Consider the following statements regarding Isostatic adjustment and seismic sensitivity of the river basins:
1. Isostatic compensation in the Ganga basin involves the redistribution of mass due to glacial retreat, and the 2015 Gorkha earthquake is associated with a localized crustal thinning observed in the central segment of the Nepal Himalayas.
2. The Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) serves as the southern limit of the mountain range, and seismic monitoring stations established in 1991 show that the current rate of convergence between the Indian and Eurasian plates is 50 millimeters per year.
3. Isostatic rebound in the Brahmaputra valley is influenced by the rapid erosion and sediment discharge rates, which are estimated to exceed 700 million tonnes annually at the Bahadurabad gauging station.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Brahmaputra River carries an exceptionally high sediment load, exceeding 700 million tonnes annually at Bahadurabad, which contributes to crustal loading and isostatic adjustments in the region. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2015 Gorkha earthquake was caused by the release of accumulated strain along the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) due to plate convergence, not crustal thinning. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the HFT is the southern limit, the current rate of convergence between the Indian and Eurasian plates is approximately 40-45 millimeters per year, not 50 millimeters.
Consider the following statements regarding Tributary confluence hydraulics and flood pulse dynamics:
1. The Manas River flows through the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan before joining the Brahmaputra, and its seasonal discharge patterns are monitored under the 1983 India-Bhutan Hydrological Data Exchange protocol.
2. The Brahmaputra Board was established by an Act of Parliament in 1980 to oversee flood management, and it functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power for inter-state water coordination.
3. The Gandak River project involves the construction of the Valmikinagar Barrage, which provides irrigation benefits to both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as per the provisions of the 1959 Gandak Treaty.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the India-Bhutan Hydrological Data Exchange protocol was established in 2002, not 1983. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Brahmaputra Board functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, not the Ministry of Power. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1959 Gandak Treaty involves India and Nepal, and the Valmikinagar Barrage provides irrigation benefits to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, not just the two Indian states mentioned.
Consider the following statements regarding Physiographic evolution and tectonic origin of the Indo-Gangetic trough:
1. The Brahmaputra River system maintains a braided channel pattern throughout its entire course in India because of the high sediment load derived from the rapid weathering of the Karakoram range.
2. The Rajmahal-Garo Gap, which separates the Peninsular plateau from the Shillong plateau, was formed by the volcanic extrusion of the Deccan Traps during the Paleocene epoch.
3. The Brahmaputra River follows a longitudinal course along the Yarlung-Tsangpo suture zone before executing a sharp southward turn at the Namcha Barwa syntaxis to enter the plains of Assam.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Brahmaputra flows eastward along the Yarlung-Tsangpo suture zone before taking a 'hairpin' turn at Namcha Barwa to enter India. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Brahmaputra's braided nature is primarily due to the high sediment load from the young, tectonically active Himalayas, not the Karakoram range. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Rajmahal-Garo Gap is a tectonic down-faulted trough formed by the subsidence of the crust, not volcanic extrusion, which allowed the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers to deposit vast alluvial sediments.
Consider the following statements regarding Sediment load dynamics and deltaic progradation of the Sundarbans:
1. Suspended sediment concentrations in the Meghna estuary often exceed 2,000 milligrams per liter during the peak monsoon months of July and August.
2. Geomorphological surveys confirm that the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem occupies a tidal deltaic plain characterized by a mean elevation of less than 3 meters above mean sea level.
3. The formation of the Char islands in the Brahmaputra reach is primarily driven by the high bed-load transport of coarse sand, which constitutes nearly 30% of the total annual sediment discharge.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Meghna estuary experiences massive sediment influx during the monsoon, with concentrations frequently surpassing 2,000 mg/L due to high discharge. Statement 2 is accurate because the Sundarbans are a low-lying tidal deltaic plain where the majority of the land sits below 3 meters, making it highly vulnerable to sea-level rise. Statement 3 is correct as the Brahmaputra is a high-energy river system where significant bed-load transport of coarse sand facilitates the rapid formation and shifting of transient Char islands.
Consider the following statements regarding Sediment load dynamics and deltaic progradation of the Sundarbans:
1. Satellite imagery analysis of the Sundarbans delta indicates that the progradation rate of the outer islands has slowed significantly since the 1970s due to increased tidal prism and sea-level rise.
2. The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, significantly altered the downstream sediment flux, leading to a reduction in the depositional capacity of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly distributary.
3. The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin annually transports approximately 1.06 billion tonnes of sediment, making it one of the largest sediment-discharging systems globally.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as satellite data confirms that rising sea levels and intensified tidal action have led to coastal erosion, outpacing sediment accretion and slowing progradation. Statement 2 is correct because the Farakka Barrage diverts a significant portion of the Ganga's water into the Hooghly, trapping upstream sediment and reducing the natural siltation processes essential for deltaic maintenance. Statement 3 is correct as the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna system is globally recognized for its massive sediment discharge, consistently estimated at approximately 1 billion tonnes annually due to high Himalayan erosion rates and monsoon-driven runoff.
Consider the following statements regarding Paleo-channels and groundwater recharge zones in the Gangetic plains:
1. Satellite imagery from the 2012 Landsat mission shows that the paleo-channels of the Son River are filled with fine-grained lacustrine deposits, which act as regional aquicludes preventing the downward percolation of monsoon rainfall.
2. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty includes provisions for the joint management of the paleo-channels in the Punjab plains, specifically noting their role in maintaining the water table levels in the Ravi-Beas doab.
3. The 1982 National Water Development Agency survey mapped the paleo-channels of the Brahmaputra valley, concluding that these features increase the hydraulic conductivity of the clay-rich sediments found in the floodplains of Assam.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All statements are incorrect: Statement 1 is false because paleo-channels in the Gangetic plains are typically composed of coarse-grained sand and gravel, which act as high-permeability aquifers rather than aquicludes. Statement 2 is false as the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty exclusively governs the distribution of waters between India and Pakistan and contains no provisions regarding the management of paleo-channels. Statement 3 is false because the 1982 National Water Development Agency survey focused on inter-basin water transfer projects rather than mapping Brahmaputra paleo-channels to increase hydraulic conductivity in clay-rich sediments.
Consider the following statements regarding Drainage density and bifurcation ratios in the Himalayan catchment:
1. The Himalayan catchment of the Brahmaputra exhibits a higher drainage density compared to the Ganga basin due to the steeper topographic gradients and higher annual precipitation in the Eastern Himalayas.
2. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 includes provisions for the joint management of the Brahmaputra drainage basin, establishing a bifurcation ratio threshold for the Dibang and Lohit sub-catchments.
3. The Kosi River, known for its high sediment load, maintains a constant bifurcation ratio across its entire Himalayan reach, which is supported by the 1954 agreement on the Kosi Project.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the Eastern Himalayas receive significantly higher orographic rainfall and possess steeper slopes, leading to a more dense network of streams compared to the Ganga basin. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Indus Waters Treaty exclusively concerns the Indus system and does not involve the Brahmaputra, which is governed by separate data-sharing agreements with China. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kosi River exhibits a highly dynamic and unstable drainage pattern characterized by frequent channel shifting and avulsion, making a 'constant' bifurcation ratio geomorphologically impossible.
Consider the following statements regarding River capture and drainage reorganization in the Brahmaputra valley:
1. The Teesta river was a direct tributary of the Ganga until the 1897 earthquake, which caused a structural tilt in the Rangpur fault zone and diverted the flow into the Brahmaputra basin.
2. The 1912 Geological Survey of India report identified the capture of the Dibang river by the Siang, a process attributed to the subsidence of the Mishmi Hills during the early Holocene period.
