UPSC Prelims 2007 Q75: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources

UPSC Prelims 2007, General Studies Paper I · Geography

1. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. (c) A is true but R is false
4. (d) A is false but R is true

Answer: (d) A is false but R is true

Explanation

Kalinadi — a west-flowing river

Assertion (A): Kalinadi is east-flowing — FALSE. It flows west to the Arabian Sea.

Reason (R): The Deccan Plateau is higher on its western edge and slopes east to the Bay of Bengal — TRUE.

That is why most big peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) flow east.

Short rivers rising on the western slopes of the Ghats flow west — like the Kali, Sharavathi and Netravati.

Answer: (d) A is false but R is true.

Why each option is right or wrong

• (a) Incorrect. A is false — Kalinadi flows west into the Arabian Sea.
• (b) Incorrect. A is false, so 'both true' is wrong.
• (c) Incorrect. A is false and R is true — the reverse of this option.
• (d) CORRECT. Kalinadi is west-flowing (Karwar); R correctly states the eastward tilt of the Deccan.

Key point

Kali (Kalinadi) = west-flowing, Karnataka, meets the Arabian Sea at Karwar. Deccan tilts east → most big rivers flow east.

Remember

Kalinadi flows west into the Arabian Sea at Karwar.

Common mistakes

• Confusing the Karnataka Kali with the Kali (Sharda) on the India-Nepal border or the Kali Sindh in MP.
• Assuming every southern river flows east because of the Deccan's tilt.
• Forgetting the other west-flowing rivers of the Ghats — Sharavathi (Jog Falls), Netravati, Periyar.

Exam tip

West-flowing peninsular rivers: big = Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati; small = Kali, Sharavathi, Netravati, Periyar, Mandovi.

Sources

• NCERT Class XI — India Physical Environment, Ch 3 (Drainage System)
• NCERT Class IX — Contemporary India I, Ch 3
• Karnataka Power Corporation — Kali Project

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