📚 Part of: Chhattisgarh Geography And History Mcqs

Consider the following statements: 1. The Mahanadi rises near Sihawa in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. 2. It runs through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. 3. Fifty three per cent of the drainage basin of the Mahanadi lies in Odisha. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Category: Chhattisgarh Gk

Correct Answer: A) Only 1.

Exam Relevance: Chhattisgarh State Examinations, UPSC Civil Services, Geography Olympiads

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes:

The Mahanadi River is a significant river in eastern India, primarily flowing through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates in Chhattisgarh and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Understanding the geography of the river and its drainage basin is crucial for comprehending the hydrological and ecological aspects of the region.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the origin of the Mahanadi with other rivers in the region.
  • Misunderstanding the extent of the drainage basin in different states.
  • Incorrectly assuming the river flows through Andhra Pradesh.
Explanation:

The Mahanadi River is a significant river in eastern India, primarily flowing through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates in the Maikal Range of the Satpura Hills, near Sihawa in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. The river flows eastward through Chhattisgarh and then enters Odisha, where it forms a large delta before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

The first statement is correct: the Mahanadi indeed rises near Sihawa in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. This is a well-established geographical fact and is consistent with the river's origin in the Maikal Range.

The second statement, however, is incorrect. The Mahanadi does not run through Andhra Pradesh. It flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha, and its course does not extend into Andhra Pradesh. This misconception might arise due to the proximity of Andhra Pradesh to the river's basin, but the river itself does not pass through the state.

The third statement is also incorrect. While a significant portion of the Mahanadi's drainage basin is in Odisha, the exact percentage is not fifty-three percent. The drainage basin of the Mahanadi covers a large area, and the distribution of this basin among the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha is more complex than a simple percentage can convey. The actual distribution of the drainage basin is such that a larger portion lies in Odisha, but the specific percentage given in the statement is not accurate.

In summary, the correct answer is that only the first statement is accurate. The Mahanadi River originates in Chhattisgarh, and it does not run through Andhra Pradesh, nor does fifty-three percent of its drainage basin lie in Odisha. Understanding the geography and hydrology of the Mahanadi River is crucial for comprehending the ecological and economic significance of this river system in eastern India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Mahanadi River does indeed originate near Sihawa in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. The other statements are incorrect, as the river does not run through Andhra Pradesh and the drainage basin percentage in Odisha is not fifty-three percent.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. While the first statement is correct, the third statement about the drainage basin percentage is not accurate. The Mahanadi does not run through Andhra Pradesh, making the second statement incorrect as well.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The Mahanadi River does not run through Andhra Pradesh. It primarily flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. None of the statements are entirely correct. The first statement is accurate, but the second and third statements contain inaccuracies.

Mnemonic: MAD: Mahanadi, Andhra Pradesh, Drainage

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