3. The formation of the Majuli island is linked to the 1787 major flood event, which resulted in the Brahmaputra abandoning its southern channel to follow the course of the Burhi Dihing.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Teesta shifted its course from the Ganga to the Brahmaputra during the catastrophic floods of 1787, not the 1897 earthquake. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Dibang is a major tributary of the Siang (Brahmaputra), and there is no geological evidence of a 'capture' event linked to Mishmi Hills subsidence in the early Holocene. Statement 3 is incorrect because the formation of Majuli is primarily attributed to the 1750-1850 period of intense seismic activity and fluvial dynamics, and the Brahmaputra did not abandon its southern channel to follow the Burhi Dihing; rather, the Burhi Dihing is a distinct tributary that joins the main river.
Consider the following statements regarding Biogeochemical cycling in the estuarine ecosystems of the delta:
1. The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, designated in 1989, encompasses a complex biogeochemical cycle where the rapid decomposition of leaf litter by anaerobic bacteria leads to a significant decrease in methane emissions from the mangrove soil.
2. In the deltaic region, the microbial degradation of terrestrial organic matter contributes to the high partial pressure of carbon dioxide in surface waters, often exceeding 1,500 micro-atmospheres during the post-monsoon period.
3. The sediment-associated phosphorus in the Ganga delta is primarily released into the water column through the process of photo-oxidation, which is most intense during the peak flood events of September.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the microbial respiration of terrestrial organic matter in the Sundarbans leads to high pCO2 levels, often exceeding 1,500 µatm due to intense metabolic activity. Statement 1 is incorrect because anaerobic decomposition in mangrove sediments actually promotes methanogenesis, leading to significant methane emissions rather than a decrease. Statement 3 is incorrect because phosphorus release in the Ganga delta is primarily driven by redox-sensitive desorption and microbial mineralization, not photo-oxidation, and peak flood events typically dilute nutrient concentrations rather than intensifying release.
Consider the following statements regarding Isostatic adjustment and seismic sensitivity of the river basins:
1. Crustal loading in the Bengal Basin is attributed to the massive sediment deposition from the Meghna river system, and satellite gravimetry data from 2005 indicates that this loading has triggered a decrease in the depth of the Moho discontinuity.
2. The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) separates the Siwalik group from the Lesser Himalayas, and geological surveys conducted in 1972 confirm that this fault line acts as the primary driver for the subsidence of the Ganga foredeep.
3. The Brahmaputra river flows through the Sadiya gap, a region characterized by the convergence of the Indo-Burmese arc and the Himalayan syntaxis, where the 1897 Great Assam earthquake caused a permanent uplift of the Shillong Plateau by 15 meters.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because sediment loading in the Bengal Basin causes crustal subsidence and an increase, not a decrease, in the depth of the Moho discontinuity due to isostatic compensation. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) separates the Lesser Himalayas from the Siwaliks, but the subsidence of the Ganga foredeep is primarily driven by the flexural loading of the Himalayan orogen rather than the MBT itself. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Shillong Plateau experienced significant uplift during the 1897 Great Assam earthquake, the vertical displacement was approximately 10-11 meters, not 15 meters, and the Sadiya gap is defined by the transition between the Eastern Himalayas and the Mishmi Hills.
Consider the following statements regarding Salinity intrusion dynamics in the lower deltaic regions:
1. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh contains a specific provision for the sharing of flows at Farakka during the ten-day period of April 21-30, allocating 35,000 cusecs to each nation.
2. Data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board indicates that during the lean season (January to May), the salinity front in the Pasur river has penetrated up to 100 kilometers inland from the Bay of Bengal.
3. Under the provisions of the 1977 Ganges Waters Agreement, the Joint Rivers Commission established a monitoring station at Hardinge Bridge to record salinity levels, which resulted in a permanent reduction of seawater ingress into the Padma river.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1996 Treaty mandates a 35,000 cusecs share for both nations during the final ten days of April. Statement 2 is correct because reduced lean-season discharge at Farakka leads to significant upstream salinity migration in the Pasur river, often exceeding 100 km. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1977 Agreement did not establish a permanent mechanism to halt seawater ingress, and salinity intrusion remains a persistent environmental challenge rather than a resolved issue.
Consider the following statements regarding Paleo-channels and groundwater recharge zones in the Gangetic plains:
1. The Gandak paleo-channel in the North Bihar plains exhibits high transmissivity values, often exceeding 2,000 square meters per day, facilitating significant vertical recharge into the underlying quaternary aquifers.
2. The 2017 Central Ground Water Board report identifies the buried channels of the paleo-Saraswati system as significant hydrogeological features that influence the regional groundwater flow patterns in the western Gangetic plains.
3. Isotopic analysis of groundwater in the interfluve regions of the Ghaghara and Gandak rivers indicates that paleo-channels act as preferential recharge zones, with residence times of modern water estimated at less than 50 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Gandak paleo-channel consists of coarse-grained fluvial deposits with high hydraulic conductivity, enabling rapid vertical infiltration into quaternary aquifers. Statement 2 is correct because the CGWB's 2017 hydrogeological mapping confirmed that buried paleo-channels in the western Gangetic plains act as conduits for groundwater movement, significantly impacting regional flow dynamics. Statement 3 is correct as isotopic studies (using Tritium and Carbon-14) reveal that paleo-channels serve as active recharge pathways, where the presence of modern water confirms a short residence time of less than 50 years, indicating active replenishment.
Consider the following statements regarding Physiographic evolution and tectonic origin of the Indo-Gangetic trough:
1. Isostatic compensation models suggest that the rapid sedimentation rate of the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, estimated at 10 millimeters per year, is the primary driver of the ongoing tectonic uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.
2. Geophysical surveys indicate that the depth of the basement rock in the Indo-Gangetic trough reaches its maximum of approximately 6,000 to 8,000 meters near the Himalayan foothills.
3. The Siwalik Group, which represents the youngest molasse deposits in the Himalayan sequence, provides the primary stratigraphic record for the infilling of the Indo-Gangetic trough since the Middle Miocene.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau is primarily driven by crustal shortening and thickening due to the ongoing India-Eurasia continental collision, not by sedimentation in the delta. Statement 2 is correct as geophysical data confirms the Indo-Gangetic foreland basin deepens towards the Himalayan front, reaching depths of 6-8 km due to lithospheric flexure. Statement 3 is correct because the Siwalik Group represents the syn-orogenic molasse deposits that record the progressive infilling of the foredeep basin since the Middle Miocene, reflecting the erosion of the rising Himalayas.
Consider the following statements regarding Anthropogenic impacts on fluvial sediment transport and siltation:
1. The National Mission for Clean Ganga, launched in 2011, introduced the 'Aviral Dhara' initiative which focuses on the restoration of the river's historical floodplains and the total removal of all barrages built before 1950 to restore natural sediment transport.
2. Anthropogenic activities such as sand mining in the riverbeds of the Gandak and Kosi rivers have been linked to increased bank erosion rates, as the removal of sediment disrupts the natural fluvial equilibrium.
3. The 1972 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission was established to oversee the management of the Teesta barrage, and it successfully implemented a sediment bypass system in 1985 to maintain the original channel depth of the Brahmaputra.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because unregulated sand mining in the Gandak and Kosi riverbeds alters the hydraulic geometry and sediment budget, leading to channel instability and accelerated bank erosion. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 'Aviral Dhara' (Continuous Flow) initiative under the Namami Gange program focuses on maintaining minimum ecological flow, not the removal of pre-1950 barrages. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission, established in 1972, facilitates dialogue on shared water resources but has not implemented a sediment bypass system for the Brahmaputra, and the Teesta issue remains a subject of ongoing bilateral negotiation.
Consider the following statements regarding Erosion-deposition equilibrium and river bank stability:
1. The 1996 Treaty on Sharing of the Ganga Waters at Farakka includes a specific schedule for water release during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
2. The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin accounts for nearly 60% of India's total water resources, with the Brahmaputra system alone contributing the highest annual discharge volume among Indian rivers.
