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Home , Ajay River, Ajodhya Hills, Aravalli Range, Barakar River, Haldi River, Kalindi River

GEOGRAPHY

for

WBCS PRELIMS 2020

JITIN YADAV, IAS

1 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

CONTENTS

S. No. TOPIC PAGE 1. West Geography 3 2. WB Location and Extension 3 3. Census of WB 4 4. Physiography of WB 5 5. River of WB 8 6. Soil of WB 11 7. Minerals in WB 11 8. Industry in WB 12 9. Natural Vegetation & Agriculture in WB 13 10. Hydropower projects & Dams in WB 14 11. Economy in WB 15 12. National Parks, Bird and Wild Life 15 Sanctuaries and Biospheres in WB etc 13. WB Schemes 16 14. Indian Geography 18 15. Geological structures of 19 16. Physiography of India 20 17. Soils of India 27 18. Vegetation 30 19. Agriculture and Crops 32 20. Drainage System 40 21. Lakes 47 22. Multipurpose Project 50 23. Climate 55

2 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

WEST BENGAL GEOGRAPHY

LOCATION AND EXTENSION • Located in • BORDERS

Direction Country/State Boundary/Border(km) East 2217 North Bhutan 150 North 60 North West Nepal 90 North East 90 West 800 West 300 South West 150 South -

o Total 9 districts shares their boundary with Bangladesh o Odisha is the largest neighbouring state of WB in terms of area

• EXTENSION o North – South = 623km o East – West =320km o Chicken’s Neck - Narrowest part, is 9km in length, located at Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur o Longitude = 85050’ E and 890 50’ E o Latitude = 27013’ N and 210 25’ N o Tropic of Cancer passes through § Nadia § Purba Bardhman § Paschim Bardhman § Bankura § o Total area = 88,752 kmsq (similar to country Serbia) o Occupies 2.7% area of India (14th largest state) • Established on 26th January, 1950 • Total 23 districts, till 2014 only 19 districts

BIFURCATION OF NEW DISTRICT DATE OF FORMATION

3 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

West Dinajpur Uttar &dakshinDinajpur 1992 24 Parganas North & South 24 1990 Mednipur East & West Mednipur 2002 Jalpaiguri Alipurduar 2014 Kalimpong Feb, 2017 PaschimMednipur Jhargram 4 Apr, 2017 Bardhman Purba & Paschim Bardhman 7th Apr, 2017

o 1948 – Islampur of Bihar added to Uttar Dinajpur o 1950 - Coochbehar added to Bengal

CENSUS OF o POPULATION § Total Population – 9.13 cr(7.5% of India’s population) § Rural - 68.1% ; Urban - 31.8% § SC – 23.5%, ST – 5.8% § Hindu – 70.5%, Muslims – 27.01% o Islam followed with Majority in , Malda, Uttar Dinajpur o Population growth rate § Highest growth in Uttar Dinajpur>Malda>Murshidabad § Lowest and negative in § Decadal growth rate = 13.84% § Districts in terms of population • Top 3 – North 24 parganas> south24 Parganas>Bardhaman • Bottom 3 – south Dinajpur> Darjeeling >Coochbehar § Population density – • Top – Kolkata>Howrah>Parganas • Bottom – Purulia>Bankura>Darjeeling o LITERACY RATE § Total = 76.26% • Rural = 72.1%; urban = 84.7% • Male = 81.6% ; Female = 70.5% § Top – East Mednipur(87%)> Kolkata>North 24 Parganas § Bottom – North Dinajpur(59%) >Malda>Purulia § Male literacy – • highest - East Mednipur • lowest - North Dinajpur § Female literacy • highest – Kolkata • lowest – Purulia o Sex Ratio § Total = 950 • rural = 953; urban = 944 4 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

§ Top – Darjeeling (970)>West Mednipore>Hooghly § Bottom – Kolkata(908)> East Mednipore> North Dinajpur(939)

PHYSIOGRAPHY OF WEST BENGAL

1. NORTHERN HILLY REGION o Belong to East Himalaya range o Constitute – Darjeeling & Kalimpong except & north of Jalpaiguri o Average height = 2600 m o Divided by deep gorge of in – A. Western Hilly region • Between Nepal border & east of Teesta • Highest region of Darjeeling • Has 2 important mountain Ridges o Singalila Ridge – § separate Nepal from Darjeeling § 4 important peaks – Sandakphu, Falut, Sabargram, Tanglu § Sandakphu is the highest mountain peak of west Bengal o Darjeeling Ridge § Stretch from south to North hill region § Also known as Ghum range – highest rail station ‘Ghum’(2247m) is located here § ‘Tiger Hill’- located in middle of Darjeeling hill § Pedong -town of Kalimpong. In Bhutanese Pedong means ‘country of far Tree’ § Mountain peak – Sinchai B. Eastern Hilly Region • Kalimpong (City of Orchid) is located here • Main ridges – Durbindara & Chola • Rishila – highest Mountain peak of Eastern hill, located in Durbindra mountain • Sanchuli is highest peak of Bauxa hill • Other peaks –Jayanti hills, Deolo hills

2. WESTERN PLATEAU REGION o Form eastern part of o Made up of of & rock

5 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

o Constitute – Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, , Paschim Mednipur o Faced long & continuous erosion o Divided in – a. Ajodhya plateau region o Situated in south west Purulia between rivers Subarnarekha &Kangsabati o Made by , , rocks o Extend to 21km from east to west & 10 km from north to south o Monadonok – hill with steep slope o Small hills of this region called as ‘Dungri’ o Gorgaburu peak(677m) - highest point of western plateau, located here. It means ‘Goddess’ o Imp hills–, , Rabachanda, Chamata, Mackenly, Taldungri, Guruma, Bhanbara b. Purulia Plateau o Lies between west of & Ghari river to north o Ghari is tributary of o Divided in 3 parts I. Birbhum Highland o Undulating land of far south is known as Barabhum o Extend upto West Mednipore o Important hils – Belpahari, Thakuran, Lakayshini II. Purulia highland o East part of Ajodhya plateau o Hills – Bero hills, Joychandi, Panchkot, Khalaichani III. North east Susuniya highland o Extend upto east of Bankura, Bardhman, Birbhum o Imp hills – Mama-vagne, Mathurkhali, Biharinath, Susuniya o Cold spring located on foothill of Susuniya 3. OF WEST BENGAL A. Terai and Doars Region o Made of sand, gravel, pebbles laid down by Himalayan rivers o Divided into 2 parts – I. TERAI (moist land) o West of Teesta river below Darjeeling hills o Belt of marshy grassland, savannas, forests 6 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

o Average height = 75-150m o Silliguri (located at bank of ) –called as Gateway of North Eastern india ii) DOARS REGION o Eastern part of Teesta river, below Darjeeling hills o Extend – most of Jalpaiguri & Alipurduar and small portion of Coochbehar o Duar means door o Divided in – Siliguri(western duars), Jalpaiguri(middle duars), Alipurduar(Eastern duars) B. PLAINS o Start from south of Terai, continues to left bank of o Constitute – South Jalpaiguri,North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, Alipuduar, South Coochbehar o Mahananda corridor -Narrow landmass in north Dinajpur o Mahananda river divides Malda in 2 parts – o Eastern – made of old alluvium, part of Ganga delta, consist of undulating , called as Barendra bhumi o Western – new alluvium, here join Mahananda o Lowland, covered with swamps o Area south of Kalindi is very fertile and called as Daira C. o Constitute – Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bankura, Purba & Paschim Bardhaman, Purba & Paschim Mednipur, o 50-100m above sea level o dominated by laterite soil o created from soil o formed by silt brought by tributaries of Bhagirathi, Mayurakshi, Ajay, Damodar, o land slope from west to south east o formation of natural levees is common D. COASTAL PLAIN o On the extreme south of state o Constitute – Purba Mednipur along Bay of Bengal o Sand dunes & marshy area o Digha dune lie nearest to BoB and Kanthi dune farthest o Imp rivers – Rasulpur, Pichabani, E. SUNDERBANS o Largest mangrove forest in world o Sundari trees are found in abundance

7 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

o Lies in and south of North 24 Parganas o Lies at mouth of Ganges and spread across Bangladesh, WB o Listed in UNESCO world heritage list o Created by silt deposition by rivers – Hooghly, Malta, Jamira, Gosaba, Saptamukhi, Haribhanga o Famous for Bengal Tiger (400), 30000 deer and large o New Moore island submerged in Bay of Bengal after Bhola cyclone 1970 o Imp island – Sagardwip, Frazerganj, Dalhousie, etc F. o Consist of – Nadia, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, east of Murshidabad o Imp rivers – Icchamati, Mathavanga, Jalangi, Churni, Voirab o Ganga pass through old, mature, active delta o Old delta § Consist of Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas § Also called as Bagri area § Characterized by oxbow lakes, swamps, , silted rivers o Mature Delta § Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly, east Mednipur § Rivers are slow & form meanders § Swamps, beels, oxbow lakes are found o Active delta § South 24 Parganas § Formation of delta is still ongoing process

RIVERS OF WEST BENGAL o NORTH BENGAL o Teesta § From Sikkim to WB § Known as ‘Terror River’ § Also called as Rang, Dista, Sanch, Rangtu(means ‘straight’) § Coronation Bridge (Sevok Bridge) is located here § Source- Jemu glacier of Sikkim § Tributaries – Baro Rangit(largest), Choto Rangit, Rangpo, Dikchu o Mahananda § Source – Paglajhora Fall 8 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

§ Largest river of North Bengal § Tributaries – Meechi, Balason, Kalandi, Tangon o Jaldhaka § Source – Bidang Lake § Tributaries- Dhrla, Ghidhari, Dolong o Torsha § Source- Chumby Valley, Tibet § Tributaries- Dima, Nonai o Raidak § Source – Chomalhari mountain o Mechi § Source – Mahabharat Range in Nepal o Balason § Source – Jorepokhari, Sukhia o Sankosh § Source –Punakha range, Bhutan § Eastern most river of West Bengal, form boundary between Assam and West Bengal o Punorvhaba § Source- lowlands of Thakurgaon district of Bangladesh o Atrai § Source – Jorpani river o Teesta, Torsha, Jaldhaka, Raidak, Sankosh – all are antecedent rivers

o GANGA AND TRIBUTARIES o Total length = 2525km ,in WB = 520km o Source- Gangotri Glacier o Tributaries- Damodar, Kanshabati, Silai, Ajay o between India & Bangladesh o Flows through – Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, WB o Divided into 2 rivers, Hooghly & Padma, after entering WB § Padma – flows in Bangladesh, join Meghna ->BoB o (2240km) located across Ganges river in Murshidabad § Used to divert water from Ganges to Hooghly to flush out sediment deposition from Kolkata

o BRAHMAPUTRA BASIN o Consists of 14% of the geographical area of the state and main rivers are – Sankosh, Raidak, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Teesta o Torsa § Source – Chumbi valley of southern Tibet(7065 m altitude) § Route – Tibet, Bhutan, West Bengal and Bangladesh o Jaldhaka § Source – Bitang Lake in Sikkim (4400m altitude) 9 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

