest conservation efforts to ensure local involvement and support.
- Encouraging sustainable forestry practices such as agroforestry and afforestation to enhance biodiversity and combat deforestation.

Conclusion
The Uttar Pradesh Forest Policy, 2017 places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation as a key priority. By implementing strategies to protect and sustainably manage forests, the policy aims to safeguard the diverse plant and animal species that inhabit these ecosystems, ensuring their survival for future generations.

The Gopad River, a main tributary of the Son River, emerges from the hills north of the radial drainage Baghelkhand plateau, and it is located in Sonbhadra district.

The Shivalik ranges in Uttar Pradesh were formed during the Tertiary Period, as a result of deposition and upliftment of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in the Tethys Sea.

According to the text, loo, a local wind, is a common phenomenon in Uttar Pradesh during the summer season. It blows in the state between 10 am to 5 pm, contributing to hot conditions.

The text highlights that the significant natural disasters in Uttar Pradesh are Floods, Droughts, Fires, and Earthquakes. These disasters have been causing severe damage and affecting various aspects of life in the state.

According to the text, 31 districts of Uttar Pradesh are in Earthquake Risk Zone -III.

The source of the Ganga River is considered to be the Bhagirathi, which rises at the foot of the Gangotri glacier. The Bhagirathi is one of the six headstreams that form the Ganga, and it is at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda at Devprayag that the Ganges River proper begins.

The text mentions that there are 2,456 factories of hazardous nature in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The text indicates that areas of the Bundelkhand region, including Allahabad, Kanpur, and others, experience the highest temperatures during the summer season due to their nearness to the Tropic of Cancer.

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, covering an area of 2073 sq km across multiple districts.

According to the text, the annual approximate loss due to floods in Uttar Pradesh is Rs. 432 crores.

National Parks are designated areas developed primarily for the protection of wildlife and biodiversity. Activities such as forestry, hunting, poaching, and grazing on cultivation are not permitted within National Parks.

The Ken River is not a tributary of the Ganga in the Gangetic Plain; instead, it passes through the Bundelkhand region to join the Yamuna.