UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 52 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Brahmani Baitarani Bhitarkanika
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2011
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeDirect
Two important rivers- one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha- merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?
Show answer
Answer: A. Bhitarkanika
Verdict
Correct Answer: Bhitarkanika
Analysis
The two rivers are Brahmani and Baitarani. They form a common deltaic region before entering the Bay of Bengal, creating the famous Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem in Odisha.
Brahmani River
It originates in Jharkhand, formed by the confluence of the South Koel and Sankh rivers near Rourkela. In Odisha, it flows as the Brahmani.
Baitarani River
It originates from the Gonasika/Guptaganga hills in Keonjhar district of Odisha.
Why Bhitarkanika?
The Brahmani and Baitarani rivers create an estuarine and deltaic environment near the Odisha coast. This supports rich mangrove vegetation and high biodiversity.
Extra UPSC info
Bhitarkanika is located in Kendrapara district, Odisha.
It is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans.
It is a Ramsar Site, declared in 2002.
It is famous for saltwater crocodiles.
Nearby Gahirmatha Beach is a major nesting site of Olive Ridley turtles.
Simlipal is inland in Mayurbhanj district and is not a coastal mangrove site.
How to crack it
The river system described in the question is linked to the Brahmani-Baitarani delta, which is associated with Bhitarkanika.