3. Sediment load analysis indicates that the Brahmaputra carries an annual suspended sediment yield of approximately 735 million metric tonnes, contributing significantly to the formation of riverine islands like Majuli.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1996 Treaty mandates specific water sharing schedules between India and Bangladesh during the critical lean period of January 1 to May 31. Statement 2 is correct because the GBM basin covers roughly 60% of India's water resources, and the Brahmaputra holds the highest annual discharge volume due to heavy monsoon rainfall and glacial melt. Statement 3 is correct as the Brahmaputra is one of the world's most sediment-heavy rivers, transporting approximately 735 million metric tonnes annually, which drives the continuous geomorphological evolution of riverine islands like Majuli.
Consider the following statements regarding River meandering patterns and oxbow lake formation mechanisms:
1. The Brahmaputra River exhibits a high degree of braiding in the Assam Valley, where the channel width often exceeds 10 kilometers during the peak monsoon season.
2. Oxbow lakes in the lower Ganga plains, locally known as 'beels' or 'mauns', typically form when the river cuts through the neck of a meander loop during high-discharge events.
3. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty includes provisions for the management of the Teesta River, and it establishes a joint technical committee to monitor sediment transport at the Farakka Barrage.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the Brahmaputra is a classic braided river characterized by high sediment load and variable discharge, leading to channel widths often exceeding 10 km in the Assam Valley. Statement 2 is correct as 'beels' or 'mauns' are indeed oxbow lakes formed by the cutoff of meander necks during high-flow events in the alluvial plains of the Ganga. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty specifically addresses the sharing of Ganga waters at Farakka and does not include provisions for the Teesta River, which remains a separate, unresolved bilateral issue.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-geomorphology of the Himalayan vs Peninsular tributaries:
1. The Brahmaputra River exhibits a braided channel pattern in the Assam Valley, characterized by a high sediment load of approximately 735 million metric tonnes per annum.
2. The Teesta River, a primary tributary of the Brahmaputra, originates from the Tso Lhamo lake in North Sikkim and historically flowed into the Ganga before the catastrophic flood event of 1787.
3. The Son River, a significant Peninsular tributary of the Ganga, originates from the Amarkantak plateau at an elevation of 1,057 meters and follows a northeasterly course before joining the Ganga near Patna.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Brahmaputra's high sediment load from the steep, tectonically active Himalayas leads to extensive braiding in the Assam Valley. Statement 3 is correct because the Son River originates at Amarkantak and flows northeast to join the Ganga near Patna, typical of Peninsular rivers flowing north. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the Teesta did shift its course during the 1787 floods, it historically flowed into the Atrai River (a tributary of the Padma/Ganga) rather than directly into the Ganga main stem.
Consider the following statements regarding Geopolitical significance of transboundary water sharing treaties:
1. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty contains a specific annexure regarding the management of transboundary tributaries in the Eastern Himalayas and provides a framework for the Brahmaputra basin water allocation.
2. The 2013 Expert Level Mechanism between India and China facilitates the exchange of hydrological data on the Brahmaputra during the flood season from May 15 to October 15.
3. The Brahmaputra River, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, flows through the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh before entering the plains of Assam.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty exclusively governs the Indus river system and its tributaries, having no jurisdiction or framework for the Brahmaputra basin. Statement 2 is correct as the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding established an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) for India and China to share hydrological data on the Brahmaputra during the flood season (May 15 to October 15). Statement 3 is correct because the Yarlung Tsangpo enters India through the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as the Siang or Dihang, before merging with other rivers to form the Brahmaputra in Assam.
Consider the following statements regarding Anthropogenic impacts on fluvial sediment transport and siltation:
1. The construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River has led to a measurable reduction in the coarse sediment load reaching the downstream reaches of the Ganga, impacting the natural replenishment of riverbed sand.
2. The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, significantly alters the downstream sediment flux of the Ganga by diverting a substantial portion of the river's lean-season flow into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system.
3. Data from the Brahmaputra Board indicates that the annual sediment load of the Brahmaputra river at Pandu is approximately 540 million tonnes, a figure heavily influenced by land-use changes in the upper catchment areas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as large dams like Tehri act as sediment traps, preventing coarse bedload from moving downstream and causing channel incision. Statement 2 is correct because the Farakka Barrage regulates flow to the Bhagirathi-Hooghly, fundamentally altering the hydraulic regime and sediment transport dynamics of the distributary system. Statement 3 is correct as the Brahmaputra carries one of the highest sediment loads globally, with the 540 million tonnes estimate at Pandu reflecting the high erosivity of the Himalayan catchment exacerbated by deforestation and land-use changes.
Consider the following statements regarding Isostatic adjustment and seismic sensitivity of the river basins:
1. The 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale, resulted in significant liquefaction and surface ruptures across the northern alluvial plains of the Ganga basin.
2. The Ganga basin exhibits a flexural rigidity profile consistent with the Indian Plate's subduction, and the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake is documented as having caused a measurable increase in the rate of Himalayan orogeny.
3. Tectonic activity in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is influenced by the Dauki Fault, which marks the southern edge of the Shillong Plateau, and the 1988 Bihar earthquake is cited by geologists as the event that initiated the current phase of deltaic subsidence.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquake (magnitude 8.0) caused widespread liquefaction and sand vents across the Gangetic plains. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Ganga basin shows flexural rigidity, the 1950 Assam earthquake was a strike-slip event that did not accelerate the long-term rate of Himalayan orogeny. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although the Dauki Fault is seismically active, the 1988 Bihar earthquake did not initiate deltaic subsidence, which is a long-term geological process driven by sediment loading and tectonic downwarping rather than a single seismic event.
Consider the following statements regarding Geopolitical significance of transboundary water sharing treaties:
1. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh is based on the flow availability at the Farakka Barrage during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
2. The 1996 Ganges Treaty includes a clause for the augmentation of flows during the dry season and references the 1977 Agreement which originally proposed a link canal through the Teesta basin.
3. Under the 1996 Treaty, if the flow at Farakka is 70,000 cusecs or less, both India and Bangladesh receive 50 percent of the water as per the specified sharing schedule.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1996 Treaty specifically governs the sharing of Ganges waters at Farakka during the lean season from January 1 to May 31. Statement 3 is correct because the treaty mandates a 50:50 sharing ratio when the flow at Farakka is 70,000 cusecs or less. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the 1996 Treaty acknowledges the need for flow augmentation, it does not reference the 1977 Agreement's link canal proposal through the Teesta basin, which is a separate and unresolved issue.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of glacial meltwater variability on perennial river flow:
1. The Gangotri glacier, the primary source of the Bhagirathi River, has shown a recession rate of approximately 20 to 23 meters per year since 1971.
2. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh includes provisions for adjusting flow volumes based on the 10-day average discharge measured at the Farakka Barrage during the peak glacial melt season of July.
3. During the pre-monsoon period from March to May, glacial meltwater contributes nearly 30% to 40% of the total discharge in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as geological studies confirm the Gangotri glacier has been receding at an average rate of 20-23 meters annually since 1971 due to climate change. Statement 3 is correct because, during the pre-monsoon season, the absence of heavy rainfall makes glacial melt the primary driver of discharge in the upper Brahmaputra, contributing significantly to its flow. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty is based on the lean season flow (January to May) measured at Farakka, not the peak glacial melt season of July.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-power potential and ecological flow requirements:
1. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) utilizes the 'e-flow' notification of 2018, which specifies that the upper stretch of the river must maintain a minimum of 20% of the monthly average flow during the lean season.
2. The Brahmaputra River, which originates from the Angsi Glacier in the Kailash Range, maintains a high sediment load that contributes to the formation of the Majuli river island, the largest of its kind in the world.
3. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh allocates water at the Farakka Barrage based on 10-day periods during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2018 E-flow notification mandates 20% of monthly average flow in the upper Ganga stretches during the lean season to ensure ecological sustainability. Statement 2 is correct because the Brahmaputra originates from the Angsi Glacier and its high sediment load is the primary driver of the geomorphological formation of Majuli. Statement 3 is correct as the 1996 Treaty defines specific water-sharing schedules at Farakka for 10-day blocks between January and May to manage lean season flow requirements.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-meteorological characteristics of the monsoon-fed river basins:
1. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty encompasses the entire basin area of the Teesta river, and it includes provisions for a 50:50 water distribution ratio during the peak monsoon flow in August.
2. The Brahmaputra Board was established under the 1980 Act to oversee interstate river management, and it functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power to regulate hydroelectric generation projects.
3. Sediment load analysis indicates that the Brahmaputra river carries an annual suspended sediment yield of approximately 735 million metric tonnes, contributing to the formation of the Majuli river island.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Brahmaputra carries a massive sediment load of approximately 735 million metric tonnes annually, which is instrumental in the geomorphological evolution of Majuli. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1996 Treaty pertains specifically to the Ganga at Farakka, not the Teesta river, which remains a subject of ongoing bilateral negotiations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Brahmaputra Board functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, not the Ministry of Power, and its primary mandate is flood management and erosion control rather than hydroelectric regulation.
Consider the following statements regarding River capture and drainage reorganization in the Brahmaputra valley:
1. Geomorphological evidence from the Dihang-Lohit confluence indicates that the river capture event resulted in a sudden increase in sediment discharge, leading to the rapid aggradation of the upper Assam plains.
2. Paleochannel analysis of the Brahmaputra valley suggests that the river shifted from a braided to a meandering pattern in 1934, following the seismic activity that affected the Bihar-Nepal border region.
3. The confluence of the Brahmaputra and the Meghna at Chandpur was established in 1762, following the massive crustal deformation that redirected the main flow away from the Jamuna channel.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the capture of the Tsangpo by the Dihang system significantly increased discharge and sediment load, causing rapid aggradation in the upper Assam plains. Statement 2 is false because the Brahmaputra is a classic braided river system, and the 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquake did not transform its fundamental morphology to a meandering pattern. Statement 3 is false because the Brahmaputra's shift into the Jamuna channel occurred much later, primarily due to the major earthquake of 1787, which diverted the river from its old course through the Mymensingh region.
Consider the following statements regarding Alluvial fan development at the Himalayan foothills (Bhabar and Terai):
1. The Bhabar zone is formed by the deposition of fine-grained silt and clay transported by the Brahmaputra system, which creates a highly impermeable surface layer that supports extensive wetland agriculture.
2. The Terai belt is characterized by a steep topographic gradient that causes rapid drainage of surface water, resulting in a dry, arid climate that limits the growth of tropical evergreen vegetation.
3. The Bhabar belt, characterized by highly porous alluvial fans, typically extends in a narrow strip of 8 to 16 kilometers width along the foothills of the Shiwaliks.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Bhabar belt consists of coarse, porous alluvial deposits forming a narrow 8-16 km wide strip along the Shiwalik foothills. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Bhabar is composed of coarse pebbles and boulders, not fine-grained silt, making it highly permeable rather than impermeable. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Terai belt is a low-lying, marshy zone with a gentle gradient that leads to water stagnation and the emergence of underground streams, supporting dense forests and rich biodiversity rather than an arid climate.
Consider the following statements regarding Alluvial fan development at the Himalayan foothills (Bhabar and Terai):
1. In the eastern part of the Himalayan foothills, the Terai region receives higher annual rainfall compared to the western segments, which contributes to the dense forest cover and high biodiversity observed in regions like the Duars.
2. The depositional activity in the Bhabar zone is primarily responsible for the lack of surface water flow, as the water table in this region remains significantly deep due to the high permeability of the sediments.
3. The formation of the Bhabar-Terai transition is influenced by the sudden decrease in the gradient of the Himalayan rivers as they transition from the mountainous terrain to the Indo-Gangetic plains.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct because the eastern Himalayas receive significantly higher orographic rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon, fostering lush vegetation in the Duars. Statement 2 is correct as the Bhabar consists of coarse, highly porous alluvial deposits (pebbles and boulders) that cause streams to disappear underground, resulting in a deep water table. Statement 3 is correct because the abrupt transition from steep mountain slopes to the flat plains causes a sudden loss of kinetic energy in rivers, leading to the deposition of coarse sediments that form the Bhabar-Terai landscape.
Consider the following statements regarding River capture and drainage reorganization in the Brahmaputra valley:
1. Tectonic uplift of the Shillong Plateau during the late Pleistocene epoch forced the Brahmaputra to deflect eastward, contributing to the formation of the modern-day Dhubri-Sadiya valley alignment.
2. The 1950 Assam earthquake, measuring 8.6 on the moment magnitude scale, triggered massive landslides that caused temporary damming and subsequent channel shifts in the Subansiri tributary.
3. The Brahmaputra river underwent a significant drainage reorganization approximately 15,000 years ago when it captured the upper course of the Tsangpo, which previously flowed into the Irrawaddy basin.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Shillong Plateau's uplift acted as a tectonic barrier, forcing the Brahmaputra to adopt its current westward flow toward the Bay of Bengal. Statement 2 is correct because the 1950 Assam earthquake caused massive seismically-induced landslides in the Subansiri catchment, leading to temporary damming and significant subsequent channel avulsions. Statement 3 is correct as geomorphological evidence supports the theory that the Brahmaputra captured the upper Tsangpo (formerly flowing into the Irrawaddy or Salween) approximately 15,000 years ago due to headward erosion and tectonic adjustments.
Consider the following statements regarding Regional climatic oscillations and their influence on basin discharge:
1. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phase significantly modulates the summer monsoon rainfall over the Brahmaputra basin, where a positive IOD phase is typically associated with enhanced moisture transport and higher discharge.
2. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh establishes a specific schedule for water release at the Farakka Barrage during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
3. The 1977 Farakka Agreement established the Joint Rivers Commission to monitor basin discharge, and this treaty remains the primary legal framework governing the sharing of the Brahmaputra waters between India and Bangladesh.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as a positive IOD phase strengthens the pressure gradient, enhancing moisture-laden winds towards the Brahmaputra basin, leading to increased discharge. Statement 2 is correct because the 1996 Treaty provides a precise 10-day water-sharing schedule at Farakka for the lean season (January 1 to May 31). Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1977 Agreement did not govern the Brahmaputra; furthermore, the 1996 Treaty is the primary framework for the Ganges, while there is currently no comprehensive treaty governing the sharing of Brahmaputra waters.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-meteorological characteristics of the monsoon-fed river basins:
1. The Teesta River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim at an elevation of approximately 5,330 meters above mean sea level.
2. The Kosi river, often referred to as the Sorrow of Bihar, underwent significant channel shifting between 1731 and 1963, and the 1954 Kosi Agreement provides for the construction of the Bhakra dam to regulate its floodwaters.
3. In the Ganga basin, the Ghaghara river serves as the largest tributary by volume, contributing to the peak discharge observed in the middle Ganga plains during the monsoon transition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Teesta originates from Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim at an altitude of approximately 5,330 meters. Statement 3 is correct because the Ghaghara, originating in the Tibetan Plateau, is the largest tributary of the Ganga by volume of water. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1954 Kosi Agreement relates to the construction of the Kosi Barrage at Bhimnagar to manage floods, whereas the Bhakra Dam is located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of glacial meltwater variability on perennial river flow:
1. The 2005 National Disaster Management Act provides for the creation of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) mitigation fund, which is currently administered by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to oversee the stabilization of the Tsho Rolpa lake.
2. According to the 2019 report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the Hindu Kush Himalayan region faces a projected temperature increase of 2.1 degrees Celsius by 2050 under current emission scenarios.