§ Route – Sikkim, Bhutan, West Bengal and Bangladesh o Teesta § Source – glaciers of North Sikkim (6400m altitude) § Formed by union of two streams Lachen and Lachung in Sikkim

WESTERN RIVER o Damodar – Jharkhand->WB o Sources- Khmarpot Hill, Chotanagpur Plateau o Called as ‘Sorrow of Bengal’ o Tributaries – , Konar, Bokaro, Haharo, Jamunia o Ajay – o Source—, Jharkhand o Tributaries- Kunur, Hingla, Tumuni o Rupnarayn o Source = Tibli hill, Chottanagpur plateau o Tributary- Mundeshari o Kangshabati o Source= Murguma near in CNP o Tributary- Kumari river o Subarnarekha o Source- Near Ranchi o Tributaries- Kharkai, Roro, Kanchi o Mayurakshi o Source- Hill, Jharkhand o Banslai o Source- Bans Hill, Jharkhand o Tributaries – Ikri, korojoro, shukra o Pagla o Source – Masina of Jharkhand o Tributary – Suri o Brahmini o Source - Dudhwa Hill, Jharkhand o Tributaries – Tripata, Gamari o Darokeswar o Source – Purulia o Tributaries- Gandheswari, Shilabati o Shilabati o Source – terrain of CNP, Purulia o Tributaries- Jaypanda, Tamal, Parang, Purondor o Join Dwarakeswar near Ghatal and then known as Rupnarayan

SUNDERBANS RIVERS o Imp rivers- Piyali, Matla, Bidyadhari, Kalindi, Hariyavanga, Raimangal 10 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

o All are tidal rivers ; all falls in BoB, formation of delta

CITY RIVER JALPAIGURI Tista&Kalra SILIGURI Mahananda&Balason ALIPURDUAR Kalijani COOCHBEHAR Torsha Damodar Bhagirathi & Ajay KRISHNANAGAR Jalangi Kopay PURULIA Kangshabati ISLAMPUR Mahananda Damodar ENGLISH BAZAR Mahananda

SOILS IN WEST BENGAL SOIL PLACE FEATURE Brown Forest Soil Darjeeling High Fertility Status but crop performance is not satisfactory due to low soil depth, high acidity, low temperature and adequate sunshine Terai Soils Darjeeling and Acidic due to heavy leaching and poor in Jalpaiguri plant nutrients Colluvial and Western part of Similar to and Chota Nagpur Skeletal Soils state Plateau Laterite soil Birbhum, Red in colour Burdhwan, Acidic, poor in organic matter, Nitrogen, Bankura, phosphorus and calcium but the soil is rich Medinpur and in Iron Purulia Red Soil Western and Developed on ancient crystalline rocks, Northern part of coarse textured, mildly acidic, poor in state organic matter and plant nutrients Coastal Saline Near Bay of Area is influenced by saline tidal water of Soils Bengal the Bay Alluvial Soils Ganga basin and Most fertile Teesta basin

11 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

MINERALS IN WEST BENGAL

o WB stands third in country in terms of mineral production o WB contribute 1/5th to total mineral production in india o Coal constitute 99% of the mineral extracted from WB o WB is 3rd largest state for coal production, account for half of India’s total production o Coal deposit are found along in Birbhum o Production of fireclay – Bihar>MP>WB o mines in Jalpaiguri & Darjeeling

MINERALS PLACE Coal (mostly Bituminous) Raniganj, , Burdwan, Bankura, Purulia Lime stone Purulia, Bankura Manganese West Midnapore, Purulia, Burdwan Dolomite Jalpaiguri Phosphate Rock Purulia Iron Ore Purulia, Bankura, Darjeeling Purulia West Mednipore Purulia Clay Purulia Tungsten Bankura Appetite South Purulia Fire Clay Ramnogor, Raniganj, Salanpur, Purulia, Bankura Feldspar Purulia

INDUSTRIES OF WEST BENGAL

INDUSTRY FEATURE o Iron and Steel Industry o Established first in in 1870 o In Durgapur district o Jute Industry o First established in 1885. WB is famous in jute production o Found on either side of o Cotton & Textile o First established in Howrah o No cultivation of Cotton in WB o industry import cotton o Tea industry o Most important. First established in 1834 o Located in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, 12 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Coochbehar o Food processing industry o Processing of fish, egg, meat, vegetable etc for ready to eat products o Tourism industry o Most popular places – Victoria Memorial, Alipore Zoo, Sunderbans, Digha beach and Darjeeling o Information technology o Salt lake is main location

NATURAL VEGETATION OF WB

o Total forested area is less than 14% of total area o Mountain Temperate forest o Darjeeling & Jalpaiguri o Oaks, conifers, fir are found here o Tropical mixed evergreen forest o In Terai regions of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar o Bamboo, Sal, Champa, Chilauni, Khair, Gamar o Deciduous forest o Mednipur, Bankura, Purulia, Bardhman, Birbhum o Sal, Palash, Mahua are found here o Tidal forest of Sunderbans o Sundri, Golpata, Gengwa, Hital, Baewn Bhora, Kaora are found here

AGRICULTURE o Second largest fish producing state after o Supply 66% of jute requirement to country o Most imp crops are – rice and tea

Rice o Hot & humid climate, kharif crop o Require sufficient water o Temp =240 C o Rainfall = 150-300cm o Ideal Soil – clayey & loamy Jute o Temp = 240 C, rainfall =1000mm o Soil = clayey, loamy, alluvial o India is world’s largest producer of jute o Grown in – Midnapur, Burdhman, 24 Paraganas, Malda, Murshidabad etc Wheat o Rabi crop o Rainfall =50-70 cm o Nadia & Musrshidabad – highest wheat producing state of WB 13 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

o UP – highest of India Pulses o Leguminous(fix nitrogen in soil) à provide protein o Variety of pulses – gram, tur, arhar, urd, mung, masur,etc o Gram –most imp § Temp = 20-250 C § Rainfall =40-45 cm § Soil- loamy Tobacco o Require warm and moist climate & soil rich in lime o Coochbehar – largest tobacco producing district of WB

Oilseed o Varieties – Rape seed, Mustard, linseed, sesamum, cottonseed

HYDROPOWER PROJECTS IN WB

PROJECT LOCATION & DATE Jaldhaka Hydel Project Serves as bridge to go across Bhutan Massanjore Hydroelectric Project Located in , Dumka, Birbhum Commissioned in 1955 Purulia pumped storage project Located in Ajodhya Hills, Bagmundi, Purulia Rammam Hydroelctric project Located at distance of 50km from Ghoom (Siliguri- Darjeeling) and 150km from Siliguri Teesta low Dam lV Hydroelectric project In Darjeeling Commissioned in 2016 Sidrapong Hydroelectric Power station Located at foothills of Arya Tea Estate, 12 km from Darjeeling Oldest hydel power station

DAMS AND RESERVOIRS IN WB

DAM/RESERVOIR RIVER DISTRICT Damodar Panchet Damodar Purulia Durgapur Dam Damodar Durgapur, Burdwan Tinpara Mayurakhshi Birbhum Teesta Dam Teesta Jalpaiguri Farraka Dam Ganga Murshidabad 14 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Messanjore Mayurakshi Birbhum Dam Barakar Burdwan Kangshabati Kangshabati Mukutmanipur, Bankura

ECONOMY OF WEST BENGAL

o 6th largest with 11.7 lakh crore of GDP o agriculture=24% , Industry=22%; Services=54% o 3rd largest meat producing state o contain 343 tea gardens, 1st tea industry in 1834 o second largest (inland + marine) fish producing state o leading Inland fish and fish seed producer o first iron & steel industry at Kulti in 1870 o fist jute industry in 1815 o fisrt cotton industry in Howrah o major industrial areas of WB – , Kolkata, Asansol, Durgapur, Kharagpur o have 21 SEZs as per Dec 2018 o has 80% growth in IT exports during 2012-17 o has highest MSME establishment o its Index of Industrial Production has jumped from 2.2% (2011-12) to 7.9%(2017-18) o leading exporter of finished leather goods o countries importing flowers from West Bengal – Holland, Middle East, UK o floriculture park set up at Mungpoo (North Bengal)

NATIONAL PARKS IN WB • National Park • Gorumara National Park • Buxa National Park • Neora Valley National Park • Singalia National Park • Jaldapara National Park

BIRD SANCTUARIES IN WB • Chintamoni Kar • Thasrana •

15 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN WB • Sunderbans

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN WB • Ballavpur • Bethuadahari • Bibhuti Bhusan • Buxa • Chapramari • Chintamani Kar • Haliday Island • Jorepokhri Salamander • Lothian Island • Mahananda • Raiganj • Ramnabagan • Sajnakhali • Sechal • West Sunderban

TIGER RESERVE IN WB • SUNDERBANS • BUXA

ELEPHANT RESERVE IN WB • Mayurijharna • Eastern Doars

MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN WB • Sunderbans • West Sunderbans • Haliday Island • Sajnakhali • Lothian Island

WEST BENGAL SCHEMES SCHEME FEATURE Getanjali 2011 Provide grant of Rs 70,000 to beneficiaries in plain 16 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

(housing) region & of Rs. 75,000 in hills (Sundarbans, Jangalmahal) Sabala 2011 Improve nutritional & health status of girls b/w 11- 18yrs Anandadhara Anti poverty programme for rural poor , implemented 2012 through organizing women in SHGs Sishu Sathi 2013 Provide free of cost operation (for congenital cardiac disease, cleft lip, club foot) for children upto 18yrs Kanyashree 2013 Unmarried girl of age 13-18yrs, reading in class Vlll/lX/Xl/Xll will get annual scholarship of Rs750/- ,if family income is <1.2lakh If b/w 18-19yrs àgrant of Rs. 25,000 Madur Sneho 2013 India’s first and most modernised ‘Human Milk Bank’ in SSKM hospital Shikhashree 2014 For SC students from Class V to VIII Gatidhara 2014 Provide loan upto Rs1 lakh for people with monthly income

17 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

BASICS OF INDIAN GEOGRAPHY • Iranian called the river Hindu instead of Sindhu and the country as Hindustan 0 • Standard meridian : 82.5 E, passes through Mirzapur, 5hr 30 min ahead of Greenwich Mean Time o Standard Meridian passes through 5 states : • Uttar Pradesh, • , • Chattisgarh, • Odisha • Andhra Pradesh 0 • Tropic Of Cancer : 23.5 N, passes from country’s middle, divide country in tropical & subtropical regions o Passes through - , , Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, , • North to South length = 3,214km • East to west = 2,933km • Gujarat has longest coastline • India’s total geographical area is 2.4% of total geographical area of world , rank 7 after Russia, Canada, China, USA, Brazil, Australia • Southern most point : Indira point, located in Nicobar Island • India is the only country after which ocean is named • 28 states & 9 UTs, neighbours are Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, , Bangladesh, Bhutan COUNTRY BORDERING STATES AND OTHER FEATURES Nepal borders with Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, WB, Sikkim Bhutan Sikkim, WB, Assam, Pakistan J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat ; share river Satluj & Ravi • Radcliffe line : on 17th Aug ,1947 Border Commission divided India & Pak via RL • LoC : military control line b/w India & Pak, earlier called as Cease 18 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Fire line. Not internationally recognised. Renamed as LoC after Shimla Agreement in 1972 • PoK : with local tribal people ,Pak occupied area in 1947 . Still under Pak ,Muzaffarabad is capital of Pok Afghanistan J&K China J&K, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh • McMohan Line : in 1914 at Shimla Convention. Regarded by India but rejected by China. Between Tibet & north east India • Line of Actual Control : real boundary between India and China . Separate Aksai chin from J&K . Passes thru , Kashmir, Uttarakhand, HP, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh • CPEC : 15yr Project between China & Pak, connect Kashgar(China) with Gwadar port in PoK -> violating India’s sovereignty Myanmar Arunachal Pradesh, , , Mizoram • Free movement regime : movement of Tribal people within 16km in India & Myanmar without visa Bangladesh Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, , WB • Signed Land Boundary Agreement: passes 100th constitutional Amendment in 2015. Handling 17,000 acre to Bangladesh in return of 7,000acre in WB, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya. Not ratified by parliament. Settles citizenship issue of 50,000 people

