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 Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 2 is correct: the Rangeet rises in West Sikkim (Kanchenjunga area) and joins the Teesta at Melli/Teesta Bazaar, forming part of the Sikkim–West Bengal border.
• Statement 1 is wrong: the Teesta rises from Tso Lhamo lake / Pahunri glacier in North Sikkim, while the Brahmaputra rises at the Chemayungdung glacier near Mansarovar in Tibet.
• Statement 3 is wrong: the Teesta does not enter the sea; it flows into Bangladesh and joins the Jamuna (Brahmaputra).
• Hence 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- Statements 1 and 3 are wrong: different source from Brahmaputra, and Teesta joins the Jamuna.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: Teesta joins the Brahmaputra, not the sea.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statements 1 and 3 are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.