Question

The second largest river basin in India is

• A. Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna
• B. Narmada
• C. Godavari
• D. Mahanadi

Hint:

Remember: Ganga is the largest basin, and Godavari is the second largest (and largest in Peninsular India).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
River basins are classified based on their total catchment or drainage area within national boundaries.
Maintaining hierarchical knowledge of these basins is essential for water resource planning and management.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the drainage areas of major river basins in India:
- Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna Basin: This is the largest river basin in India, draining an area of about $861,452\text{ km}^2$ within Indian territory (excluding areas in Nepal, Tibet, and Bangladesh).
- Godavari Basin: Draining an area of $312,812\text{ km}^2$, it is the second largest river basin in India. It is often referred to as the 'Dakshin Ganga' (Southern Ganga) and covers nearly 10% of the country's geographical area, spanning Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
- Mahanadi Basin: Drains a smaller area of approximately $141,589\text{ km}^2$.
- Narmada Basin: A major west-flowing river basin, draining an area of about $98,796\text{ km}^2$.
Therefore, the Godavari basin is the second largest.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Godavari river basin is the second largest river basin in India.