Question 41 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Geography

Question

With reference to River Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of River Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra, but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of River Teesta.
3. River Teesta flows into the Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: - Verify the geographical facts in each statement.
- Recall river sources: the Brahmaputra originates in Tibet, while the Teesta originates in Sikkim, to disprove Statement 1.
- Consider river destinations: the Teesta is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, not the Bay of Bengal, to disprove Statement 3.
- Conclude that by eliminating statements 1 and 3, Statement 2 is the only remaining correct option.

Key Info: **River Teesta**
The Teesta River is a major river of India and Bangladesh. It is considered the lifeline of Sikkim and northern West Bengal.
- **Source**: The river originates from the Pahunri (or Teesta Kangse) glacier above 7,068 metres, and flows southwards through gorges and rapids in the Sikkim Himalaya. Tso Lhamo lake in North Sikkim is often cited as its source.
- **Course**: It flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.
- **Confluence**: Teesta is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna in Bangladesh). It joins the Jamuna at Fulchhari in Gaibandha District of Bangladesh. Prior to a major flood in 1787, it flowed into the Ganga (Padma), but the flood diverted its course eastward to join the Brahmaputra.

**River Brahmaputra**
The Brahmaputra is a trans-boundary river flowing through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. It is one of the major rivers of Asia.
- **Source**: Its source is the Chemayungdung Glacier in the Kailash Range, near Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo.
- **Course in India**: It enters India in Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River, then flows through Assam where it is called the Brahmaputra, and finally enters Bangladesh.
- **Tributaries**: Major tributaries include the Dibang, Lohit, Subansiri, Manas, and Teesta.

**River Rangeet**
The Rangeet River is a tributary of the Teesta River and is the largest river in Sikkim.
- **Source**: It originates from the Rathong Glacier in the Kanchenjunga massif in West Sikkim.
- **Course**: The river flows past the towns of Jorethang, Pelling and Legship.
- **Confluence**: It meets the Teesta River at a confluence known as Tribeni, a popular tourist spot. This meeting point is located just before the Teesta enters the plains of West Bengal.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3