• Ness : narrow land part surrounded by sea from 3 sides . Southern tip c/a Kumari Ness or Kanyakumari • Largest UT is A&N and smallest is • Rajasthan is largest & Goa smallest • Contiguous zone: 12NM to 24NM. Laws relating to immigration, Custom, Environment Cleanliness, fiscal Rights are applicable in this area • Exclusive economic zone: 24NM to 200NM . under complete acquisition of country ,India can use sea resources, conduct research

GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES • It help to understand & composition of rock • Pangaea broke into 2 parts in Carboniferous period due to gravity & buoyancy. o Northern part c/a Laurasia & o southern as Godawana & Tethys sea in between • Godawana broke into peninsular India, Madagascar, Australia, Antarctica etc Peninsular plateau • Made up of most ancient rocks of world (Archean rocks which now transformed into Gneiss & Schist) Dharwar rocks • Oldest metamorphosed sedimentary rocks formed from erosion & deposition of Archaen rocks 19 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Devoid of fossils • Aravali mountains(oldest cold mountains) formed in this rock system Cuddappah rocks • Formed by erosion & deposition of Dharwar rocks • Devoid of fossils • Cuddapah is district of AnP (evidence of diamonds) • In Krishna valley, nallamalai hills, Cheyyar valley Vindhyan rocks • Named after vindhyan mts (Act as water divide b/w Gangetic plain & Deccan plateau) • Sedimentary rocks Godawana rock • 98% coal deposits • Stratified rocks with fossils of fish & reptiles Deccan trap • At end of era, extensive volcano erupted thru fissure & area of 10lakh km2 got buried under lava • Maha, Gujarat, south west MP • Made up of Basalt & Dolomite rocks ,black soil by their fragmentation Tertiary rocks • In Himalayan & coastal areas, in Kumaon (uttarakhand) • Petroleum found in these Quaternary rocks • During Pleistocene period, entire Kashmir valley was lake • Due to endogenic forces, lake drained thru gorge, leaving deposits called Karewas, useful for Zafron (saffron variety), almond & walnut cultivation

PHYSIOGRAPHY

• Mountains, plains, desert, plateau are result of endogenic & exogenic forces • These forces related to geomorphic processes that led to physiography formation

NORTHERN MOUNT RANGE • Acc to plate tectonic theory (based on SF) : Formation of young due to collision of & -> squeezing of Tethys sea • Note : Kunlun, , Hindukush are part of Pamir knot • Loktak lake is the only floating lake in world due to phumdis • Major glacier : Gangotri (Ganga originates), Yamunotri, Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo, Batura, Milam (kali river originate) ,Chorabari (in Rudra prayag, Gandhi Sarovar lake)

TRANS/TIBETAN HIMALAYAS • Formed from sedimentary rocks • Sutlej, Indus, Brahmaputra, Tsangpo 20 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Separated from great Himalayas by ITSZ(Indus Tsangpo Suture Zone) or Hing Line • Karakoram(highest Asia’s range), Ladakh, Zaskar, Kailash Mt range • K2 or Godwin Austen (in Karakoram range,PoK) • Glacier : Siachen, Biafo, Baltoro, Hispar • Rakaposhi is one of the world’s steepest peak (in Ladakh) • Indus flow b/w Zaskar & Ladakh range & form deepest Gorge(5,200m) in India

GREATER HIMALAYAS • Extend from gorge of to bend of Brahmaputra in ArP • C/a inner Himalayas or Himadri ,igneous or metamorphed rock • This is the highest range of Himalayas • Imp ranges : Mt Everest(highest world peak, Bachendri pal first Women to climb 1984), Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Namcha barva

MIDDLE/LESSER HIMALAYAS • C/a Himachal • Separated from greater Himalayas by Main Central Thrust • Range :Pir Panjal(longest himalaya range), Dhauladhar, Nag Tibba, Mahabharat

SHIWALIK • Separated from middle by Main Boundary thrust and from Ganga plains by Himalayan Front • Youngest Mt ranges of Himalayas • Small grasslands found c/a duns in west, duars in east & bugyal in uttarakhand • It’s low lying region c/a Terai

LONGITUDINAL DIVISION OF HIMALAYA

KASHMIR HIMALAYA • B/w Indus & Sutlej ,widest part of himalaya • Jhelum in valley is at young age ,still firm meanders • Spread in Kashmir, HP • Ranges : Zaskar, Ladakh, Karakoram, Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar • Glacier : Siachen, Baltoro • Freshwater lake : Dal, Wuler • Famous for Karewas

KUMAON HIMALAYA • B/w Sutlej & Kali rives in Uttarakhand • Highest peak is Nanda Devi • Western part is & Eastern is Kumaon himalaya • Major peak : Badrinath, Jedarnath, Trishul, Gangotri, nanda Devi • Lakes : Nainital, Bhumyal 21 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Passes : Mana, Niti

NEPAL HIMALAYA • B/w kali & testa River • C/a Sikkim himalaya, Darjeeling himalaya, Bhutan himalaya • Highest peak : Annapurna, Dhaulagiri,

ASSAM HIMALAYA • B/w Teesta & • In Assam, ArP, Sikkim, Bhutan • Peak : kangtu, namcha barwa (Eastern most peak of himalaya, at boundary of ArP & Tibet) • River : Dibang Dibang, Lohit, Brahmaputra

EASTERN/PURVANCHAL HILLS • Part of Himalayan Mt System • C/a Bum (in north), Naga hill, Manipur hill, lushai hill • Practice of Jhum cultivation • Most of the ranges separated by rivers eg Manipur & Mizoram by Barack River • Mizoram c/a Molassis basin ,made of soft unconsolidated deposit

PENINSULAR PLATEAU • Igneous & metamorphic rocks • Formed due to breaking of Godawana land (hence old landmass)

ARAVALI RANGE • On west & north west of Peninsular plateau • World’s oldest mts ,extend upto 800km from Gujarat to • C/a , highest peak is Gurushikhar • Maha & () originated here

VINDHYAN RANGE • Parallel to north of Narmada Son Valley • Extend from north of plateau in Jharkhand, UP, Chattisgarh • Separate north & • Hills : Bharner, Kaimur, hills

SATPURA RANGE • Part of Deccan plateau • Surrounded by Narmada & Tapi Rift Valley • Divided in : Rajpipla, Mahadeo, Maikal, Dhupgarh hills • Maikal range located in chattisgarh, highest peak is Amarkantak . Narmada, Son, River originates from Amarkantak

22 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Other Rivers : Chambal, Damodar, Krishna, Godavari,

EASTERN GHATS • From Mahanadi valley to Nilgiri in south • Mahanadi, godavari, Krishna, Kaveri etc • Highest peak is Jindhagoda (1,680m)

WESTERN GHATS • From in north to Nilgiri Hills in south • 4 imp passes are Thalghat, Bhorghat, Palghat, Senkota • WG & EG meet at Nilgiri Hills (meeting point of Kar, Kerala, TN)

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS • Located in north of Narmada • It’s major portion is Malwa plateau . Mahadeo ranges in east, Aravali range in north west, vindhyan at Centre • MP : located in MP, Chattisgarh . Aravali in north, vindhyan in south, bundelkhand in east • Rivers : Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken. Slope : south west to north east • It’s eastern end (Gaya, Bihar)drained by Damodar River(famous coal belt), called as chotanagpur plateau • Dandakaranya region : extend in Orissa, chattisgarh, AnP

DECCAN PLATEAU • in west; EG in east; Satpura, Malkai & Mahadeo in north • MP, Maha, AnP, Kar, TN • Known by diff names : Sahyadri(Maha), Nilgiri hills(Kar, TN), Anaimalai and in Kerala • Anaimud : highest peak of peninsular plateau • Mahabaleshwar (highest peak of Sahyadari mts) : here originates

NORTH EASTERN PLATEAU • Extension of peninsular plateau • During Himalayan origin, Huge fault(Malda Gap) created b/w Rajmahal hills & Meghalaya plateau • Consist of Garo, Khasi, Jaintia hills • Cheerapunji in Meghalaya receives highest rainfall • Meghalaya plateau also rich in minerals: coal, Iron, limestone • Also c/a MP, Karbi Angtong plateau, North Circar Hills

NORTH INDIAN PLAIN • Separated by Himalayan Front Fault from Shivalik • Also c/a Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra plains

23 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Alluvium deposit in himalaya foothill -> fertile area • Aravali Mt Act as water divide b/w Indus (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, beas, Satluj) flowing left and Ganga tributaries flowing right

PUNJAB PLAIN • West of north plain ,drained by Indus & tributaries ,mostly lies in Pak • Punjab, , Delhi • Has large no. Of (land b/w 2 rivers ) • Sand dunes prominent, luni river flow in Rann Of Kutch • Famous salt water lake : Sambhar, Degana, Didwana

GANGETIC PLAIN • River in west to Bangladesh in east • B/w Ghaggar & Tista River ,in Haryana, Delhi, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, WB

BRAHMAPUTRA PLAIN • In east of Ganga plain ,in Assam • Slope : north east to south west • Majuli (located in middle of Brahmaputra) is largest riverine Island Of world • Known for Riverine Island & Sand bars ->Continuous floods due to change in river course • River entering Bangladesh make 90 degree angle & turn south

NORTHERN PLAIN DIVISION DUE TO PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC 1. BHABAR : • Width 8-16km, from Indus to teesta • Due to sudden break up of slope ,rivers deposit heavy rocks c/a bhabar • Broader in west, narrower in east ,not suitable for cultivation

2. TERAI • Rivers re emerge & create marshy & swampy land • Found more in east due to high rainfall • Dense forest & biodiversity

3. BANGAR • Largest part of Northern plain ,made of old alluvial soil present along flood plains • Kanker/calcareous deposit present, also alkaline & saline • Located on higher part of plain whr flood water can’t reach

4. KHADAR • Lowland area ,drained by flood water ,form layer of new alluvium • Ideal for Agri

24 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

INDIAN DESERT • Lies on northwest of Aravali hills • Covered with sand dunes • Annual rainfall less than 15cm • Land features : mushroom rocks, shifting dunes, oasis • Northern part towards Sindh & southern towards Rann Of Kutch