3. The Siang River, the principal constituent of the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh, exhibits a peak discharge variability linked to the thermal expansion of high-altitude glacial lakes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2005 NDMA Act does not establish a specific GLOF mitigation fund for Tsho Rolpa, which is located in Nepal, not India. Statement 2 is correct as the 2019 ICIMOD assessment report projected a temperature rise of 2.1 degrees Celsius in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region by 2050 under current emission trends. Statement 3 is correct because the Siang River's discharge is significantly influenced by the thermal expansion and melting of high-altitude glacial lakes, which directly impacts the hydrological regime of the Brahmaputra system.
Consider the following statements regarding Tributary confluence hydraulics and flood pulse dynamics:
1. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty establishes a specific flow-sharing schedule at Farakka Barrage during the lean season, spanning from January 1 to May 31.
2. The Farakka Barrage project was commissioned in 1975 to preserve the navigability of the Kolkata Port, and it incorporates a feeder canal designed to divert 40,000 cusecs of water from the Brahmaputra into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system.
3. The Brahmaputra River exhibits a distinct flood pulse characterized by a peak discharge often exceeding 60,000 cubic meters per second during the monsoon months of July and August.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1996 Treaty mandates specific water-sharing schedules between India and Bangladesh at Farakka during the lean season (January 1 to May 31). Statement 3 is correct because the Brahmaputra is a high-energy, snow-fed, and monsoon-fed river that frequently records peak discharges exceeding 60,000 cubic meters per second during the peak monsoon. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Farakka Barrage diverts water from the Ganges, not the Brahmaputra, into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system to flush out silt and maintain the navigability of the Kolkata Port.
Consider the following statements regarding Morphological changes and island formation (Chars) in the Brahmaputra:
1. The Majuli island, recognized as a major fluvial landform in the Brahmaputra, experienced a reduction in its total surface area from approximately 1,250 square kilometers in 1890 to under 400 square kilometers by 2010 due to tectonic uplift in the Shillong Plateau.
2. Braided river patterns in the Brahmaputra are characterized by frequent channel switching, and the sediment load is primarily composed of coarse-grained basaltic fragments originating from the volcanic activity in the Tibetan plateau.
3. The formation of chars is influenced by the river's high discharge capacity, and satellite imagery analysis indicates that the rate of island erosion is highest during the pre-monsoon season when the river velocity is at its annual minimum.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Majuli has shrunk significantly, the primary drivers are high sediment load and bank erosion rather than tectonic uplift of the Shillong Plateau. Statement 2 is false as the Brahmaputra's sediment is predominantly composed of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks from the Himalayas, not basaltic fragments from Tibetan volcanic activity. Statement 3 is incorrect because the highest rates of island erosion and morphological change occur during the monsoon season, when high discharge and peak river velocity exert maximum erosive force on the riverbanks.
Consider the following statements regarding Physiographic evolution and tectonic origin of the Indo-Gangetic trough:
1. The Indo-Gangetic trough originated as a foreland basin formed due to the flexural downwarping of the Indian lithosphere in response to the Himalayan orogenic load during the Miocene epoch.
2. The Teesta River, currently a tributary of the Brahmaputra, was historically a major distributary of the Ganga until the catastrophic floods of 1787 shifted its course eastward.
3. The formation of the Indo-Gangetic trough is primarily attributed to the rifting of the Gondwanaland supercontinent during the Late Cretaceous, which created the initial depression for subsequent fluvial sedimentation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the Indo-Gangetic trough is a classic foreland basin formed by the lithospheric flexure caused by the massive weight of the rising Himalayas during the Miocene. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Teesta was historically a tributary of the Ganga (via the Atrai river) until the 1787 floods caused it to shift its course to join the Brahmaputra, but it was never a 'distributary' of the Ganga. Statement 3 is incorrect because the trough is a result of Himalayan orogeny (collision tectonics), not the rifting of Gondwanaland, which was responsible for the formation of the Indian Ocean and the continental margins.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-geomorphology of the Himalayan vs Peninsular tributaries:
1. The Betwa River, a tributary of the Yamuna, originates in the Vindhya Range and flows through the Bundelkhand region, exhibiting a dendritic drainage pattern that is typical of the Himalayan river systems.
2. The Damodar River, once known as the 'Sorrow of Bengal', originates in the Chota Nagpur Plateau and maintains a high-velocity gradient throughout its entire course until it reaches the Hooghly estuary.
3. The Ghaghara River, which is the largest tributary of the Ganga by volume of water, originates from the Mapchachungo glacier and sustains a perennial flow throughout the winter months due to groundwater recharge.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Betwa exhibits a trellis or radial drainage pattern typical of Peninsular block tectonics, not the dendritic pattern characteristic of Himalayan rivers. Statement 2 is false as the Damodar loses its high-velocity gradient upon entering the lower plains, leading to heavy siltation and the formation of a distributary network rather than maintaining high velocity until the estuary. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Ghaghara is the largest tributary by volume, it is sustained by glacial meltwater from the Himalayas, not primarily by groundwater recharge during winter.
Consider the following statements regarding Erosion-deposition equilibrium and river bank stability:
1. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) initiated the 'Namami Gange' program in 2014, which incorporates riverbank stabilization through bio-engineering techniques like vetiver grass plantation.
2. Satellite imagery from the period 1990-2020 confirms that the Brahmaputra riverbed has undergone significant aggradation, leading to a reduction in the depth of the channel during the dry season.
3. Geomorphological studies of the Ganga delta show that the transition from a tide-dominated to a river-dominated regime influences the rate of lateral bank migration in the lower reaches.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Namami Gange program utilizes bio-engineering, including vetiver grass, to stabilize banks and prevent soil erosion. Statement 2 is correct because high sediment loads in the Brahmaputra lead to significant aggradation, which raises the riverbed and decreases channel depth, particularly during the dry season. Statement 3 is correct as the interplay between tidal forces and river discharge in the lower Ganga delta dictates sediment transport patterns, which directly impacts the lateral migration rates of riverbanks.
Consider the following statements regarding Paleo-channels and groundwater recharge zones in the Gangetic plains:
1. Geophysical surveys conducted in 2005 across the Indo-Gangetic divide suggest that the paleo-channels of the Sutlej river system are connected to the deep-seated crystalline basement, allowing for geothermal heat flux to influence groundwater temperature.
2. The Yamuna paleo-channel near the Delhi-Haryana border is characterized by coarse-grained fluvial deposits, which the 1996 Supreme Court committee identified as the primary source of arsenic contamination in the upper Gangetic basin.
3. The Kosi River, known for its westward migration since 1731, has left behind abandoned channels that function as primary discharge zones, contributing to the baseflow of the Brahmaputra during the pre-monsoon season.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because paleo-channels in the Indo-Gangetic divide are primarily shallow alluvial features, not connected to the crystalline basement, and geothermal heat flux is not the primary driver of groundwater temperature in these aquifers. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 1996 Supreme Court committee focused on industrial pollution and water scarcity in the Delhi region, while arsenic contamination in the Gangetic basin is geogenically linked to Holocene sediments in the middle and lower plains, not the upper Yamuna paleo-channels. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kosi River has historically migrated eastward, not westward, and its abandoned channels act as recharge zones rather than discharge zones for the Brahmaputra system.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-meteorological characteristics of the monsoon-fed river basins:
1. During the peak monsoon months of July and August, the Brahmaputra river basin experiences a discharge volume that frequently exceeds 50,000 cubic meters per second at the Pandu gauging station.
2. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh establishes a ten-day sharing schedule during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
3. The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, is designed to divert approximately 40,000 cusecs of water from the Ganga into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system to flush out silt accumulation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Brahmaputra at Pandu frequently records peak monsoon discharges exceeding 50,000 cumecs due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. Statement 2 is correct because the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty mandates a specific 10-day water-sharing formula between India and Bangladesh during the critical lean period from January 1 to May 31. Statement 3 is correct as the Farakka Barrage was commissioned in 1975 specifically to divert water into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly to preserve the navigability of the Kolkata port by flushing out silt.
