Practical Work in Geography - Part 2

The Gomti is an alluvial river that originates from the Gomat Taal, otherwise called Fulhaar Jheel, found near the Madho Tanda in Pilibhit district in Uttar Pradesh, India. After flowing through an incised valley southwards through the districts of Sitapur, Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, and Jaunpur, it joins River Ganga near Varanasi.

The Ghaghara originates in the glaciers of Mapchachungo. After collecting the waters of its tributaries – Tila, Seti, and Beri, it comes out of the mountain, cutting a deep gorge at Shishapani. The river Sarda (Kali or Kali Ganga) joins it in the plain before it finally meets the Ganga at Chhapra.

The Gandak comprises two streams, namely Kaligandak and Trishulganga. It rises in the Nepal Himalayas between the Dhaulagiri and Mount Everest and drains the central part of Nepal. It enters the Ganga plain in Champaran district of Bihar and joins the Ganga at Sonpur near Patna.

The Kosi is an antecedent river with its source to the north of Mount Everest in Tibet, where its main stream Arun rises. After crossing the Central Himalayas in Nepal, it is joined by the Son Kosi from the West and the Tamur Kosi from the east. It forms Sapt Kosi after uniting with the river Arun. The Kosi river joins Ganga in the Katihar district of Bihar.

Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Source: NCERT: Class XI India Physical Environment

Gharial (Gravialis gangeticus), Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) and Wild Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are all mentioned under Schedule I for the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Source: NCERT: Contemporary India II, Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which has its own wildlife act.

The Act has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection:

• Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties.
• Species listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much lower.
• Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted.

Therefore, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I, it enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

Source: NCERT: Contemporary India II, Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources

Conservation of biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the health of our planet. The following strategies are essential:

• Protected Areas: Establishing national parks and reserves to safeguard habitats.
• Sustainable Practices: Implementing practices that do not harm the environment.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
• Research and Monitoring: Conducting studies to understand biodiversity and its changes.

These strategies not only help in preserving biodiversity but also support traditional human life by ensuring that natural resources are available for future generations.

Source: 12th NCERT: Unit 10 Chapter 15

The distribution of water on Earth is crucial for understanding its availability and usage. Here are some key points regarding the statements:

• Rivers and Lakes vs. Groundwater: The total volume of water in rivers and lakes is significantly less than that of groundwater. Groundwater accounts for approximately 30.1% of the Earth's freshwater, while rivers and lakes together hold only about 0.3%.
• Polar Ice Caps and Glaciers vs. Groundwater: The amount of water stored in polar ice caps and glaciers is indeed greater than that in groundwater. It is estimated that glaciers and ice caps contain about 68.7% of the Earth's freshwater.

Based on these points, the first statement is incorrect, while the second statement is correct.

Source: NCERT