UPSC Prelims 2011 Q12: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
Two important rivers - one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in
Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha - merge at a place only a short distance from the
coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and
biodiversity and a protected area.
Which one of the following could be this?
- (a) Bhitarkanika
- (b) Chandipur - on - sea
- (c) Gopalpur - on - sea
- (d) Simlipal
Answer: (a) Bhitarkanika
Explanation
Where the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers meet the sea
| Clue | Identification |
|---|---|
| River with source in Jharkhand, known by a different name in Odisha | South Koel, which becomes the Brahmani in Odisha |
| River with source in Odisha itself | The Baitarani |
| Where they meet, near the Bay of Bengal | Both rivers flow into the Bhitarkanika creek system before reaching the sea |
Bhitarkanika at a glance:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | Odisha, Kendrapara district |
| Famous for | Second-largest mangrove forest in India; saltwater crocodiles |
| Nearby | Gahirmatha, the world's largest nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles |
| Status | National Park and Ramsar wetland |
Why the other options fail:
| Option | Problem |
|---|---|
| Chandipur-on-sea | A beach spot, not a river-confluence biodiversity site |
| Gopalpur-on-sea | A coastal town, not a protected wetland |
| Simlipal | An inland tiger reserve, not at the river mouth |
Answer: (a) Bhitarkanika.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Brahmani (from Jharkhand) and Baitarani (from Odisha) merge near Bhitarkanika.
- (b) Incorrect. Chandipur-on-sea is a tidal beach, not this river-mouth protected area.
- (c) Incorrect. Gopalpur-on-sea is a coastal town, unrelated to this river confluence.
- (d) Incorrect. Simlipal is an inland tiger reserve, far from the coast.
Key point
Bhitarkanika (Odisha): formed where the Brahmani (from Jharkhand) and Baitarani (from Odisha) rivers meet near the Bay of Bengal; mangroves, saltwater crocodiles, next to Gahirmatha turtle nesting site.
Remember
Bhitarkanika = Brahmani + Baitarani confluence, mangroves, crocodiles.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Bhitarkanika with Simlipal, both in Odisha but ecologically very different.
- Not knowing the South Koel/Brahmani river's Jharkhand origin.
- Mixing up Chandipur and Gopalpur (beach towns) with a river-mouth wetland.
Exam tip
Two different-origin rivers meeting near the coast, with mangroves and crocodiles, always points to Bhitarkanika.
Sources
- Odisha Forest Department — Bhitarkanika National Park
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Ramsar sites of India, Bhitarkanika Mangroves