Consider the following statements regarding Geopolitical significance of transboundary water sharing treaties:
1. The Joint Rivers Commission was established in 1972 to maintain liaison between India and Bangladesh to ensure the most effective joint efforts in maximizing benefits from common river systems.
2. The 2006 India-Bhutan agreement on the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project provides for a power sharing ratio of 60:40 between the two nations and includes provisions for water diversion into the Brahmaputra catchment.
3. The 2011 Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh regarding the Feni River allows for the withdrawal of 1.82 cusecs of water for drinking water supply for the town of Sabroom in Tripura.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Joint Rivers Commission was established in 1972 following the Indo-Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship to manage common river systems. Statement 3 is correct because the 2011 MoU (operationalized later) permits India to withdraw 1.82 cusecs of water from the Feni River for the Sabroom town drinking water project. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project agreement between India and Bhutan is based on a 70:30 power-sharing ratio (not 60:40) and does not involve water diversion into the Brahmaputra catchment.
Consider the following statements regarding Drainage density and bifurcation ratios in the Himalayan catchment:
1. The 1977 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission report identifies the bifurcation ratio of the Padma river as a primary indicator for determining the volumetric discharge of the Ganga during the monsoon period.
2. The Brahmaputra Board was established in 1980 to oversee the drainage density mapping of the entire Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin, providing for the automatic diversion of flows based on seasonal bifurcation trends.
3. Analysis of the Gandak river system shows that the drainage density increases significantly as the river transitions from the Siwalik foothills to the Indo-Gangetic plains, influenced by the change in soil permeability.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because drainage density typically increases in the Siwalik-to-plain transition due to the deposition of finer, less permeable alluvial sediments that reduce infiltration and promote surface runoff. Statement 1 is incorrect as the 1977 Joint Rivers Commission focused on water-sharing treaties rather than using bifurcation ratios as a volumetric discharge indicator. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Brahmaputra Board was established under the Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980, primarily for flood management and erosion control in the Brahmaputra valley, not for basin-wide automatic flow diversion.
Consider the following statements regarding River meandering patterns and oxbow lake formation mechanisms:
1. The Kosi River, a major tributary of the Ganga, has shifted its course westward by over 100 kilometers since the mid-18th century, significantly altering the regional drainage pattern.
2. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty specifies that at the Farakka Barrage, the sharing of flows between India and Bangladesh is determined based on the 10-day period availability of water.
3. In the meandering reaches of the Ganga, the concave bank is characterized by active erosion and deeper water, whereas the convex bank experiences deposition of point bars.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Kosi River is notorious for its high sediment load and has shifted its course westward by over 100 km over the last two centuries, earning it the title 'Sorrow of Bihar'. Statement 2 is correct because the 1996 Treaty mandates a specific water-sharing formula based on 10-day periods during the lean season (January to May) to ensure equitable distribution at the Farakka Barrage. Statement 3 is correct because, in fluvial geomorphology, the concave bank experiences higher velocity and lateral erosion (cut bank), while the convex bank experiences lower velocity, facilitating the deposition of sediment to form point bars.
Consider the following statements regarding Salinity intrusion dynamics in the lower deltaic regions:
1. The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, was designed to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system to flush out silt and mitigate salinity intrusion in the Kolkata port area.
2. The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 10,000 square kilometers, and the increased tidal prism observed since the 1990s has led to a measurable decrease in soil salinity levels across the northern deltaic islands.
3. The Gorai River Restoration Project, initiated in 1998, aims to increase freshwater flow into the Khulna region, which effectively pushed the 5 ppt salinity isohaline back to the coastline by the year 2005.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Farakka Barrage was commissioned in 1975 specifically to augment the Bhagirathi-Hooghly flow with 40,000 cusecs to maintain navigability and combat salinity in Kolkata. Statement 2 is incorrect because, despite the Sundarbans' size, the increased tidal prism and sea-level rise have led to an increase, not a decrease, in soil salinity across the deltaic islands. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Gorai River Restoration Project aims to improve freshwater flow, it has failed to push the 5 ppt isohaline back to the coastline, as salinity intrusion in the Khulna region remains a persistent and worsening challenge.
Consider the following statements regarding Sediment load dynamics and deltaic progradation of the Sundarbans:
1. The 1972 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission report identifies the Brahmaputra as the primary source of fine-grained clay deposits in the western Sundarbans, which are transported via the Gorai-Madhumati distributary system.
2. The Bengal Fan, which represents the distal accumulation of the Ganga-Brahmaputra sediment load, covers an area of 3 million square kilometers and is currently experiencing active tectonic subsidence driven by the Himalayan orogeny.
3. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty includes provisions for the joint management of sediment dredging, and it established the first permanent silt-monitoring station at the Hardinge Bridge in 1998.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Ganga, not the Brahmaputra, is the primary source of sediment for the western Sundarbans via the Hooghly-Bhagirathi system, while the Brahmaputra primarily influences the eastern/central delta. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Bengal Fan is indeed the world's largest submarine fan, its area is approximately 3 million square kilometers, but it is primarily a depositional feature shaped by turbidity currents rather than being defined by active tectonic subsidence as its primary driver. Statement 3 is incorrect as the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty focuses exclusively on water flow allocation at Farakka and contains no provisions for joint sediment dredging or the establishment of silt-monitoring stations.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-geomorphology of the Himalayan vs Peninsular tributaries:
1. The Chambal River, a major tributary of the Yamuna, is characterized by deep ravines and originates from the Janapav hill near Mhow, which lies at an elevation of 854 meters above mean sea level.
2. The Kosi River, a major Himalayan tributary of the Ganga, has shifted its course by over 100 kilometers westward since 1731, contributing to significant sediment deposition in the North Bihar plains.
3. The Gandak River, which originates in the Mustang region of Nepal, follows a perennial flow regime and forms the international boundary between India and Nepal for a stretch of 150 kilometers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Kosi, known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar,' has migrated over 100 km westward since the 18th century due to massive sediment loads causing aggradation. Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Chambal originates from Janapav Hill, its elevation is approximately 600-800 meters, but the primary geomorphological error lies in the context of Himalayan vs Peninsular comparison, and the statement is often contested in specific UPSC-style technicalities regarding its ravine formation process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Gandak does not form an international boundary for 150 km; while it flows through Nepal and India, the border stretch is significantly shorter, and its course is defined by the confluence of the Kali and Trishuli rivers rather than acting as a long-standing international boundary.
Consider the following statements regarding Erosion-deposition equilibrium and river bank stability:
1. Bank erosion along the Brahmaputra in Assam is characterized by the migration of braided channels, with the river width near Dibrugarh increasing by approximately 15 kilometers since 1912.
2. The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, was designed to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system to flush out silt deposits.
3. The 1977 Agreement on the Sharing of the Ganga Waters at Farakka established the Joint Rivers Commission to oversee long-term bank stabilization projects and successfully concluded its mandate by formalizing the 1982 Brahmaputra-Ganga sediment management protocol.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Brahmaputra is a highly dynamic braided river, and historical satellite and survey data confirm significant bank erosion and channel widening near Dibrugarh. Statement 2 is correct because the Farakka Barrage was specifically engineered to divert water into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly to maintain the navigability of the Kolkata port by flushing out silt. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the 1977 Agreement addressed water sharing, it did not establish a sediment management protocol in 1982, nor did the Joint Rivers Commission conclude its mandate, as it remains an ongoing bilateral body for water resource cooperation.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-power potential and ecological flow requirements:
1. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty includes provisions for the management of the Brahmaputra basin, specifically regarding the construction of run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects in the Arunachal Pradesh sector.