COASTAL PLAIN • 6,100km coastline

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN • B/w western ghat & • Avg width 65km • Extend from Kutch (Gujarat)to kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) • It’s maximum width is 80km at mouth of Narmada & Tapi River • Divided in 4 parts 1. Gujarat coast : from Rann Of Kutch to Kathiawar 2. coast : from Daman to Goa 3. coast : from Goa to Karnataka 4. Malabar coast : Mangluru (Kar) to kanyakumari(TN). Numerous backwater inundate the region c/a Kayals in Kerala • Kochi port located in 180 km Vembanad lake • Rivers are small & fast flowing, so river carry no sediment & form estuaries rather than delta • Numerous lagoons found in southern part

EASTERN COASTAL PLAIN • B/w & Bay of Bengal • From WB to Kanyakumari • Avg width 120km • Deltas formed • Chilika (largest lagoon, brackish water lake, Odisha)& pulicat (AnP, TN) r 2 large lagoon lakes • is deltaic lake situated b/w delta of Godavari & Krishna • Divided in 3 parts 1. Circar plain: 400km length ,along Odisha coast 2. Andhra plain: from Behrumpur to Pulicat lake . Krishna & godavari delta formed 3. : Pulicat to Kanyakumari

ISLAND GROUP ISLAND FEATURE 25 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

ISLANDS OF BAY • 2 group of island are ‘Ritchie’s Archipelago’ and ‘Labyrinth OF BENGAL Island’ • Chain of island from from north to south in Bay of Bengal is known as Andaman & Nicobar Island ( separated by 10 degree Channel) • Have high diversity of flora & fauna • Have equatorial climate ,covered with dense forest • Are elevated portion of submarine mts • Arakan Yoma is eg of submerged highland • A&N allocated near Myanmar coast : ranges - Saddle peak(north andaman), Mount Diavalo(Middle Andaman), Mt Koyob(South Andaman), Mt Thullier (great Nicobar ANDAMAN • North, middle, south, little Andaman ISLAND • Port Blair (largest island of south Andaman) is capital • Duncan Strait b/w south Andaman & little andaman • Barren island of little Andaman is the only active volcano . Narcondam (dormant volcano) also in LA • Landfall Island (northern most island of A&N) separated from Coco Island (Myanmar) by Coco Strait NICOBAR • Separated by 10 degree Channel ISLAND • Consist of Car Nicobar, little Nicobar, great Nicobar • Southern part of India : Indira point/Pygmalion point/Parson point • Mt Thullier is highest peak of Nicobar group

OTHER ISLAND • : on mouth of river Hugli IN BOB • Island : formed due to deposition by Ganga • Pamaban Island : situated in Gulf of Mannar ,part of Adam’s Bridge(Ram Seth). Also c/a Rameshwaram Island • Sriharikota Island : on east side of Pulicat lake . Launch site of ISRO • Wheeler’s Island : at (Odisha coast) . Recently named Abdul Kalam Island. Used for Missile testing ARABIAN SEA • Lakshadweep Island : near Malabar coast ,formed by coral ISLAND deposit ,divided into 2 parts by 9 degree Channel GROUP • Kavaratti Island is Administrative HQ of Lakshadweep • Separated by Minicoy Island thru 9 degree Channel ,minicoy separated thru 8 degree • Northern group c/a Aminidivi & southern as Cannanore island • Agatti is the only Island with airport • Pitti Island ,with no human habitation ,is bird sanctuary

26 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Language is Malayalam except in Minicoy( Mahal language) OTHER ISLAND • Salsette island : Mumbai(largest port) is located here . • Elephanta cave : 10km from Gateway of India (Mumbai). Famous for cave temples • Willingdon Island : largest artificial man made Island in kochi (kerala) • Sir creek : in Rann Of Kutch, marshy Land. Disputed territory b/w India & Pak . Seaparate Gujarat(Indus) from Sindh (Pak) • Kori creek : demarcates boundary of Pak & India

SOIL

• Constitute minerals, humus, water & air • World soil day on 5th Dec by FAO (UN) • : breaking & decaying Of rocks due to climate, frost, plants, animals, humans • PEDOGENESIS : formation of soil • Factors : parent material; climate; organic content; topography, time • 5 Principles Of pedogenesis 1. Laterisation : • Common in humid Tropic & subtropic Envn • Movt of large amt of water-> leaching Of all byprdts from A to B horizon, except iron & Al ->topsoil bcom Red • Soil bcom acidic 2. Calcification • In warm & semi arid Envn • Precipitation of alkaline salt from groundwater 3. Podsolisation • In cool & moist climate • When acid soil soln cause breakdown of clay minerals - >minerals removed from surface layer in accumulate in sub surface layers 4. Gleying • In waterlogged, anaerobic condition • When iron compound removed from soil -> bluish Colour 5. Salinisation • Capillary rise of saline groundwater

27 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

SOIL PROFILE 1. O horizon : organic matter like decomposing leaves 2. Horizon A/ Top soil : Humus layer ,rich in organic matter ,dark brown colour ,contain plant roots & organisms like earthworm etc 3. Horizon E • Leached (of minerals ) by irrigation & precipitation • Missing in some soil 4. Horizon B/subsoil • Harder & compact from topsoil ,lighter in colour bcoz of less humid • Less organic but rich in minerals ,iron oxide • Farmers often mix Horizon A & B 5. Horizon C/ Parent material • No organic matter ,made up of stones & rocks ,very hard 6. R Horizon or Bedrock or Saprolite • Mass of rock like granite, basalt, quartile, limestone

TYPES OF SOIL SOIL FEATURE 1. ALLUVIAL • Formed due to silt deposition in Indo- Gangetic - Brahmaputra SOIL • Most widespread ,support 40% popn • Vary in nature from loamy(Ganga plain) to clayey (in Brahmaputra plain) • Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand etc • Rich in potash & Lime • Lack nitrogen & phosphorus • Large variety of Kharif & Rabi crops : wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, jute etc • Types : khadar & Bangar 2. RED & YELLOW • Occupy 2nd largest area SOIL • Develop by weathering of igneous & metamorphic Rock ,in low rainfall • Odisha & chattisgarh ,South & Middle Ganga plain • Reddish due to diffusion of iron with metamorphic rock . Look yellow in hydrated form • It fine grained then fertile • Rich in potash & phosphate • Poor in lime, magnesia, nitrogen, humid 3. BLACK SOIL • Gujarat, , Karnataka, MP, malwa plateau • Clayey ,also c/a Regur soil • Develop wide crack in dry season ->. Need of self ploughing • Poor in humus, phosphorous, nitrogen, organic matter • Rich in lime, iron, magnesia, alumina, potash 28 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Crop : Cotton, pulses, millet, linseed, castor, tobacco, sugarcane, citrus fruits 4. LATERITE SOIL • Derived from brick • High temp & high rainfall • Formed by intense leaching . Lime, silica, humus washed away • Rich in iron oxide & Al • Poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate, calcium • TN, AnP, Kerala , MP, Odisha, Assam • Crop : cashewnut, rice, Rabi, sugarcane 5. MOUNTAIN • Lack potash, phosphorous, Lime ; saline in nature SOIL • IN J&K, Sikkim, Assam, ArP, ES, • Tea, coffee, fruits 6. ARID SOIL • Red river brown in colour ; saline in nature 6. • Dry climate, Hugh temp • Lack moisture, humus , nitrogen, phosphate • Lower horizon hv Kanwar (restrict infiltration of water -> good for plant growth ) • Rajasthan • Bajra, pulses, guar, fodder 7. DESERT SOIL • Red & brown 7. • Lack nitrogen & humid ,has calcium carbonate (due to limestone presence ) • Rajasthan, saurashtra, Kutch Of Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab 8. SALINE & • Presence of sodium, potassium, Mg ALKALINE • Infertile 8. • Rajasthan, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Maha • Max salinity : Guj >Haryana >UP • Sandy to loamy • Lack nitrogen & calcium • Occur in arid & semi arid and waterlogged & swampy areas • Excess in Areas with intense cultivation & excessive irrigation ,in green revn areas • Gypsum used to solve salinity problem 9. PEAT & • High rainfall & High humidity MARSHY SOIL • Humus, ferrous, aluminium sulphate 9. • Deficient in phosphate & potash • Found in coastal areas of WB, Odisha, TN and in , Uttarakhand • Black in colour FOREST SOIL • Himalayan region, WG, EG, peninsular plateau • Rich in humus • Deficient in potash, phosphorous, lime -> need Fertilizer • Tea, coffee, spices, fruits, wheat, maize, barley 29 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

SOIL EROSION 1. Raindrop erosion 2. Sheet erosion 3. Rill erosion 4. Gully erosion

SOIL CONSERVATION 1. Crop rotation 2. Strip cropping 3. Contour ploughing 4. Mulching 5. Contour barriers 6. Contour bunding 7. Rock dam 8. Terrace farming, intercropping, sand fences, Afforestation, check overgrazing

NATURAL VEGETATION • Classification on basis of administration Reserved entry of people prohibited for timber collection & grazing . Total 53% forest forest under this category Protected under govt supervision, wood collection & grazing allowed if not forest threatening forest . 29% area Unclassified no restriction on cutting trees & feeding cattle . 18% forest

• Other classification Tropical evergreen • >200cm rainfall ,temp >22 C • WG, plateau, A&N ,Lakshadweep • Avg height of tree >60m • mahogany, rosewood, bamboo, cane, cinchona, rubber etc 2. Tropical wet • Called as monsoon forest deciduous • Chattisgarh, odisha, Bihar, jhar, AnP, Kar, Kerala, TN • Divided into moist & dry o Moist : 100-200cm rainfall; teak, Sal, mango, mahua, bamboo, Shisham, Khair, Sandal o Dry : 70-100cm rainfall ;not very high(6-9cm); Mahua, Babool, Tendu, Khair, peepul 3. Tropical thorn • <75cm rainfall, high temp • 6cm height 30 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Thick & Thorny leaves • MP, AnP • Babool, Khair, palm, date, cactii, palas 4. Montane forest • Change in vegetation with diff height in mountains • Vegetation ranges from tropical to alpine • At 1500m height : deciduous forest found • At 1500-3500m : coniferous forest ,trees with softwood • Deodar, spruce, silver fir, chir etc . Leaves pointed at end • Broad leaf evergreen trees in heavy rainfall : oak, magnolia, lawrell 5. Littoral & swampy • C/a tidal or Mangrove forest • Whr fresh river water mix with saline sea water • Deltaic tracts Of Ganga, Godavari, Krishna • Sunderland is the largest mangrove forest of world • These trees prevent erosion of coastal area by sea waves

