Human and Economic Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: The Drought-Prone Area Programme (DPAP) was launched in 1973-74 to mitigate the effects of drought in drought-prone areas by promoting sustainable development. It is implemented under the Ministry of Rural Development, not the Ministry of Agriculture. The programme focuses on watershed development, soil conservation, and water harvesting to improve agricultural productivity in drought-affected regions.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Desert Development Programme aims to combat desertification and mitigate the adverse effects of drought in desert areas. This programme is also over-seen by the Department of Land Resources within the Ministry of Rural Development, not the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The DDP aims to minimize the adverse effects of drought and control desertification through the rejuvenation of the natural resource base in identified desert areas.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The National Watershed Devel-opment Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) focuses on the development of rainfed regions to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. This project is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, not the Ministry of Rural Development.

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: The Integrated Watershed Devel-opment Programme (IWDP) emphasizes soil conservation measures to prevent erosion and runoff. By implementing techniques such as terracing, contour plowing, and afforestation, the programme aims to maintain soil health and fertility, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.

Option 2 is incorrect: The IWDP does not encompass river interlinking projects. Its focuses is on watershed management at the micro-level which aims to conserve soil and water within specific catchment areas. River interlinking is a separate initiative under India’s National Perspective Plan which seeks to transfer water from surplus to deficit regions through large-scale infrastructure projects.

Option 3 is correct: The IWDP emphasizes rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge through the construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and farm ponds. These structures help capture rainwater, allowing it to percolate into the ground and recharge aquifers. This is particularly important in rainfed and arid regions where groundwater levels are critically low.

Option 4 is correct: The programme promotes afforestation and reforestation activities to restore degraded lands. Regen-erating natural vegetation not only prevents soil erosion but also improves biodiversity, enhances carbon sequestration, and supports the livelihoods of local communities through the provision of forest products.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Kinnaur is primarily known for its apple orchards, not for Areca nut production. The region’s agriculture is most famous for apples, along with other fruits like apricots and peaches. Areca nut is mostly produced in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam, which have the ideal climatic conditions for this crop.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Mewat is not particularly famous for mango production. The region is known for agriculture and allied agro-based activities, but mango cultivation is not a primary feature of Mewat. The major mango-growing states in In-dia include Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Coromandel Coast is primarily known for the production of crops like rice, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and peanuts. It is not known for soybean production. The major states producing soybeans in India are Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which together contribute 89% of the total production of soybeans in the country.

Explanation

Option 1 is incorrect: Bhadrachalam is not famous for the production of traditional sarees or fabric. Instead, it is known primarily for its temples, especially the Sri Rama Temple, and its religious significance.

Option 2 is correct: Chanderi, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for the production of Chanderi sarees. These sarees are famous for their fine, lightweight fabric, often woven from silk and cotton, and embellished with intricate zari work. Chanderi sarees are a hallmark of Indian textile heritage and are considered luxurious due to their delicate craftsmanship.

Option 3 is correct: Kancheepuram, in Tamil Nadu, is internationally famous for its Kanjeevaram sarees. These sarees are made of mulberry silk, renowned for their rich texture and festive quality, often highlighted by the use of gold or silver zari (thread made of precious metals). They are considered one of the finest and most durable traditional sarees in India.

Option 4 is incorrect: Karnal is not known for the production of traditional sarees or fabric. It is primarily recognized for its agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of wheat and rice, and is not associated with textile manufacturing.