2. The Brahmaputra Board was established by an Act of Parliament in 1980 and holds the primary authority to approve trans-boundary water diversion projects involving the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.
3. The Teesta River water sharing agreement, finalized in 2011, provides for a 50-50 distribution of lean season flows between India and Bangladesh, measured at the Gajoldoba barrage.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty exclusively governs the Indus river system, not the Brahmaputra basin. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Brahmaputra Board, established under the Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980, is an advisory body for flood management and lacks authority over trans-boundary water diversion projects, which are handled by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Statement 3 is incorrect because, despite negotiations, the Teesta River water-sharing agreement remains unsigned and has not been finalized due to unresolved concerns regarding lean season flow allocations.
Consider the following statements regarding Regional climatic oscillations and their influence on basin discharge:
1. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) exerts a direct influence on the winter precipitation patterns in the Ganga basin, and its positive phase is linked to the increased snowmelt contribution from the Gangotri glacier during the month of April.
2. The La Niña phase is associated with cooler sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, which historically results in a decrease in the monsoon rainfall over the Ganga basin and a subsequent decline in the mean annual discharge of the river.
3. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty provides for a ten-day cycle of water sharing based on the availability at Farakka, and this mechanism was extended to cover the Teesta river basin under the same technical annexure.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the NAO primarily influences winter precipitation in the Mediterranean and Europe, with no established direct causal link to Gangotri snowmelt. Statement 2 is incorrect because La Niña typically enhances the Indian Summer Monsoon, leading to increased rainfall and higher discharge in the Ganga basin, contrary to the statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the 1996 Treaty governs Farakka water sharing, it is exclusively for the Ganga and does not include the Teesta river, which remains a separate, unresolved bilateral issue.
Consider the following statements regarding Anthropogenic impacts on fluvial sediment transport and siltation:
1. According to the 2016 Report of the Committee on Desiltation of the Ganga, the accumulation of sediment in the riverbed between Bijnor and Farakka has increased the frequency of localized flooding during the monsoon season.
2. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh includes specific provisions for monitoring flow at the Farakka point, which indirectly influences the transport of suspended sediment into the Padma river.
3. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, located on a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, utilizes a reservoir flushing mechanism designed to manage sediment deposition within the dam's catchment area.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2016 Madhav Chitale Committee report highlighted that sediment accumulation in the Ganga riverbed between Bijnor and Farakka reduces channel capacity, exacerbating flood risks. Statement 2 is correct because the 1996 Treaty mandates flow monitoring at Farakka, which dictates water release patterns and directly impacts the sediment flux and downstream geomorphology of the Padma river. Statement 3 is correct as the Subansiri Lower Project incorporates reservoir flushing techniques to mitigate the high silt load characteristic of the Brahmaputra basin, ensuring the dam's long-term operational viability.
Consider the following statements regarding River meandering patterns and oxbow lake formation mechanisms:
1. The Brahmaputra Board was established under the Brahmaputra Board Act of 1980 to oversee flood management and erosion control measures within the river's basin.
2. The Brahmaputra River originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier at an elevation of 5,150 meters, and its primary meander patterns are influenced by the tectonic uplift of the Siwalik range.
3. Oxbow lake formation in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is accelerated by the reduction in sediment load, and the process is formally documented in the 1972 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission report.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Brahmaputra Board was indeed established by the Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980, to address flood and erosion issues. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Brahmaputra originates from the Angsi Glacier (not Chemayungdung) and its meandering is primarily driven by high sediment load and tectonic instability of the Himalayas rather than Siwalik uplift. Statement 3 is incorrect because oxbow lake formation is driven by high sediment deposition and lateral erosion in mature river stages, and there is no such documentation in the 1972 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission report.
Consider the following statements regarding Biogeochemical cycling in the estuarine ecosystems of the delta:
1. The Sundarbans estuarine system acts as a significant net sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, sequestering approximately 0.02 million tonnes of carbon annually within its mangrove sediments.
2. The seasonal discharge of the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system influences the nutrient stoichiometry of the Bay of Bengal, with the nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio peaking during the monsoon months of July and August.
3. The estuarine zones of the Meghna river exhibit high primary productivity driven by the upwelling of nutrient-rich deep-sea water, which compensates for the low input of riverine phosphorus during the winter months.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Sundarbans mangrove sediments are globally recognized as potent carbon sinks, sequestering significant annual amounts of organic carbon. Statement 2 is correct because the massive monsoon discharge from the Ganga-Brahmaputra system delivers high loads of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, causing the N:P ratio to peak during peak flow months. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Meghna estuary's productivity is primarily driven by riverine nutrient loading and tidal mixing rather than deep-sea upwelling, which is not a characteristic feature of the shallow, sediment-laden shelf waters of the northern Bay of Bengal.
Consider the following statements regarding Regional climatic oscillations and their influence on basin discharge:
1. Data from the Central Water Commission indicates that the sediment load in the Brahmaputra is influenced by the high-intensity rainfall events in the Eastern Himalayas, which are exacerbated by the interaction of the monsoon trough with regional orographic features.
2. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events often correlate with a weakening of the Indian Summer Monsoon, leading to a measurable reduction in the peak discharge of the Ganga river system during the months of July and August.
3. The Brahmaputra river basin experiences its highest discharge levels during the months of June to September, contributing approximately 60% to 70% of the total annual water volume in the system.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Brahmaputra's sediment transport is driven by intense orographic rainfall in the Eastern Himalayas, which significantly increases erosion rates during monsoon peaks. Statement 2 is correct because ENSO-induced atmospheric anomalies typically suppress the Indian Summer Monsoon, leading to a statistically significant decrease in the discharge of the Ganga basin during the peak rainy months. Statement 3 is correct because the Brahmaputra is a monsoon-fed river, with hydrological data consistently showing that over 60% of its annual discharge occurs between June and September due to the concentration of rainfall and glacial melt.
Consider the following statements regarding Drainage density and bifurcation ratios in the Himalayan catchment:
1. Geomorphological studies of the Teesta River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, indicate that high bifurcation ratios in the upper catchment are correlated with the presence of glacial moraines and fractured crystalline rocks.
2. Horton’s Law of Stream Numbers suggests that the bifurcation ratio for the Alaknanda sub-basin typically ranges between 3.0 and 5.0, reflecting the structural control exerted by the Lesser Himalayan lithology.
3. The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty specifies the flow availability at the Farakka Barrage during the lean season, which is influenced by the upstream drainage characteristics of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as high bifurcation ratios in the Teesta basin reflect the high drainage density caused by glacial debris and fractured metamorphic rocks that facilitate rapid stream branching. Statement 2 is correct because the Alaknanda sub-basin adheres to Horton’s laws, where bifurcation ratios typically fall within the 3.0-5.0 range, indicating strong structural control by the complex lithology of the Lesser Himalayas. Statement 3 is correct as the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty specifically addresses lean season flows at Farakka, which are intrinsically linked to the drainage efficiency and upstream hydrological characteristics of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly distributary system.
Consider the following statements regarding Morphological changes and island formation (Chars) in the Brahmaputra:
1. The Brahmaputra-Ganga confluence near Goalundo Ghat acts as a sediment trap, and the resulting landforms are classified as stable deltaic islands that have remained geomorphologically unchanged since the British land surveys of 1912.
2. Riverbank erosion in the Brahmaputra valley is exacerbated by the presence of cohesive clay soils, and studies from the 1990s suggest that the construction of the Bogibeel Bridge has effectively neutralized the lateral migration of the river channel.
3. The sediment budget of the Brahmaputra is dominated by glacial meltwater, and the depositional processes forming chars are driven by the sudden decrease in water temperature as the river enters the plains of Arunachal Pradesh.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the Brahmaputra is a highly dynamic, braided river characterized by rapid channel migration and unstable char formation, not static landforms. Statement 1 is false as char islands are ephemeral and constantly shift due to high sediment flux; Statement 2 is false because riverbank erosion is driven by non-cohesive, sandy bank materials and high discharge, and bridges cannot neutralize lateral migration; Statement 3 is false because the sediment load is primarily driven by high-intensity monsoon rainfall and seismic activity in the Himalayas, not by water temperature changes.
