Geography 2021 Paper II 50 marks Discuss

Q4

(a) Discuss the reserves, distribution and production of all varieties of coal in India. 20 (b) Describe the salient features of east-flowing rivers of India. 15 (c) Critically examine the problems of inter-State border disputes in India. 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) भारत में सभी प्रकार के कोयले के भंडार, वितरण और उत्पादन की विवेचना कीजिए। 20 (b) भारत की पूर्व-वाहिनी नदियों की उल्लेखनीय विशिष्टताओं का वर्णन कीजिए। 15 (c) भारत में अंतरराज्यीय सीमा-विवादों की समस्याओं का समालोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए। 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' for part (a) requires a balanced treatment covering multiple dimensions—reserves, distribution and production—while parts (b) and (c) use 'describe' and 'critically examine' respectively. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, with ~30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief composite introduction, three distinct sectional bodies addressing each sub-part with clear sub-headings, and a concluding synthesis on resource-geography and federal challenges.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Classification of coal varieties (anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, lignite) with their respective reserves, Gondwana vs Tertiary coal distribution, and state-wise production trends (Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal)
  • Part (a): Critical production data referencing Coal India Limited, captive mining, and import dependency for coking coal
  • Part (b): Distinguishing features of East-flowing rivers—Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Cauvery, Pennar—emphasizing delta formation, smaller drainage basins compared to Himalayan rivers, seasonal flow regimes, and agricultural significance
  • Part (b): Comparative analysis with west-flowing rivers regarding catchment area, sediment load, and hydroelectric potential
  • Part (c): Critical examination of inter-State border disputes—Belgaum (Karnataka-Maharashtra), Kasaragod (Kerala-Karnataka), Kutch-Sindh, and Northeastern boundary issues with underlying linguistic, colonial legacy, and resource-based causes
  • Part (c): Institutional mechanisms for resolution—Inter-State Council, Zonal Councils, Supreme Court interventions—and evaluation of their effectiveness

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness25%12.5Accurately classifies coal ranks by carbon content and geological age; correctly identifies East-flowing rivers' peninsular origin, dendritic drainage, and deltaic mouths; precisely defines inter-State disputes through constitutional provisions (Articles 3, 131) and distinguishes territorial from resource-based conflictsBasic classification of coal types with minor errors; general description of East-flowing rivers without distinguishing peninsular characteristics; mentions border disputes but conflates types or misidentifies constitutional mechanismsConfuses coal varieties (e.g., calls lignite 'brown coal' without specification); misidentifies river direction or conflates East and West-flowing systems; fundamental errors on Article 3 or treats district-level disputes as State border issues
Map / diagram15%7.5Includes three distinct sketch maps: (a) coal fields of Damodar, Son-Mahanadi, Godavari-Wardha valleys with state boundaries; (b) East-flowing river system showing Western Ghats escarpment and deltas; (c) disputed border zones with tribunals/award lines; all properly titled, oriented, and integrated with textOne or two relevant maps with basic labeling but missing key features (e.g., coal map without distinction between Gondwana and Tertiary belts); rivers shown without delta identification; border map without tribunal referencesNo maps or diagrams; or irrelevant sketches (e.g., generic India political map); maps copied without integration with answer content
Indian regional examples20%10Specific field references: Jharia, Raniganj, Singareni for coal; Godavari delta (rice bowl), Krishna water disputes with Maharashtra/Telangana; Belgaum's 1956 States Reorganization Commission legacy, recent Maharashtra-Karnataka legislative resolutions, and Northeast boundary commissionsGeneral state names without specific fields; rivers named without basin details; disputes mentioned without specific locations or recent developmentsVague references like 'eastern India for coal' or 'southern rivers'; no specific border disputes named; examples from other countries or outdated pre-Independence references
Spatial analysis20%10Analyzes coal distribution through Gondwana basin geology and rift valley tectonics; explains East-flowing rivers through Eastern Ghats-Deccan Trap slope asymmetry and consequent drainage patterns; evaluates border disputes through overlapping linguistic zones, colonial cartographic inheritances, and riparian resource competitionDescriptive spatial patterns without causal explanation; mentions geological formations without linking to distribution; recognizes dispute locations without analyzing spatial factorsNo spatial reasoning; lists locations without geographic relationships; confuses spatial causality (e.g., claims monsoon causes coal formation)
Application / policy20%10Links coal to National Mineral Policy 2019, commercial mining reforms, and net-zero transition challenges; connects East-flowing rivers to Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, tribunal recommendations, and climate adaptation; proposes federal solutions for border disputes through Article 263 institutions, boundary commissions, and cooperative federalismMentions policies superficially (e.g., 'government has schemes'); generic water management references; suggests 'dialogue' for disputes without institutional specificsNo policy references; purely academic treatment; recommends impractical solutions (e.g., redrawing all boundaries) without constitutional feasibility

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