FOREST CONSERVATION • Van Mahotsav : launched in 1950 to make people aware about importance of planting trees • Chipko movt : in Gharwal (Uttarakhand) . Chandi Prasad Bhatt led the first chipko movt in 1973 after sports company was given permission to cut trees • 2011 declared as Intnl year of forest • Intnl day of forest : 21st March ,by UNGA, in 2012 • National forest policy • Forest Policy of India formulated in 1952, 1988 • National Forest Policy in 1988 set target to bring 33% of total area under forest • Currently =24% • CAMPA • Compensatory Afforestation Fund Mgmt & Planning Authority • To manage & utilise the money reserved by govt for afforestation • CAMPA Act passed in 2016 o Establish National/state Compensatory Afforestation Fund o Establish National/state fund mgmt authorities • National Bamboo Mission • 2018 : Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved Restructured National Bamboo Mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agri • Ensure Devm Of bamboo producing areas by value chain • NBM started as CSS in 2006-07 • Draft National Forest Policy 2018 • Released by MoEF&CC • Aim : conservation of forest & protect interest of tribals • Social forestry • Since 1976 31 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Aim : conserve forest, adequate ss of fuel & fodder, raw material to Indy, generate empl in rural area • 3 elements : Agro forestry; rural forestry; urban forestry • CSS; technical assistance from Sweden & Canada; financial aid from WB • Not a major success bcoz of lass of mass participation • India state of forest report 2017 • Released by MoEF in 2018 • Total forest & tree cover is 24.4% • High increase in ‘Very Dense Forest’ • Max increase in AnP>Kar > Kerala • Largest forest cover in terms of area : MP > ArP, chattisgarh • Highest forest density : Lakshadweep > Mizoram >A&N • Forest Survey of India • Under MoEF • Since 1981, for assessment of forest resources of country regularly

AGRICULTURE

• India has highest net cropped area in world = 179.8 Mha • National Women’s Farmers Day : 15 Oct ,acc to FAO Women contribute 32% to Indian agriculture • Agri census : 10th agri census released in 2018 o More Diversion of Agri Land to non agri from 2010 to 2016 o Nagaland is home to India’s largest farm holding • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana : launch to support & promote organic farming • Sikkim ,in 2016 declared as first organic farming state • PM Kisan Sampada Yojana : incorporates all ongoing schemes of MoFPI o SAMPADA means Scheme for Agro Marine Processing & Devm Of Agro Processing Clusters o Supplement agri, modernise processing, decrease agri waste • Model APMC Act 2017 o Ministry of Agri draft Agri Produce & Livestock Marketing Act • Project CHAMAN o Coordinated Horticulture Assessment & Mgmt using Geo informatics • Kisan credit scheme (1998) o Provide short term credit to farmers at cheap interest rate o Implemented by PSBs,RRBs, Cooperative Bank,commercial bank • Zero budget natural farming 32 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• National food security mission in 2007 for 5yrs: to increase prodn & productivity of wheat • 17 mega food parks : for food processing ;based on cluster approach and hubs & spokes • PM Fasal Bima Yojana : Benefit farmers with insurance cover ; use remote sensing

CROPS CROP FEATURE RICE • A/c for 40% of country’s total food grain prodn • UN General Assembly declare 2004 as Intnl Year Of Rice • Grown in region with 8-20 degree N altitude • Require heat & humidity • Staple food for eastern & southern parts of country • Temp 20-22 C • Rainfall : 150cm • Labour intensive cultivation • India 2nd largest producer & consumer of rice after China • Major producer : WB, UP, Punjab, AnP ;others : Odisha, Bihar, Chatti, Assam, TN, har, Kar, Jhar, MP, Guj, Kerala WHEAT • Staple food for north & north western country • Rabi crop - require cool growing season & bright sunshine at time of maturity • Temp : 10C (winters) , 25C(summers) • Rainfall : 75-100cm • Soil : loamy clay , black soil • Extensive farming, highly mechanised, require less labour • India second largest producer after China • UP, Punjab, MP, Har ,Raja, Bihar, Gujarat • Western part of UP c/a ‘Granary Of India’ MAIZE • Inferior grain : use as food & fodder • 2nd most imp cereal crop ,c/a ‘Queen Of cereals’ • Rainfed kharif crop ,in TN it’s Rabi crop. 33 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Rainfall : 50-100cm • Sunshine after showers is very useful for ripening of grain • Temp : 21-27 C • Soil : loamy to clayey • Characterised with interculture : cultivated along with pulses, vegetables • Areas : AnP, Kar, Bihar, Maha, Raja MILLETS • Called as nutria cereals due to their nutritional value • Grown in inferior area whr rice & wheat cant be grown • Can also be used as folder for animals • Short duration crop : 3-4 months • Jowar, bajra, Ragi • 2018 celebrated as National Year Of Millets & FAO agreed to celebrate Intnl millet yr in 2023 JOWAR • Kharif + Rabi • Temp : 26-33C • Rainfall 30cm • Excessive rainfall & prolonged dryness : harmful for growth • Loamy & Sandy , clayey • Maha, Kar, MP, AnP, Raja, TN, UP, Gujarat BAJRA • Kharif crop ,dry + warm climate • Rainfall =40-50cm • Temp = 25 -34C • Moderate sunlight after little rainfall very useful • Sandy, black, red soil • Raja, UP, Gujarat, Haryana RAGI • In drier parts of north & south • Temp : 20-30 • Rainfall : 50-100 • Red, black, Sandy, alluvial • Kar, Uttarakhand, Maha, AnP BARLEY • Use for manufacturing beer & whisky • Rabi crop • Can’t tolerate heat & humidity • Temp : 10-15 • Rainfall 75-100 • Light clay & alluvial soil • Raja, UP, MP, Chatt PULSES • Legiminous • Rotated with other crops to restore soil fertility • Gram, arhar (tur), urad, mung, • UNGA announced 2016 as Intnl Year Of Pulses GRAM • Most imp of all pulses 34 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Rabi crop • Temp : 20-25 C • Rainfal, : 40-50 • Soil : loamy • MP, Raja, Maha, AnP, UP ARHAR • Kharif + Rabi (sometimes) • Mixed with other Kharif crops like jowar, bajra, Ragi, maize, cotton etc • Maha, MP, UP, Guj, AnP, Jhar, Odisha, Bihar, TN OILSEEDS • Imp commercial crop • India has largest area under oilseeds prodn • Major oilseeds : groundnut, sesamum, rapeseed, mustard, linseed, castor seed, sunflower, soyabean • Supply < demand -> therefore we import GROUNDNUT • Kharif (91%) , Rabi (9%) • A/c for 50% of oilseeds • Rich in vit, protein, high calorific value • Rotation crop : synthesize atmospheric nitrogen & increase soil fertility • Grown best in tropical climate • Temp : 20-30 C • Rainfall : 50-75cm • Rainfed crop • Areas : AnP, TN, Guj, Raja, Kar, Maha • Soil : Sandy, loamy, yellow & black • India second largest producer after China LINSEED • Rabi crop • Used for manufacturing paints, printing ink, waterproof fabrics • Grows in cool & moist climate • Temp = 20C • Rainfall : 75 Cm • Soil : clayey, black, alluvial • India 3rd producer after Russia & Canada • MP, Bihar, UP, Chatt, Maha CASTOR SEED • Used for lubricant, hair oil, etc • Kharif in north & Rabi in south • It’s leaves used as feed for silk worms • Temp 20-25 C • Rainfall : 50 -75cm • Soil : red, Sandy, alluvial • India 2nd largest producer after Brazil • Gujarat, Raja, SOYABEAN • Source of protein & food oil 35 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Temp : 13-24 C • Rainfall : 40-60cm • MP (largest producer), Raja, Maha RAPESEED & • India largest mustard producing country MUSTARD • Subtropical crops ,sown in central & north west • Rabi crop • Cannot bear too much cold but irrigation is helpful • Raja, har, WB, MP SUNFLOWER • Temp : 15-25 C • Rainfall : less than 50cm • Loamy soil • Kar, AnP, Maha • Sown in Jan-Feb & cut before monsoon SESAMUM • India has largest area under sesamum in world • Guj (largest producer) ,WB, TN, MP, Kar • Kharif in north & Rabi in south • Temp : 20-25 C • Rainfall : 50-100cm SUGARCANE • Belong to Bamboo family of plants • Water intensive crop • Source of sugar, Gur, Khand • Provide raw material for alcohol prodn • Can be used for paper manufacturing • Substitute of Petroleum prdts • Used as fodder also • UP : called as Sugar Bowl Of India , first sugar factory estd in UP in 1903 • Hot & humid climate • Temp : 21-27 C • Rainfall : 75-100cm • Loamy, clayey, black, brown soil • India has largest area under cultivation but second in term of prodn after Brazil • Ratooning : cutting sugarcane but leaving root • UP, Bihar, Maha, Kar, TN, AnP, Guj, Har, Uttar, Punjab, MP, Assam TOBACCO • Introduce by Portuguese in 1508 • Grown in rotation bcoz of high return . Grown on same land every yr • Tropical & subtropical climate • Temp : 15-38 C • Rainfall : 50-100cm • Sandy loams, minerals rich soil . Soil more imp than climate 36 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Cheap & abundant labour required • India 3rd largest producer after China & Brazil • In 15 states ,leading : Guj, AnP, Kar COTTON • Most imp fibre crop all over world • Tropical & subtropical climate • Temp : 21-30 • Rainfall : 50-100cm • 200 frost & hail free days with clear sky • Black soil, alluvial , red, laterite • Exhaust fertility of soil -> regular Fertilzer required • Cheap & efficient labour at time of picking • India has largest area under cultivation but 3rd largest producer after China & USA • Gujarat, Maha, AnP, har, MP, Punjab, Raja, Kar, TN JUTE • Second most imp fibre • In great dd due to cheapness, softness, strength, • Composed of cellulose & lignin • Hot & humid climate • Temp : 20-25 • Rainfall :120 -150cm • Humidity : 80-90% • Alluvial soil & standing water • Rapidly exhaust soil fertility • Major jute producing areas went to Bangladesh & mills in India • WB, Bihar, Assam, AnP, Odisha

PLANTATION CROP • Takes 3-5yrs after sowing to reap returns but continue to bear fruits for 35-40yrs • Require high investment & tech • Tea, coffee, rubber, spices

TEA • Most imp beverage of India • Formed from dry plant leaves • Indigenous to China • Tropical & subtropical climate ,hot & humid • Temp : 20-30 • Rainfall : 150-300cm • Assam, WB ( both a/c for 3/4th prodn) , TN(largest producer), Kerala, Kar, Uttarakhand, HP, Jharkhand COFFEE • Second most imp beverage crop • Indigenous to Abyssinian plateau (Ethiopia) • India is the only country producing all coffee under shade 37 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Hot & humid climate • Temp : 15-28 C • Rainfall : 150-250cm • Dry weather at time of ripening only • India 7th largest producer • Kar, Kerala, TN RUBBER • Obtained from latex of tropical trees • First rubber plantation in India set up in 1895 in Kerala • Hot & humid climate with temp 25-32 C • Rainfall : 200cm • Strong sunlight with daily rain • Loamy, red laterite, clay soil • Kerala, TN, Kar, A&N SPICES • Good export of spices • Pepper, cardamon, chillies, turmeric, ginger PEPPER • Black pepper is king of spices • Tropical • Temp : 10-30 • Rainfall : 200-300cm • Soil : loamy, laterite, red • India 2nd largest producer after Indonesia • Kerala, Kar, TN CARDAMOM • Queen Of Aromatic spices • Heat & humidity • Temp : 15-32C • Rainfall : 150-300cm • Loamy, red & laterite • Kerala, Kar, TN • India enjoy monopoly in prodn CHILLIES • Temp : 10-30 • Rainfall : 60-125cm • Black soil & loamy • AnP, Telangana, Maha, Odisha GINGER • Tropical & subtropical climate • Temp : 10-25 • Rainfall : 125-250cm • Sandy, clayey, loamy , laterite • Meghalaya, AnP, Kerala, Sikkim, Odisha, Mizoram, Kar TURMERIC • Tropical climate • Clayey, loamy, red, alluvial • AnP, Kar, Odisha, Guj, WB, Maha, Bihar, Assam, Tripura ARECANUT • Hard nut, use for chewing with betel leaves, lime & catechu • Used in Hindu religious ceremonies also 38 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Areca is tropica, tree • Temp : 15-30 • Rainfall : 200-300cm • India is largest producer in world • Kerala, Kar, Assam, Maha, TN COCONUT • Used for manufacturing Copra (produce oil) • Trunk provide timber; leaves for making mats, basket etc • Temp : 25-30 • Rainfall : 125-130 • Frost & drought harmful for coconut • India 3rd largest producer after Philippines & Indonesia • Kerala, TN, AnP, WB, Odisha, Maha, Goa, Assam, A&N , Lakshadweep, Puducherry

