Question

Identify the west-flowing river that forms an estuary and flows through a rift valley before draining into the Arabian Sea.

• A. Krishna
• B. Mahanadi
• C. Narmada
• D. Wainganga

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Narmada

• Correct Answer: Option C - Narmada

• The Narmada River is the correct answer as it perfectly fits all the criteria mentioned in the question:

• West-flowing river: The Narmada flows westward across central India.

• Forms an estuary: The Narmada forms an estuary near Bharuch in Gujarat before meeting the Arabian Sea.

• Flows through a rift valley: The Narmada flows through a rift valley formed due to faulting (the Narmada Rift Valley or Narmada-Son Lineament).

• Drains into the Arabian Sea: The Narmada ultimately empties into the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Khambhat.

• Krishna flows eastward and drains into the Bay of Bengal

• Mahanadi flows eastward and drains into the Bay of Bengal

• Narmada flows westward and drains into the Arabian Sea

• Wainganga is a tributary of the Godavari system that ultimately flows eastward

• The Narmada is one of the few major west-flowing rivers of peninsular India, along with Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati. It originates at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before reaching the Arabian Sea. It is often called the "Life Line of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat" due to its significant role in the region's ecology, culture, and economy.