Geography 2021 Paper II 50 marks Discuss

Q2

(a) Landslide is a major problem in Himalayan region. Discuss its causes and mitigation measures. 20 (b) Appraise why drought is one of the most common climatic extremes in India. 15 (c) Discuss the ecological and economic challenges of river linking in India. 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) हिमालयी क्षेत्र में भूस्खलन एक बड़ी समस्या है। इसके कारणों एवं अल्पीकरण के उपायों की विवेचना कीजिए। 20 (b) क्यों सूखा भारत में सबसे आम जलवायु चरम विषमताओं में से एक है? मूल्यांकन कीजिए। 15 (c) भारत में नदी जोड़ने की पारिस्थितिक और आर्थिक चुनौतियों की विवेचना कीजिए। 15

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2021 Geography questions

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, analytical treatment of all three sub-parts with evidence-based arguments. Allocate approximately 40% word/time to part (a) landslides (20 marks), and 30% each to part (b) droughts (15 marks) and part (c) river linking (15 marks). Structure with a brief composite introduction, three distinct body sections addressing each sub-part with causes-analysis-solutions for (a), appraisal of factors for (b), and dual challenges for (c), followed by an integrated conclusion on hazard management and water security.

Key points expected

  • For (a): Tectonic instability, steep gradients, fragile geology, deforestation, and anthropogenic activities as landslide causes; bio-engineering, drainage correction, slope stabilization, and early warning systems as mitigation
  • For (b): Monsoon dependence with high coefficient of variation, El Niño-Southern Oscillation impacts, poor irrigation coverage (only ~50% of sown area), groundwater depletion, and socio-economic vulnerability of rainfed agriculture
  • For (c): Ecological challenges including biodiversity loss, disruption of aquatic ecosystems, sediment flow alteration, and delta degradation; economic challenges of capital intensity, inter-state disputes, resettlement costs, and benefit-cost ratio concerns
  • Integrated spatial understanding: Himalayan geomorphology for landslides, peninsular and northwest India drought patterns, and inter-basin transfer geography for river linking
  • Policy coherence: NDMA guidelines for landslides, MGNREGA and PM-KUSUM for drought resilience, and Ken-Betwa link status as test case for river linking
  • Comparative hazard management: Structural vs non-structural approaches across all three sub-parts with climate adaptation lens

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10Precise use of geomorphological terms (e.g., translational/rotational slides, soil creep, pore water pressure) for (a); accurate explanation of meteorological vs agricultural vs hydrological drought for (b); correct distinction between intra-basin and inter-basin transfer, and understanding of surplus/deficit basin hydrology for (c)Basic definitions correct but conflates landslide types, treats drought monolithically without typology, or describes river linking without grasping hydrological fundamentalsFundamental errors such as confusing landslides with mass wasting generally, equating drought only with low rainfall without variability context, or presenting river linking as simple water redistribution without basin constraints
Map / diagram20%10At least two relevant sketches: for (a) annotated cross-section of landslide zone showing crown, scarp, toe, and slip plane; for (c) schematic of inter-basin transfer with elevation profiles; or for (b) rainfall variability map of India; all properly labelled with directional indicators and scaleOne generic diagram (e.g., landslide diagram without Himalayan specificity) or maps mentioned but not drawn, lacking essential labels or showing incorrect spatial relationshipsNo diagrams, or purely decorative sketches without geographical content; incorrect orientation or missing essential components like arrow of movement or basin boundaries
Indian regional examples20%10Specific citations: for (a) Kedarnath 2013, Malin (Pune) 2014, or Joshimath subsidence; for (b) Marathwada 2016, Bundelkhand pattern, or Cauvery basin disputes; for (c) Ken-Betwa link specifics, Godavari-Krishna-Pennar-Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar link status, or opposition to Tehri and Sardar Sarovar parallelsVague regional references (e.g., 'Uttarakhand landslides' without specific event, 'Rajasthan drought' without temporal specificity, 'Ganga-Cauvery link' without project status) or generic international comparisons substituting for Indian examplesNo Indian examples, or factually incorrect attributions (e.g., locating major landslides in Western Ghats instead of Himalayas, confusing meteorological drought zones)
Spatial analysis20%10Demonstrates latitudinal and altitudinal zonation in Himalayas for landslide susceptibility; explains spatial progression of drought from meteorological (NW India) to agricultural (Deccan plateau) manifestations; analyzes elevation gradients, precipitation shadows, and basin topology for river linking feasibilityDescriptive regional coverage without analytical spatial relationships, or treats each hazard in isolation without comparative hazard geographyNo spatial dimension, or confused spatial logic (e.g., attributing Himalayan causes to peninsular drought, ignoring headwater-to-mouth implications of river linking)
Application / policy20%10Integrated policy appraisal: NDMA Landslide Risk Management Strategy, Sendai Framework implementation; PM-AASHA, MGNREGA water conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture for drought; National Perspective Plan (1980), NWDA, and Supreme Court interventions on river linking with critical evaluation of implementation gapsLists schemes without critical appraisal or inter-linkages, or provides generic recommendations without specific policy instrumentsNo policy content, or irrelevant policy citations; advocacy without analysis (e.g., uncritical promotion of river linking, or dismissal without engaging with official rationales)

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →

More from Geography 2021 Paper II