Q41. The middle and lower Ganga plains have an abundance of ox-bow lakes. This concept implies that the terrain is:
Major Rivers and Lakes of India: RAS Prelims MCQs
44 RAS Prelims MCQs on the rivers and lakes of India cover the classification of rivers, the Indus Waters Treaty, rift valley rivers, the Luni of Rajasthan and the major lakes. The origin and mouth of rivers and the type and State of each lake are tested, and each explanation names the feature that sets the river or lake apart.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–44 of 44 questions
Q42. Which of the following was the first major river interlinking project to receive structural approval and implementation focus in India?
Explanation
The river interlinking project aims to connect various Indian rivers to manage water resources better. The Ken-Betwa Link was the first major project to reach the implementation phase under this national scheme. It involves transferring surplus water from the Ken river in Madhya Pradesh to the water-scarce Betwa river basin, primarily benefiting the drought-prone Bundelkhand region across two states.
Q43. Consider the following statements regarding river interlinking:
Statement I: The primary rationale behind the river interlinking project is to transfer water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins.
Statement II: All Peninsular rivers are considered water-surplus, while Himalayan rivers are considered water-deficit.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement I: The primary rationale behind the river interlinking project is to transfer water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins.
Statement II: All Peninsular rivers are considered water-surplus, while Himalayan rivers are considered water-deficit.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
The fundamental idea of river interlinking is to divert excess water from surplus basins to regions facing water scarcity. This ensures a more equitable distribution of water for irrigation and drinking. While many Himalayan rivers are considered perennial and surplus, it is incorrect to assume all Peninsular rivers are surplus; many are seasonal and suffer from significant water deficits.
Q44. Which of the following is considered the most appropriate and serious environmental challenge associated with river interlinking projects?
Explanation
River interlinking is a massive structural undertaking that presents several serious environmental and social challenges. The most significant concerns include the large-scale loss of forest cover and the disruption of local riverine ecosystems. Furthermore, the construction of canals and reservoirs often leads to the displacement of local communities, requiring extensive rehabilitation and causing long-term socio-economic impacts on populations.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (b) Flat with gentle gradients, causing extensive meandering |
| 42 | (c) Ken-Betwa Link |
| 43 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 44 | (a) Ecological disruption, forest loss, and community displacement |
Key facts from Major Rivers and Lakes of India
- Indian rivers are classified as Himalayan and Peninsular on the basis of origin and evolutionary history.
- Under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, India has exclusive rights over the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
- The Narmada and Tapi are rift valley rivers flowing between the Vindhya and Satpura; the Tapi rises at Multai in Betul district.
- The Luni rises in the Pushkar valley of the Aravallis and turns saline after Balotra; it is an inland-drainage river.
- Wular Lake is India’s largest freshwater lake and was formed by tectonic activity; Chilika is the largest coastal lagoon and a Ramsar site.
- Loktak in Manipur has floating phumdis and the Keibul Lamjao floating national park; Sambhar is the largest inland salt lake.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Major Rivers and Lakes of India?
This page has 44 practice MCQs on Major Rivers and Lakes of India (Indian Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which rivers does India control under the Indus Waters Treaty?
The three eastern rivers, the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The three western rivers, the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab, are allotted mainly to Pakistan under the 1960 treaty, with limited use allowed to India.
Where does the Luni river rise and end?
The Luni rises in the Pushkar valley of the Aravalli range near Ajmer and flows south-west, ending in the marshes of the Rann of Kachchh. It does not reach the sea and is a good example of inland drainage.
What is the largest coastal lagoon in India?
Chilika Lake in Odisha. It was the first Indian wetland recognised as a Ramsar site and supports the Irrawaddy dolphin, and its salinity changes with the seasons as river water mixes with sea water.