General Studies 2025 GS Paper I 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss

Q17

Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भूमि, मिट्टी और जल संसाधनों के विशेष संदर्भ के साथ गंगा नदी बेसिन में जनसंख्या वितरण और घनत्व पर चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) 15

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of population distribution and density in the Ganga basin while establishing clear linkages with land, soil and water resources. Structure as: brief introduction defining the basin's demographic significance → body covering spatial distribution patterns, density gradients, and resource-population interrelationships → conclusion with sustainability concerns or policy implications.

Key points expected

Identification of the Ganga basin as India's most densely populated river basin (approx. 40% of India's population on 26% of land area)
Explanation of high population concentration in Middle Ganga Plain (UP, Bihar) due to alluvial soil fertility and groundwater availability
Analysis of Upper Ganga (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi) density linked to irrigation (canal networks) and industrial-agricultural economy
Discussion of Lower Ganga (West Bengal) density tied to deltaic agriculture, fishing and port-based economy
Resource-population nexus: alluvial soil (kharif-rabi double cropping), water table depletion in Punjab-Haryana, flood-prone areas affecting settlement patterns
Regional variations: contrast between Himalayan foothills (lower density, terraced farming) versus Gangetic plains (dense settlement)

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Demonstrates clear grasp that 'discuss' requires examining multiple facets—distribution patterns, density variations, AND their specific linkages to land, soil and water resources rather than treating resources as separate add-ons	Addresses distribution and density adequately but treats resource factors superficially or as isolated bullet points without establishing causal relationships	Misinterprets directive as mere description or ignores the 'special reference' requirement, producing generic population geography without resource linkages
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Provides accurate density figures (e.g., Bihar 1,106, UP 828 persons/km² vs national average 382), correctly identifies alluvial soil types (khadar/bhangar), and explains groundwater exploitation in critical blocks	Mentions high density and fertile soil generally but lacks specific data or confuses Upper/Middle/Lower Ganga characteristics	Contains factual errors (wrong states in basin, incorrect soil-water relationships) or vague statements like 'fertile land attracts people' without geographical specificity
Structure & flow	20%	3	Follows logical progression: basin overview → regional segmentation (Upper/Middle/Lower) with integrated resource-population analysis → spatial synthesis, maintaining thematic coherence throughout	Has identifiable introduction and conclusion but body paragraphs lack clear regional organization or mix distribution/density/resource themes haphazardly	Disorganized with no clear spatial framework; jumps between unrelated points or presents as bullet points without paragraph coherence
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Incorporates specific data (Census 2011 density rankings), examples like Punjab's central pivot irrigation impact on settlement, or Dark Zone notifications for groundwater; cites NMCG or Ganga Action Plan relevance	Mentions some state names and general density comparisons but lacks precise statistics or specific resource management examples	No data or examples; or uses irrelevant illustrations (non-basin areas) without connecting to Ganga basin specificity
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesizes with analytical insight—population pressure leading to soil degradation/water stress, or forward-looking observation on climate change impacts on basin carrying capacity, or sustainable intensification needs	Brief summary restating main points without new insight; or generic conclusion on 'balanced development' without basin-specific application	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or contradictory final statement undermining earlier analysis; purely descriptive closure without evaluative dimension

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