The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
- It occupies a linear rift valley.
- It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
- The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 only
2 and 3
1 and 3
None
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
– Statement 2 is correct that it flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, but this describes its location relative to mountain ranges which border the rift valley, rather than being the primary *reason* for its westward flow. The reason it flows *between* them is because that’s where the rift valley formed.
– Statement 3 is correct. The floor of the Narmada rift valley slopes towards the west. This westward slope dictates the direction of the river flow.
– The general slope of the Deccan Plateau is towards the east, which is why most major peninsular rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. However, the Narmada and Tapti rivers are exceptions because they flow through these distinct westward-sloping rift valleys.