Which of the following river systems is known as the 'Ganga Brahmaputra Meghna System'?

DSSSB 12 August 2024

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers all originate from the Himalayan mountain range, making them integral components of the Himalayan River System.
This system is characterized by perennial rivers, which are fed by both glacial melt from the Himalayas and monsoon rains, ensuring year-round water flow.
The combined Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) basin is one of the largest and most fertile river basins in the world, supporting a vast population.
These rivers are in a 'youthful' geological stage, actively eroding the mountains and depositing fertile alluvial soil on the plains.

Option A: The Deccan Plateau River System consists of rivers like the Godavari and Krishna, which originate in the Deccan Plateau of southern India. They are peninsular, not Himalayan, rivers.
Option B: The Western Ghats River System includes rivers originating in the Western Ghats mountain range along the west coast of India. These rivers are much shorter and are not part of the Ganga-Brahmaputra network.
Option C: The Peninsular River System is a broad category for rivers of southern India. These rivers are geologically older, mostly rain-fed (non-perennial), and have different characteristics from the snow-fed Himalayan rivers.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of major Indian river systems based on geographical origin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical topic, general knowledge of national geography is part of the holistic education for a well-rounded nursing professional in India.
Understanding major river basins is relevant to community health, particularly in the context of disaster management for floods, which are common in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains.
Knowledge of water sources and sanitation is crucial for public health. The National Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, for instance, addresses challenges in providing safe drinking water across these vast river basins.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key geographical entities in the question: the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
Recall or deduce the origin of these major rivers. All three are famously associated with the Himalayan mountains.
Next, analyze the options provided. They represent the main classifications of Indian river systems based on their geographical origin: Himalayan, Peninsular, Deccan Plateau, and Western Ghats.
Match the origin of the rivers in the question with the correct classification. Since the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna originate in the Himalayas, they belong to the Himalayan River System.
Eliminate the other options by recalling that Peninsular, Deccan, and Western Ghats systems are located in southern and central India and have different characteristics (e.g., they are mostly rain-fed).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of major Indian river systems based on geographical origin.
Stem keywords: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna, river system
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following

QoAbQCwhjFYOi2ZiyM1h9M

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 121-123