Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer (A), (B), and (D)

Key Points

Western Sandy Plains of Rajasthan

• On the basis of the existing relief features, Rajasthan has been divided into
• The following physiographic divisions:
  • Western Sandy Plains: The Western Sandy Plains is subdivided into two units:
    • Sandy Arid Plains 
    • Marusthali
• Semi-Arid Transitional Plains (Rajasthan Bagar)
  • Luni Basin (Godwar Tract)
  • Plain of Interior Drainage (Shekhawati Tract)
  • Ghaggar Plain​

Important Points

• More than 60% of the Thar desert lies in the state of Rajasthan and extends into Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
• The maximum area is covered in Rajasthan and the area of the total cover is 208,110 km.
  • covering the districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalor, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ganganagar, Churu, Jhunjhunun, Sikar, Nagaur, and Pali.
• The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert.
• It is the world's 20th-largest desert and the world's 9th-largest hot subtropical desert.
  • About 85% of the Thar Desert is in India, and about 15% is in Pakistan.
• The northeastern part of the Thar Desert lies between the Aravalli Hills.
  • The Western Sandy Plains is one of the most prominent physical divisions of Rajasthan. It covers a large part of the state in the west and the northwest of the Aravalli axis.​

The correct answer is option 4 i.e Nagaur.

• As per Forest Survey of India, State of Forest report 2019, (ISFR 2019), Rajasthan State has reported the extent of recorded forest area (RFA) 32,737 sq km which is 9.57% of its geographical area.
  • Reserved Forest Area - 38.11% (12,475 sq km)
  • Protected Forest Area - 55.64% (18,217 sq km)
  • Un-classed Forests Forest Area - 6.25% (2,045 sq km)
• Rotu reserve forest is located in Nagaur district of Rajasthan.
  • It is home to Chinkaras, Hares and Black Buks.
• Reserved forests are basically areas that need protection as they home several unique animals and birds.

The correct answer is Arid.

• Sewan and Lawan grasses grow in Arid climatic region of Rajasthan.

Additional Information 

• The dominant perennial grass is the indigenous sewan (Lasiurus sindicus), popularly known as the "king of desert grasses". 
• Sewan and Lawan are a remarkable natural resource for the people of the desert.
• High water-use efficiency enables this native grass cover to maximise its production even with little water available through scanty rainfall.
• It also has high energy-use efficiency, which permits it to produce more biomass.
• Sewan is the primary grass of extremely arid parts of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner districts of western Rajasthan in the Indian Thar desert.
• It thrives well under moisture stress on sandy plains, low dunes and hummocks of this region, receiving annual rainfall below 200 mm

The correct answer is option 3 i.e Pali.

• Pali district is located between 24°45′ to 26°29′ North Latitudes and 72° 47′ to 74° 18′ East Longitudes 
• It shares its boundaries with 8 districts of the state namely, Ajmer, Barmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Rajsamand, Sirohi and Udaipur.

Important Points

• Jawai Dam is one of the biggest dams of western Rajasthan and situated in Sumerpur tehsil of Pali district.
• Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over Ajmer, Pali and Rajsamand districts of Rajasthan.

Additional Information

• Nagaur touches 7 districts namely, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Sikar, Jaipur, Ajmer, Pali.
• Jodhpur touches 5 districts namely, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Nagaur, Pali, Barmer.
• Rajsamand touches 5 districts namely, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Pali.

The correct answer is Behror, Bhimmal, Surajgarh, Dhond, Shri Madhopur.

Key Points

• Rajasthan can be divided into three hydrogeological units namely, unconsolidated sediments, semi-consolidated sediments and consolidated rocks.
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Water Resources and State Governments jointly estimated replenishable groundwater resources.
• Some of the parts of Rajasthan have been categorized as “Over exploited”. Over-exploited assessment units of Rajasthan are- Behror, Bansur, Kathumar, Kishangarh, Kotkasim, Laxmangarh, Mandawar, Neemrana, Rajgarh, Ramgarh, Reni, Thanagazi, Tijara, Umrain.
• Central Ground Water Authority of India has put a total ban on the exploitation of groundwater in Behror, Bhimmal, Surajgarh, Dhond, Shri Madhopur.
• Dudu, Sambhar, Chaksu, Jamwa Ramgarh and Kotputli blocks are affected by salinity problems. Further many areas in Jaipur have problems with fluoride contamination in groundwater.

Additional Information

• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is the apex organization of the Ministry of Water Resources dealing with groundwater and related issues.