A
Building transport corridors exclusively along mountain ridges and river valleys
B
Treating upper reaches (ridges) first to control runoff velocity before undertaking soil structures in the lower valleys
C
Focusing exclusively on valley agriculture while ignoring upper catchment forests
D
Constructing dams only at the river mouth near the valley floor
Correct answer: (b) Treating upper reaches (ridges) first to control runoff velocity before undertaking soil structures in the lower valleys
Explanation
Option B is correct because the ridge-to-valley approach prioritizes treating upper catchment areas (ridges) to control runoff velocity and manage water flow before implementing structures lower down in the valleys. Options A, C, and D misrepresent this core watershed conservation principle.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2016 · Q20 · GS I · 12 marks
In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? -
2019 · Q4 · GS III · 10 marks
Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. -
2016 · Q3 · GS I · 12 marks
Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.