Consider the following statements regarding Hydro-power potential and ecological flow requirements:
1. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) operates the Subansiri Lower Project, which is categorized as a storage-based dam designed to provide irrigation benefits to the downstream plains of Assam and Bangladesh.
2. The Farakka Barrage project, commissioned in 1975, serves the primary purpose of flushing the Hooghly river channel and is designed to divert a maximum of 40,000 cusecs of water into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system.
3. The 2006 Memorandum of Understanding between India and China regarding hydrological data sharing provides for the exchange of water level and discharge data for the Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers during the monsoon season.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Subansiri Lower Project is a run-of-the-river scheme, not a storage-based dam, and its primary purpose is power generation rather than irrigation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Farakka Barrage was commissioned in 1975 to flush the Hooghly, but it is designed to divert a maximum of 40,000 cusecs only during the lean season (January to May), not as a general maximum capacity. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2006 MoU specifically covers the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, but does not include the Indus river, which is governed by a separate treaty.
Consider the following statements regarding Alluvial fan development at the Himalayan foothills (Bhabar and Terai):
1. Geomorphological surveys indicate that the Terai belt is approximately 15 to 30 kilometers wide, providing a fertile environment for the cultivation of sugarcane and rice.
2. During the deposition process, the high-velocity streams emerging from the Himalayas lose their transport capacity, resulting in the sedimentation of coarse materials like boulders and pebbles in the Bhabar zone.
3. The Terai region, located south of the Bhabar, is a marshy tract where the streams that disappeared into the porous Bhabar gravels re-emerge to form a zone of excessive dampness.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Terai belt, situated south of the Bhabar, typically spans 15-30 km and supports high-yield crops like sugarcane and rice due to its rich alluvial soil. Statement 2 is correct because the sudden decrease in slope at the Himalayan foothills causes high-velocity streams to lose kinetic energy, depositing coarse sediments like boulders and pebbles in the Bhabar zone. Statement 3 is correct as the Bhabar is highly porous, causing streams to disappear underground and subsequently re-emerge in the Terai region, creating a marshy, damp landscape.
Consider the following statements regarding Morphological changes and island formation (Chars) in the Brahmaputra:
1. The Brahmaputra Board was established under the 1980 Act to oversee river management, and it functions by implementing permanent concrete embankments to stabilize the shifting char lands against seasonal inundation.
2. Channel migration in the Brahmaputra valley is linked to the high seismicity of the region, and historical data from the 1897 Great Assam earthquake shows that the river shifted its primary course eastward by nearly 50 kilometers.
3. The Brahmaputra River exhibits a high degree of bed-load transport, which contributes to the formation of ephemeral fluvial islands known as chars, with the 1950 Assam earthquake significantly altering the river's channel morphology and sediment discharge patterns.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Brahmaputra's high sediment load and the 1950 earthquake's massive tectonic upheaval significantly altered the river's channel and sediment regime, facilitating char formation. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Brahmaputra Board focuses on integrated master plans and flood management rather than constructing permanent concrete embankments to stabilize shifting chars, which are inherently dynamic. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the 1897 earthquake caused major morphological changes, historical records indicate the river shifted its course westward, not eastward, by a significant margin.
Consider the following statements regarding Biogeochemical cycling in the estuarine ecosystems of the delta:
1. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty focuses on the augmentation of flow during the lean season and includes provisions for the automated monitoring of dissolved oxygen levels at the Hardinge Bridge station.
2. The Brahmaputra river carries a high sediment load of approximately 500 million tonnes per year, which promotes the rapid burial of organic carbon and creates an oxygen-rich environment in the deep-water channels of the delta.
3. The Farakka Barrage project, commissioned in 1975, regulates the downstream flow of the Ganga and contributes to the increased salinity levels in the Hooghly estuary by facilitating the deposition of oceanic nitrogen compounds.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1996 Treaty focuses on water sharing schedules at Farakka but lacks provisions for automated dissolved oxygen monitoring. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Brahmaputra carries a high sediment load, the rapid burial of organic carbon typically leads to oxygen-depleted (hypoxic) conditions in deep-water channels due to microbial decomposition, not oxygen-rich environments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Farakka Barrage increases salinity in the Hooghly by reducing freshwater discharge during the lean season, not through the deposition of oceanic nitrogen compounds.
Consider the following statements regarding Tributary confluence hydraulics and flood pulse dynamics:
1. The confluence of the Meghna and the Padma rivers occurs at Chandpur, where the combined discharge contributes to the formation of the world's largest deltaic plain under the 1972 Joint Rivers Commission guidelines.
2. The Kosi River, often referred to as the 'Sorrow of Bihar', undergoes significant channel migration due to high sediment load, a process regulated by the 1954 Kosi Project Agreement signed between India and Nepal.
3. The Teesta River originates from the Zemu Glacier in Sikkim and serves as a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, with its water-sharing framework finalized in the 2011 bilateral agreement.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the delta formation is a geomorphological process predating the 1972 Joint Rivers Commission, which focuses on water management rather than delta creation. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Kosi Project Agreement (1954) exists, it primarily addresses irrigation and flood control infrastructure rather than regulating the river's natural channel migration dynamics. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although the Teesta originates from the Zemu Glacier, the water-sharing agreement remains a contentious, unresolved bilateral issue and was not finalized in 2011.
Consider the following statements regarding Salinity intrusion dynamics in the lower deltaic regions:
1. The Meghna estuary experiences significant freshwater discharge from the Brahmaputra, and the construction of the Meghna-Dhonagoda irrigation project in 1987 caused a shift in the salinity gradient that stabilized the local groundwater table.
2. Satellite imagery analysis from the 2010s shows that the expansion of shrimp farming in the Satkhira district is linked to the natural reduction of tidal amplitude, which has successfully prevented the inland migration of saline water.
3. The 1996 Treaty includes a guarantee clause for the minimum flow of 50,000 cusecs at Farakka during the month of March, which serves as the primary mechanism for preventing salinity intrusion in the downstream distributaries.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Meghna-Dhonagoda project primarily focuses on flood control and irrigation, and its impact on salinity gradients is negligible compared to the massive freshwater discharge of the Meghna. Statement 2 is false as the expansion of shrimp farming in Satkhira has historically exacerbated salinity intrusion by facilitating the ingress of saline water into inland areas, rather than preventing it. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty guarantees a flow of 35,000 cusecs (not 50,000) at Farakka during the leanest 10-day period in April, and its primary purpose is equitable water sharing rather than acting as a sole mechanism for salinity control.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of glacial meltwater variability on perennial river flow:
1. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, while focused on the western rivers, established a precedent for data sharing on glacial melt patterns that influenced subsequent hydrological cooperation in the Ganga basin.
2. The Brahmaputra Board was established under the 1980 Act to manage transboundary sediment loads, and it maintains a permanent monitoring station at the confluence of the Subansiri and the Dihang rivers.
3. Satellite altimetry data from the GRACE mission indicates that the Himalayan region experienced a mass loss of approximately 174 gigatonnes of ice per year between 2003 and 2016.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty established critical mechanisms for data exchange that informed later transboundary hydrological cooperation in the Ganga basin. Statement 3 is correct because GRACE satellite data confirmed a significant Himalayan ice mass loss of approximately 174 gigatonnes annually between 2003 and 2016 due to climate change. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Brahmaputra Board was established by the 1980 Act, its primary mandate is the planning and implementation of flood management and erosion control measures in the Brahmaputra valley, not the management of transboundary sediment loads via a station at the Subansiri-Dihang confluence.