Q41. Eutrophication, a major ecological issue threatening several freshwater lakes in Rajasthan, is primarily caused by which of the following?
Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
48 RAS Prelims MCQs on the rivers and lakes of Rajasthan cover the drainage systems and individual rivers. The Banas, Luni, Gambhir, Banganga, Kakni and Ruparel are asked with their origin, course and dams, and the explanations show why most of the State has inland drainage.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–48 of 48 questions
Q42. Consider the following lakes in Rajasthan:
I. Fateh Sagar
II. Pichola
III. Ana Sagar
IV. Pushkar
V. Nakki
Which of the above lakes are included in the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) for environmental restoration?
I. Fateh Sagar
II. Pichola
III. Ana Sagar
IV. Pushkar
V. Nakki
Which of the above lakes are included in the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) for environmental restoration?
Explanation
Several major lakes in Rajasthan, including Fateh Sagar, Pichola, Ana Sagar, Pushkar, and Nakki, have been included in the National Lake Conservation Plan. This central government initiative aims to restore the ecological health of urban and semi-urban lakes. Through projects like desilting and sewage treatment, the program seeks to improve water quality and preserve the biodiversity of these important regional sites.
Q43. When addressing the ecological importance of Rajasthan’s lakes, which of the following is an immediate biological consequence of lake eutrophication?
Explanation
An immediate and critical consequence of lake eutrophication is the formation of dense algal blooms on the water’s surface. As these algae die and decompose, the process consumes vast amounts of dissolved oxygen. This depletion creates "dead zones" where fish and other aquatic organisms cannot survive. Consequently, the biodiversity of the lake drops sharply, and the water becomes unsuitable for use.
Q44. Match List-I (Lake/Wetland) with List-II (Ecological Status / Conservation Feature) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Lake/Wetland | Ecological Status / Conservation Feature |
|---|---|
| A. Sambhar Lake | i. Recognised as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1990 |
| B. Keoladeo Ghana | ii. Recognised as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1981 |
| C. Mansagar Lake | iii. Restored Jal Mahal integrating private-public partnership |
| D. Ana Sagar Lake | iv. Historic urban lake facing severe encroachment and siltation |
Explanation
Rajasthan’s wetlands and lakes have varying conservation statuses. Sambhar Lake and Keoladeo Ghana are both recognized Ramsar sites, designated in 1990 and 1981 respectively. Mansagar Lake in Jaipur is known for its restoration via a public-private partnership. Meanwhile, Ana Sagar in Ajmer faces typical challenges of urban lakes, such as siltation and encroachment. These classifications help prioritize national conservation efforts.
Q45. Identify the incorrect statement regarding lake conservation programs in Rajasthan.
Explanation
The National Lake Conservation Plan is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, meaning it is not funded entirely by the state government. Funding is typically shared between the Central and State governments in a specific ratio. While the state implements the projects, financial support and policy guidelines come from the national level to ensure the systematic restoration and conservation of critical aquatic ecosystems.
Q46. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Most freshwater lakes in the Aravalli and southern regions of Rajasthan are artificial rather than natural.
Reason (R): They were historically constructed by local rulers to conserve rainwater for drinking and irrigation purposes in a semi-arid climate.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Most freshwater lakes in the Aravalli and southern regions of Rajasthan are artificial rather than natural.
Reason (R): They were historically constructed by local rulers to conserve rainwater for drinking and irrigation purposes in a semi-arid climate.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
Many freshwater lakes in the Aravalli and southern regions of Rajasthan are indeed man-made rather than natural. Historically, local rulers constructed these reservoirs by damming seasonal streams to harvest and store rainwater. This practice was a strategic response to the state’s semi-arid climate and erratic rainfall, ensuring a reliable supply of water for drinking and irrigation throughout the entire year.
Q47. In which year was the Rajasthan State Wetland Authority constituted to enforce the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules in the state?
Explanation
The Rajasthan State Wetland Authority was officially constituted in 2019. Its primary mandate is to implement and enforce the Wetland Rules within the state. This body is responsible for identifying, notifying, and protecting critical wetlands from encroachment and pollution. The establishment of this authority marked a significant step toward the institutionalized and systematic conservation of Rajasthan’s diverse and fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Q48. Under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules implemented in Rajasthan, which of the following activities is strictly prohibited within the notified boundary of a wetland?
Explanation
Under the Wetland Rules, setting up new industries or expanding existing ones within a notified wetland’s boundary is strictly prohibited. This rule aims to prevent chemical pollution and physical encroachment that could destroy the delicate aquatic habitat. Other activities like traditional fishing or scientific research are generally permitted or regulated, as they do not typically cause the same level of environmental harm.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (d) High nutrient levels from agricultural runoff and urban sewage. |
| 42 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 43 | (c) Formation of dense algal blooms that deplete dissolved oxygen |
| 44 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 45 | (d) The National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) is funded entirely (100%) by the State Government of Rajasthan. |
| 46 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 47 | (c) 2019 |
| 48 | (a) Setting up new industries or expanding existing ones. |
Key facts from Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan
- The internal (inland) drainage system covers the largest area of Rajasthan.
- The Banas, the longest river flowing entirely within Rajasthan, rises in the Khamnor hills.
- The Banganga rises in the Bairath hills; the Jamwa Ramgarh Dam on it was once crucial for Jaipur’s water.
- The Gambhir rises in Karauli, flows through Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur and Dholpur and joins the Yamuna; the Panchana Dam is built at the confluence of its tributaries.
- The Kakni, the smallest river of the internal system, rises at Kotri village in Jaisalmer; the Ruparel is also called Varah and Laswari.
- The flood plain of the Ghaggar in Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar is locally called the Nali.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan?
This page has 48 practice MCQs on Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which is the longest river flowing wholly within Rajasthan?
The Banas, which rises in the Khamnor hills of the Aravallis and flows to meet the Chambal. Because it begins and ends in the State, it is called the longest river wholly within Rajasthan.
Which dam supplied Jaipur’s water in the past?
The Jamwa Ramgarh Dam on the Banganga river. It was built to supply Jaipur city and was important until the demand outgrew it, and the Banganga is a seasonal river of the eastern plains.
What is the Nali?
The local name for the flood plain of the Ghaggar river in the Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar districts. The Ghaggar is a seasonal river of the north, and the Nali floods in the rainy season.