HORTICULTURE • Contribute 30% to agri • Advantage : improve land productivity; generate empl; high nutrition; export promotion

FRUIT FEATURE MANGO • National fruit • Temp 20-30 • Rainfall : 75-250 • Almost all soil • India largest producer with 1,000 varieties • Dashari, langda, chausa, sapheda, fajli, malda, mohanbhog, alfanso, shahpasand APPLE • Temperate fruit • Temp 21-24 • Rainfall 100-125 • Hail storm, frost, low temp, rain, fog, cloudy weather hampers growth • Kullu, Shimla, Kashmir BANANA • Tropical & sub tropical • Temp : 20-30 • Rainfall : >150cm • Need ample moisture & humus • India largest producer • TN, Maha, Guj, Kar, Kerala, AnP, Assam 39 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

ORANGE • Well drained Sandy loam soil req • Uttarakhand, HP, WB, Meghalaya GRAPE • Sub tropical • Long summer & short winter ,moderate fertile well drained soil • Grows In summers in north & throughout in south • Uttarakhand, AnP, J&K, Punjab, Maha, TN, Kar PEACH • Temperate climate • HP, Uttar, Kashmir PEAR • Temperate • Kashmir, Uttar, HP • Cold winters, moderate rainfall, high clouds APRICOT • Temperate • Rainfall :130-200cm • Temp : moderate • Kashmir, HP, kumaon(Uttarakhand) 0 STRAWBERRY • Temp 16 C • Field submerged under 10cm fresh & slowly moving water for 3 months • J&K, HP, Uttar Pradesh • Jeolikot in Nainital is largest producer

DRY LAND FARMING • Rainfed farming : When the rainwater is only source of moisture • Dryland farming : Rainfed farming in areas with rainfall <75cm • Eg Course cereals, jowar, bajra, pulses, oilseeds, cotton • 40% foodgrain in India produced by this type of Agri

GREEN REVOLUTION • Dwarf variety of wheat seed found by Norman E Borlaug (Director Of Wheat Devm Programme in Mexico in 1950) • In India ,father of green Devm ,MS Swaminathan ,developed highly productive wheat variety in India

EVERGREEN REVOLUTION • Known as second revolution • Move from food security to nutrition security

DRAINAGE SYSTEM

• Drainage : flow of water thru well defined channel • India has 23 large & 200 small river basins • Water divide : boundary dividing 2 drainage basins . Include Delhi , Aravali, Sahyadri 40 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Drainage pattern

1. DISCORDANT PATTERN o Antecedent drainage : drainage pattern formed by rivers that maintain original course despite change in topography, weak soil eroded easily o Superimposed drainage : cuts deeper thru existing landform, maintain original course ,hv high erosive power

2. CONCORDANT PATTERN -River path depend on slope & topography of river . Types : o Dendritic : Indus, Godavari, Mahanadi, Cauvery o Trellis : short stream meet main stream at right angle eg singhum mts (CNP) o Angular : Join main stream st acute anger Himalayan foothill o Rectangular : main stream bend at right angle & tributary join at right angle vindhyan mts o Radial :drain down in all dirn, in Amarkantak plateau like Narmada son, Mahanadi o Annular : not very common, in Nilgiri o Parallel : originating from WG o Centripetal :stream converge from all sides ; Ladakh, baghmati o Deranged : uncoordinated pattern due to ice sheet, Karakoram o Barbed : tributary flow opposite to main river eg Arun river (kosi tributary)

CONSEQUENT RIVERS • Rivers follow dirn of slope eg peninsular rivers • Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri

SUBSEQUENT RIVERS • Tributary stream (see dia)

HIMALAYAN DRAINAGE • Include Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra • Formed by melting of shoe thus r perennial • Deep gorges, V shaped valleys, ox bow lakes, flood plains, braided channels, meanders

INDUS WATER SYSTEM 1. Indus • Also c/a Sindhu ,hv one of the largest river basin • Western most Himalayan river • Originates from ‘Bokhar Chu glacier’ near Mansarover lake in kailash mt( Tibet) • Flows northwest b/w Ladakh & Zaskar • Form spectacular gorge near Gilgit in J&K • Flow in India only thru leh (J&K)

41 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Emerge out near Attock hills & enters Pak • Left bank tributary : Suru, Dras, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Satluj • Right bank tributaries: khurram, Shyok, Gomal, Gilgit, Sangar, Viboa, Tochi • Shyok river also c/a ‘The River Of Death’ in Karakoram region

• INDUS TRIBUTARIES

1. Jhelum • Rises from spring at Verinag (in pir Panjal) • Flows thru Srinagar & Wular lake then to Pak • Joins chenab in Punjab province of Pak • Finally discharge into Arabian Sea thru Karachi

2. Chenab • Formed by 2 streams : Chandra & Bhaga ,join near Keylong in HP • Also c/a Chandra bhaga • Originate near Bara Lacha pass of Zaskar range • Largest tributary of Indus in India • Form hair pin bend near kishtwar ->pir Panjal -> Pak • Dulhasti, Salal, Baglihar hydroelectric project located here

3. Ravi • Rise in west of Rohtang pass in Kullu hills • Join Chenab near Sarai Sidhu • Drainage area : south east pir Panjal & Dhauladhar range(form gorge)

4. Beas • Originate from Beas Kund (rohtang pass) ->kullu • This river basin lies completely in India • Meet Satluj at Harike (punjab) • India’s longest canal () starts from this Harike Barrage

5. Sutlej • Originate from Rakas lake (near mansarover) • Flows parallel to Indus before entering India at Shipki La (HP) -> enter Punjab • Antecedent river • Feeds canal system of Bhakhra Nangal Project (Gobind sagar dam), Nathpa Jhakri Project • Created extraordinary canyon at Nari Khorasan (Tibet) • Forms Intnl boundary b/w India & Pak

Saraswati • Vedic literature describe its existence in foothills of himalaya (Shiwalik hills)

42 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Today thr is river Ghaggar, follow same path • No concrete evidence to explain its disappearance

Ganga river system • Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, WB • Originate at Bhagirathi from Gangotri glacier (Uttarakhand) • Join Alaknanda at Devprayag • Then it reaches Haridwar & later joined by Yamuna at Allahabad ->move east & reach Bihar -> rajmahal hills -> turn south -> bifurcate in bhagirathi -Hugli in WB & Padma- Megha in Brahmaputra • Ganga & Brahmaputra form largest delta(sundarban) in world ->flow in BoB • Sundarban delta derive its name from Sundari tree, grow in marshland , home of Royal Bengal Tiger ,declared National Park in 1984 • Left bank tributary : ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghra, Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda, Kali etc • Right bank tributary : Yamuna, son, Tons, Karmanasa, Punpun, Kiul

Yamuna • Longest & western most tributary • Originate from Yamunotri glacier in Gharwal (Uttarakand) • Right bank tributary : Chambal, Sind, betwa, Ken • Left bank tributary : hindan, Rind, Sengar, Varuna

Chambal • Rises in Malwa plateau ->flow north thru Rajasthan -> Gandhinagar dam • Join Yamuna at UP • Due to erosion & poor rainfall -> deep ravines formed -> Badland Topgraphy

Son • Join Ganga in Patna • Originate from Amarkantak plateau (MP)

Damodar • Originate from CNP ->then join Hugli (kolkata) • Tilaiya Project & Maithon project on (it’s tributary) ; panchet Project on Damodar river • C/a Sorrow Of Bengal

Gandak • 2 streams : kaligandak & Trishulganga • Rises in Nepal himalaya • Join Ganga near Patna

43 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Ghaghara • Originate from glacier Mapchachungo • C/a Karnali in Nepal & join with Sharda in India (Brahmaghat) to form • Largest tributary of Ganga in terms of volume • Lower ghaghara c/a Saryu & Ayodhya situated on its right bank

Gomati • Originate from Fulhar lake in UP • It’s the only tributary Of Ganga originating in plains

Saryu • C/a Kali or mahakali Ganga in Uttarakand • Originate from Milam Glacier in Nepal himalaya • Demarcates western border of Nepal & India

Kosi • Antecedent river • Originate from north of Mount Everest in Tibet • Consist of 7 rivers & c/a Sapt Kosi • Known for its frequent shifting course causing flood in Bihar, Sorrow Of Bihar

Mahananda • Originate from Darjeeling hills • Last left bank tributary of Ganga ,joining WB • Act as linguistic boundary b/w Bengali & speaking people

Brahmaputra river system • Originate from Chemayungdung glacier of Kailash range near Mansarover Lake in Tibet • In Tibet c/a Tsangpo (means purifier) , in China c/a Yarlung Zangbo • Mariam la separate Brahmaputra from Mansarover lake • Form gorge near Namcha Barwa • Enters India west of Sadiya town (ArP) c/a Dibang/Siang • Dibang + Lohit = Brahmaputra • Several island found in path of river. Majuli is world’s biggest riverine Island • Enters Bangladesh near Dhubri & flow south ->join Teesta ,merge with Padma & fall in BoB • LBT : Burhi-Dihang, Dhansiri, Lohit • RBT : Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, Sankosh

Sankosh • Originate from north Bhutan , make border b/w Assam & WB • Join Brahmaputra near Assam Bangladesh Border

44 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Teesta • Westernmost right bank tributary of Brahmaputra • Originate from Kanchenjunga & join Brahmaputra in Bangladesh • Flow thru WB & Sikkim -> Bangladesh ->BoB • Form deep gorge in Darjeeling • It’s Fourth largest transboundary river shared b/w India & Bangladesh after Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna • Teesta River Dispute : b/w India & Bangladesh

Rangit • Famous for water sport like rafting • Originate in Sikkim, hv large no. Of rapids

Manas • At Boundary of South Bhutan & India • Bhutan -> Assam • Antecedent river

Subansiri • Originate in Tibet ,antecedent • Join Brahmaputra near Lakhimpur • Largest tributary

