Indian Geography

Which one of the following is the deepest, inland and protected port on the east coast of India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Chennai” option2=”Paradip” option3=”Tuticorin” option4=”Visakhapatnam” correct=”option4″]

The correct answer is D. Visakhapatnam Port, located on the east coast of India in Andhra Pradesh, is known for being a natural harbour and one of the deepest and most protected (landlocked within a bay) ports in India.

– Visakhapatnam Port is situated within a sheltered bay protected by the Dolphin’s Nose hill, providing a naturally safe and protected harbour.
– It is a major port on the east coast and is known for its depth, which facilitates the handling of large vessels.
– While other ports like Chennai, Paradip, and Tuticorin are also important east coast ports, Visakhapatnam fits the description of being naturally deep, inland (relative to the open sea due to the bay), and protected most accurately among the options.

Chennai is an artificial port. Paradip is a major deepwater port at the confluence of the Mahanadi river and the Bay of Bengal, but perhaps not as “inland” or naturally protected as Visakhapatnam. Tuticorin is another artificial deepwater port. Visakhapatnam’s unique geographical setting makes it a premier natural harbour on the east coast.

Which of the following statements about the Border Roads Organization (BRO) is/are correct?

• 1. BRO is concerned with the construction and maintenance of roads in strategically sensitive areas.
• 2. BRO undertakes snow clearance in high altitude areas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

Both statements about the Border Roads Organization (BRO) are correct.

– Statement 1 is correct: The BRO is a premier road construction agency in India that develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighbouring countries, which are often strategically sensitive regions.
– Statement 2 is correct: The BRO is responsible for snow clearance operations on important mountain passes and roads in high-altitude border areas to ensure connectivity throughout the year, which is crucial for both civilian movement and defence logistics.

The BRO was formed on 7 May 1960 with the objective of securing India’s borders and developing infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-east states. It functions under the Ministry of Defence. Its activities are vital for the economic development of border areas and for meeting India’s strategic needs.

Consider the following statements about the seaports in India :

• 1. There are 4 major and 25 minor seaports in India.
• 2. The major ports are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• 3. The minor ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Board/State Government.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”3 only” option3=”1 and 2 only” option4=”2 and 3 only” correct=”option4″]

The correct answer is D) 2 and 3 only.

– Statement 1 is incorrect. India has 12 major ports and one corporatized port (Kamarajar Port/Ennore Port), totaling 13 major ports under the central government. The number of non-major (minor/intermediate) ports is much larger, exceeding 200.
– Statement 2 is correct. Major ports in India are under the administrative control of the central government, specifically the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
– Statement 3 is correct. Non-major ports fall under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the respective State Maritime Boards or State Governments.

– The categorization into ‘major’ and ‘non-major’ (minor/intermediate) ports is based on administrative control and, historically, traffic volume. Major ports are governed by the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963, or the Indian Ports Act, 1908 (for Kamarajar Port), while non-major ports are governed by the Indian Ports Act, 1908, under the respective state governments.