Consider the following statements : 1. River Kaveri has well develop

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. River Kaveri has well developed valley
  • 2. Valley of River Alakananda is still growing
  • 3. River Krishna is largest east flowing peninsular river

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
1 and 2
2 and 3
2 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2020
The correct answer is (D) 2 only.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Peninsular rivers generally flow over ancient, stable plateau surfaces. Rivers like the Kaveri have relatively mature, shallow valleys because the region has been tectonically stable for a long time, and the rivers have been flowing for millions of years, reaching a relatively graded profile. Well-developed, deep valleys are more characteristic of youthful rivers flowing through uplifted or geologically active areas.
Statement 2 is correct: The Alakananda is a Himalayan river. Himalayan rivers are much younger and flow through geologically active and uplifted mountainous terrain. They are actively eroding and downcutting, leading to the formation of deep, steep-sided valleys (like gorges and canyons) that are still in a phase of active growth and deepening.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The River Krishna is a large east-flowing peninsular river, but it is not the largest. The River Godavari is considered the largest peninsular river, followed by the Krishna.
The Godavari is often referred to as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’ due to its size and significance, being the largest river of peninsular India. The Alakananda is one of the two headstreams of the holy river Ganga; its youthful characteristics are typical of rivers originating from the relatively young and rising Himalayan mountains. Peninsular rivers like Kaveri, Krishna, and Godavari have more subdued relief and older, flatter drainage basins compared to the Himalayan rivers.