Dhansiri • Originate in Laisang hills in Nagaland -> join Brahmaputra

Kalandan • Flow in south Manipur & Mizoram

Barak • Originate from Mt. Japov in Nagaland -> Manipur • Mawsynram & situated here ,highest rainfall region

PENINSULAR RIVER SYSTEM • Older than WG, most river flow from west to east except Narmada & Tapi • Chambal, Sind, betwa, Ken, son originate in northern peninsula belong to Ganga river system • Flow in fixed direction, don’t change course • Generally form delta except Narmada & Tapi (form estuary) • Mostly dendtric drainage pattern • Gentle slope of rivers -> velocity & load carrying capacity is low • Highly dependent on rainfall

45 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Mahanadi • Originate in Raipur (chattisgarh) • Flows thru chattisgarh & Odisha • Hirakud dam (longest dam in world) located on it

Godavari • Dakshin Ganga Of Vridha Ganga • Largest peninsular river & 2nd largest river of India • Rises from Tribakeshwar in Nashik (Maha) • Basin : Maha, MP, Chhat, Odisha, Telangana, AnP • Famous for coal, natural gas, Petroleum • Heavy flood in south of Polavarum, form picturesque gorge • Associated with mangroves & lagoons

Krishna • Second largest east flowing peninsular river • Rises in mahabaleshwar in Sahyadri range • Basin: Maha, Kar, Telangana, AnP

Cauvery • C/ a Ganges Of South • Originate from Brahmagiri hills ( kar) • Forms triangular delta • In Mandya district it form 2 Island : Srirangapatnam & Shivanasamudra on either side of Shivanasamudra fall • Basin : TN, Kerala, Kar, Puducherry • Cauvery Dispute - b/w TN & Kar

Narmada • Largest among west flowing river ,flow thru Rift Valley • Originate from Amarkantak plateau in MP • B/w Satpura in south & Vindhyan in north ,forms gorge & Dhandhar waterfall •

Tapi • C/a twin of Narmada ,flow thru Rift Valley • Originate from Multai (Betul,MP) • Second largest westward flowing river • Drains into Gulf of Khambat • Ukai Project, valley project, Kakrapur dam • Sahyadri range start from Tapi river near Gujarat & Maha

46 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Luni • Originate near valley of in 2 branches Saraswati & Sabarmati - >join at Govindgarh to form Luni • Then join Rann Of Kutch • Largest river system of Rajasthan • Salt river ,ephemeral

Kali • Originate from WG in Kar • Polluted by manganese contamination

Vedavathi • Tributary of tungabhadra • Originate in WG, flow thru Kar & AnP

Mahi • Originate in Vindhyan hills of MP • Flow east to west • Flow thru Raja & Gujarat -> gulf of Khambat

Mithi • Originate from Vihar lake of Mumbai • Emerge during monsoon, drain into Arabian Sea near Mahim Bay MAJOR LAKES LAKE FEATURE Wular lake • Ox bow lake on Jhelum river in J&K • Tulbul Project • Largest freshwater lake Dal lake • In J&K • Called Jewel in the crown of Kashmir • Have Asia’s largest Tulip garden Sambar lake • India’s largest inland salt water lake • In Rajasthan Dhebar • Also c/a jaisamand lake • Asia’s second largest artificial lake • Considered largest as Upper lake in Bhopal has dried Ukai • Man made lake on Tapi river located in Gujarat Govind Sagar • Artificial lake near Bhakra Nangal Dam in HP • Nagarjuna Sagar On Krishna river, Tungabhadra on tungabhadra river, Rana Pratapsagar, Jawahar Sagar(Raja), Gandhi Sagar (MP) are manmade lakes on Loktak • Largest freshwater lake in north east 47 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Keibul NP, only floating National Park Of world • Last natural refuge of endangered Sangai deer Chilika • Odisha , largest brackish water lagoon • Largest ground for migratory bird & largest nesting site for Olive Ridley turtle Kolleru • Largest lake in AnP • Situated b/w Krishna & Godavari • World’s largest natural freshwater fish producer Pulicat • Second largest brackish water lake • Sriharikota Island situated in it ,Satish Dhawan Satellite launch centre Vembanad • In Kerala • Longest lake in India & largest of Kerala • Nehru Trophy Boat race Lonar • In Maha • Crater lake formed due to meteorite impact Hussain • B/a Hyderabad & Secunderabad • In 1992, monolithic statue of Buddha erected at centre of this lake Cholamu • In north of Sikkim • The highest lake of world • Teesta river originates from here Renuka • In HP, • Largest lake of HP Roopkund • Glacial lake in Uttarakhand • Infamous for hundreds of human skeleton at edge of river • In Tawa river ,in MP Tsomgo • Also C/a Changu lake • Glacial lake in east Sikkim Bhimtal • In Uttarakhand • Largest lake in Kumaon region ,known as Lake District Of India Chembarambakkam • In kanchipuram ,TN • Water Dewan for ss to Chennai City Nainital • Crescent shape in Uttarakand • C/a Upper lake • On west side of Bhopal, MP • Largest artificial lake in Asia Ashtamudi • In kollam ,Kerala • Second largest wetland ecosystem of Kerala • Known for houseboat & backwater

48 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

WATER RESOURCES

• SDG 6 of 2030 : recognise importance of Sustainable mgmt of water • India a/c for 4% of world’s freshwater resources ,ranking amg top ten countries • Despite this, acc to 4th AR Of IPCC ,India designated a water stresssed region • India is at 133rd place in world in terms of per capita water availability • Acc to Arizona State University ,Earth’s water originated from asteroidal material and gas left over from formation of sun • India is first in terms of irrigated area • Ar 248 & Ar 262 (relates to inter state water dispute) : related to water resources • Union list : Regulation & Devm Of interstate river & river valley • State list : powers over water ss, irrigation, drainage, dam, reservoir • River basin size : Ganga > Brahmaputra > Godavari > Krishna • Ganga has highest capacity for water storage & Brahmaputra highest annual flow capacity • Aquifers : rocks in which water is stored • Atal Bhujal Yojana : aim at sustainable groundwater mgmt in Guj, Har, Kar, MP, Maha, Raja, UP . CSS with WB Assistance • Highest groundwater consumption in : Delhi, Har, Punjab, Raja • Ground water contaminated in 60% districts with arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, iron. Groundwater quality measures by Bureau Of Indian Standards • National Water Information Centre : Central & Single window source for updated data on water resources • India water week : held b/w Oct 10-14 o to receive ideas about water resource Devm & mgmt o Organised by Ministry Of Water Resources, River Devm & Ganga Rejuvenation • Water shortage : Acc to Falcon Mark (Swedish expert) shortage is when per person water availability is less than 1,000 - 1,600 cubic metre per yr • Industries use 13% of the total freshwater available -> need of Industrial Water Policy • Watershed Mgmt : o Watershed is area of land that sheds water like lake or river o Involve prevention of runoff and storage of groundwater o Ministry of Rural Devm implemented Integrated Watershed Devm Programme from 2010 : objective to cover 55mill hectare Of rainfed Land by 2027 • Composite water mgmt index : prepared by NITI Aayog , to improve states’ performance in water mgmt , has 28 Key Performance Indicators

Water conservation • Rooftop harvesting by

49 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Kalpsar Project : building of 30km dam across Gulf of Khambat . Store water from Sabarmati, Mahi, Dhadar, Narmada

Traditional water conservation • Zabo/Ruza : In Nagaland o Rainwater from forest hilltop collected by channels that accumulate water in pond like structure • Eri : in TN, tank system to control flood • Jhalara : in Rajasthan, rectangular stepwells for rainwater harvesting • Kund : in Raja, Gujarat • Phad : in Maha • Taanka: underground pit with rooftops as catchments . In rajasthan

New methods • Cycle operated water pump : pedal bicycle to lift water from pond etc • Rain water Syringe : in Kerala ,for recharging groundwater • Ferro cement tank : low cost alternative to expensive water harvesting containers • Palla Flood water recharge : artificial groundwater recharge ,initiated by Delhi Jal Board • World Water day : 22nd March . Proposed in Agenda 21 of UNCED in Rio de Janerio ,Brazil, 1992 o Focus on universal access to Clean Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) • National Water day : on Dr. Ambedkar Birthday 14th Apr for his contribution in water resource mgmt • National Wanted Policy 2012 o Regulate exploitation of groundwater o Water transfer to water deficit areas from other river basin o Encourage pvt sector participation o Planning projects like dam etc to include impact of Climate change, flood & draught o Protection Of river basin thru community participation o Establish National Public Info Centre to collect water related data o National Water Board to prepare action plan & approved by National Water Resource Council • Jal Kranti Abhiyaan o Launched by Ministry of Water Resources, River Devm & Ganga Rejuvenation in 2015 o To deal with water scarcity o Aim objective : grassroots involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions

MULTI PURPOSE PROJECTS • Types of irrigation project

50 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

1. Small : supply water to area <2000 hectare. Include wells, tubewells, pond etc . 62% irrigation needs of India met thru this o National Micro irrigation Mission started in 2010 2. Medium scale : 2,000 to 10,000 hectares eg canal system 3. Large scale : >10,000 hectares eg dams

TYPES OF IRRIGATION • Surface - water moves over land by gravity flow , to flood irrigation • Localised : thru piped Network in predetermined pattern • Drip/trickle : water delivered at roof of plant drop by drop . Most water efficient . Combined with plastic mulch to prevent evaporation • Fertigation method o Fertilizer incorporated in irrigated water o Developed by Nagarjuna Agri Research Council, AnP. o Mostly used in Raja o Hurdle : complex tech & huge financial investment • Sprinkler irrigation : water piped in central location & distributed by high pressure sprinkles/guns • Sub irrigation/ Seepage irrigation o Used in area with high water table o Moisten the soil from below the plant root zone

SOURCES OF IRRIGATION • Well irrigation o Whr ground water availability is ample o Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Narmada, Tapi o Not suitable for peninsular region due to hard Rocky structure o Excessive water use -> nearby area dry up -> not suitable for Agri • Canal irrigation o Reservoir constructed to store water (ensure all yr water ss) o Reservoir water carried to field thru channels ,use gravity o Punjab, UP, TN o Absent in peninsular region due to rocky surface • Tank irrigation o TN, AnP, Kar o Water from tank carried to fields they canals o Reservoir made by constructing Dam or tank (north) o Used in peninsular region • Seasonal rainfall • Little percolation Of Water due to hard rock

PMKSY • PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

51 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

• Improve water use efficiency to reduce water wastage; reusing treated municipal waste water; atttract pvt investment in irrigation system; watershed Devm • Will amalgamate : AIBP; IWMP; OFWM • MoRD, MoA, Ministry Of Water Resource, River Devm & Ganga Rejuvenation

MULTIPURPOSE PROJECTS IN INDIA • Large dams c/a Temples Of Modern India by JLN

PROJECT FEATURE DAMODAR • First Project Of independent India VALLEY PROJECT • Damodar Valley Corporation : estd in 1948 to control floods & related problems • Damodar originates from CNP & meet Hooghly (WB) • Dams constructed at Tilaiya, konar, maithon, panchet • Hydel power generation plant at Bokaro, Durgapur, Chandrapur, Patratu BHAKRA NANGAL • Largest multi purpose project on Sutlej river in Punjab & HP PROJECT • Is the highest gravity (226m) dam • It’s reservoir c/a Govind Sagar (HP) HIRAKUD DAM • Across Mahanadi river in Odisha • First post independence major multipurpose project RIHAND DAM • On river RIHAND (tributary Of Son) in UP • Largest dam of India by volume • Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar : largest Artificial lake in India, on Border Of MP & UP KOSI PROJECT • In Bihar with Cooperation Of Nepal • Called Sorrow Of North Bengal INDIRA GANDHI • Rajasthan canal is the longest canal of India (Rajasthan canal) • Starts from Harike Barrage till Project NAGARJUNA • On Krishna river in AnP PROJECT CHAMBAL • Joint undertaking of MP & Raja on Chambal (Yamuna tributary) PROJECT • Gandisagar dam (MP) ,Ranapratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, Kota Barrage dams in Rajasthan constructed under project TUNGABHADRA • On tungabhadra river (Krishna tributary) jointly by AnP, Kar PROJECT • Largest South Indian multipurpose dam MAYURAKSHI • On river Mayurakshi in CNP PROJECT SHARAVATHI • On Jog/Gerosoppa waterfall in Kar ( highest waterfall in PROJECT India) KOYNA PROJECT • On river KOYNA (Krishna tributary) in Maha NATHPA JHAKRI • On Sutlej river in HP 52 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

UKAI PROJECT • On Tapti river in Gujarat PARAMBIKULAM • Joint project of TN & Kerala ALIYAR PROJECT GANDAK • Joint project of Bihar & UP ;Nepal also derive irrigation power PROJECT benefits KISHANGANGA • ON Jhelum river in J&K PROJECT • India planned 21km long underground tunnel -> Pak objected saying it violate Indus Water Treaty • Intnl court give India permission for dam construction BAGLIHAR • On Chenab river in J&K -> Pak object ,violate IWT PROJECT • Mediation agreement signed with WB to reduce height .of dam by 1m KEN BETWA • Started in 2005 under Peninsular River Devm Prog PROJECT • Started in name of Amrit Kranti, connecting all major rivers of country • Joint project of MP, UP . Centre funding =90% • To connect 2 rivers ,Daudhan Dam created SATLUJ YAMUNA • In punjab & Haryana PROJECT • In 2005 ,Punjab withdrew from all agreements regarding Ravi- Beas water which affect Satluj Yamuna link project KRISHNA • Pattiseema Lift Project in AnP - another major interlinking river GODAVARI project Project • Will lift flood water from Godavari & pump into Polavarum right canal that drains into Krishna river • Pattiseema lift irrigation project got entry into Limca Book Of Records for being completed in 2017 • Krishna river water distribution o B/w AnP, Kar, Maha o Tribunal shared water : AnP > Kar > Maha o Tribunal also ask to increase height from 519 to 524 of Almatti dam o Tribunal decision to be re evaluated after 2050 CHUTAK • In Suru river in kargil district of J&K HYDROELECTRIC At height of 2400-4500m ,one of the highest elevated human PROJECT habitable area URI 2 project • In J&K on Jhelum river DANTEWADA • Utilise water of river Banas PROJECT • Gujarat POCHAMPADU • Also c/a Sri Sagar Project on Project POLAVARUM • On Godavari river in AnP PROJECT PANCHESHWAR • On mahakali river on Indo Nepal border 53 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT RENUKA DAM • On river Giri in HP PROJECT • Provide drinking water to Delhi • Project cost = 90:10 =Delhi :HP KISHAN • On Tons river (Yamuna tributary) ,share water with Uttarakhand PROJECT & HP • Used Also by Delhi, har, Raja, UP BEAS PROJECT • Joint venture b/w Punjab, Har, Raja SARDAR • Joint project b/w MP, Maha, Guj, Raja SAROVAR • On tributaries of Narmada PROJECT • Biggest dam in world in terms of volume of concrete used in it • Has many benefits : Increase agri productivity ,increase empl etc • But ‘Gond, Bhils, Baiga’ tribes will be relocated TEHRI PROJECT • world’s highest rock based dam • Built on confluence of bhagirathi & bhilangana in Uttarakhand • Controversy : o located in central Himalayas seismic zone o Lead to reduction in flow of bhagirathi MULLAPERIYAR • Located in Kerala on periyar river RIVER DAM • TN abuse its water for irrigation • Controversary : Kerala want to build new dam as it’s too old & can collapse but opposed by TN saying it may harm interest of 25 lakh farmers

CAUVERY DISPUTE • Increase in TN agri prodn after Devm Of Cauvery Command Area • If water not allowed from Cauvery dam, Kuruvai (type of rice) prodn wud sink • Several dispute b/e Kerala, Kar, TN & Puducherry regarding sharing of Cauvery water -> Cauvery Water Mgmt Authority set up in 2018

Command Area Devm Programme • Started as Regional Devm Prog during 5 yr plan in 1973-74 • Regions where canals extended from dam for irrigation c/a command area • Implemented in 28 states & 2 Uts . Features : o Effective use of surface water, groundwater, rainwater o Encourage drip irrigation; animal husbandry o Implement better farming method like mixed cropping etc

River Basin Devm Programme • To provide benefit to all people in basin region thru hydroelectric Devm Project 54 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Groundwater • Recent report by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) : 61% decline in groundwater level in India b/w 2007-17 • Union Water Resource Ministry came up with new draft rules for groundwater regulation in 2017

National River Conservation Plan • 100% centrally funded • Envisage polln abatement in rivers ,encourage tree plantation • Cover : Ganga, yamuna, Gomati, Damodar • PM is Chairman with CM of UP, Bihar, Jhar, WB • Will improve effectiveness of Ganga Action Plan 1985 • Ganga declared as national river thus separate Authority : Ganga River Basin Authority

National Water Grid • Concept introduced by Ram Manohar Lal • Plan to interlink 17 Himalayan rivers & 19 peninsular

CLIMATE • India is a country with tropical monsoon climate • Climate : long term pattern of weather , avg weather for 30 days • Weather : short term changes in atmosphere

Factors affecting climate • Location : o India located in NH & Tropic of cancer passes thru it’s middle • Distance from sea : o surrounded by sea on 3 sides • Northern mts : o himalaya protect cold wind from Tibet in winters • Physiography : o eg aravalli in west & WG, EG Monsoon winds : 55 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

o most dominant factor affecting India monsoon • Upper air circulation & western disturbance : o UAC like jet stream . Westerly JS bring WD (winter condn), Easterly JS responsible for sudden arrival of monsoon • Tropical cyclone : o formed in BoB & Arabian Sea • Southern Oscillation : o Normally : high pressure in tropical South Pacific Ocean —>low pressure in eastern Indian Ocean o Reversal: if Eastern Pacific hv lower pressure than eastern Indian Ocean c/a SO o SO Index : diff of air pressure b/w Port Drawin (Australia) and Tahiti (French Polynesia ) . In case of El Niño , its value is negative o Negative SO weaken Walker cell over Pacific Ocean & strengthen walker cell over Indian Ocean o Negative SO-> poor monsoon in India • El Niño : o warm current in Pacific Ocean along Peru coast -> low pressure ->high pressure over Indian Ocean ->weaken monsoon o First studied by Gilbert Walker • La Niña : over accumulation of cold water in Pacific region

Classification of Indian climate • By koppen 1. Tropical with dry winters : a. in western coastal area (south Mumbai), >300cm rainfall(SW monsoon in summer b. Malabar & konkan coast c. Western Goa & WG d. A&N 2. Tropical Savanna o In peninsular India (south of Tropic Of cancer) o 75cm rainfall in summer from SW monsoon, winters dry Tropical with dry summers o Winters r wet & summers r dry o Receive rainfall from north east monsoon (75-100cm) o Coromandal coast Semi Arid Steppe type o Raja, Punjab, Haryana, Kutch o 12-25cm rainfall in summer, winter : rainfall deficient Hot desert o Less tha 12cm o Thorny or no vegetation o Jaisalmer ( west Rajasthan)

56 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

Monsoon with dry winters o In gangatic plains, east Raja, north east (except Sikkim, malwa plateau, north ArP) o Rainfall in summer ,winters dry Cold, humid winter type with short summer o In Sikkim, north ArP o Winters are cold, humid, long Tundra type o Uttarakhand ,temp <10 C, snow in winters Polar type o J&K, HP, south Uttarakhand ;temp <10 degree C

Indian monsoon 1. Thermal theory by Halley • In summers ,sun rays falls vertically in NH -> low pressure -> trade winds from SH after crossing equator take right turn & move towards India (SW monsoon) • Theory not universally accepted

2. Dynamic theory by Flohn • Monsoon exist due to shift of pressure belt & planetary winds • In summer, ITCZ shift north of equator -> westerlies establish over area -> SW monsoon • After 23 sept ,southward shift of belt -> high pressure over south east Asia • Note : Trade wind - winds blowing towards equator from north east in NH & from South east in SH

3. Jet stream theory by P. Koteshwaram • During winter : southward shift of sun ,westerly jet stream bifurcate o One branch flow to north himalaya o Other c/a subtropical JS flow along Shivalik foothill -> HP ->wind diverge - >retreating monsoon ->pick moisture from BoB ->rainfall along coromandal coast (north east monsoon) • During summer : after 21st March ,northward shift of sun &ITCZ o Heating of Tibet plateau ->jet stream move north ward -> low presssue over India -> attract surrounding wind -> SE trade wind cross equator ,move to SW (coriolis force)

Arabian Sea branch • Divided in 3 sub branches 1. One branch obstructed by WG ,Climb 1200m above ->heavy rainfall in western coastal plain (240-400cm). Less in rainshadow are 2. Second branch : cause rainfall in central Indus eg CNP receive 15cm rainfall & meet BoB branch

57 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS

3. Third branch :rainfall in saurashtra peninsula & Kutch ;move parallel to aravali-> no rainfall ;in Punjab & Har it meet BoB branch -> heavy rainfall

Bay of Bengal Branch • Strike Myanmar coast & southwest Bangladesh • Arakan Mt in Myanmar deflect branch towards India -> enter WB &Bangladesh • Bifurcate 1. One branch move to gangatic plain & reach Punjab plain 2. 2nd branch towards north east Brahmaputra valley - cause rain in Mawsynram (receive highest rainfall)

Seasons • Winter, summers , south west monsoon, retreating monsoon • Transitional season : spring (during winter to summer); autumn (withdrawal of monsoon)

Western disturbance • Are temperate cyclones ,originate over Mediterranean Sea & Western Asia • Move along India with westerly jet streams ,disturb weather of north • Cause winter rainfall c/a Mahawat ,imp for Rabi crops in Rajasthan

Local wind during summers • Kalbaisakhi : strong wind, blow in baisakhi season in Assam & WB ,beneficial for tea, jute, rice etc . In Assam c/a Bardoli Chheerha • Loo : hot & dry wind ,blow from Punjab to Bihar

Pre monsoon shower • Mango shower : in Kerala & Kar, April rains ,beneficial for mango tree • Cherry blossom rain/flower Rain : help in coffee flower blossom in Kerala

58 GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR WBCS PRELIMS 2020 BY JITIN YADAV, IAS