UPSC Mains 2025 GS1 Q17 — Population Geography
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)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- distribution and density of populationGanga River Basinlandsoilwater resources
- Implicit sub-parts
- Correlation between the flat topography (land) and high population density in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
- Impact of alluvial soil fertility on agricultural productivity and rural population clusters.
- The role of perennial water availability (Ganga and tributaries) in supporting industrial and urban agglomerations.
- Spatial variation in density from the Upper Ganga (lesser density) to the Deltaic regions (highest density).
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic geography of the Ganga river without linking physical features to population metrics.
- Failing to differentiate between 'distribution' (where people are) and 'density' (how crowded it is).
- Ignoring the specific mention of 'soil' by only focusing on water and flat land.
- Omitting the environmental challenges like groundwater depletion or land fragmentation that threaten this high density.
- Dimensions required
- Physiographic (Topography/Land)Pedological (Soil types and fertility)Hydrological (Perennial nature/Irrigation)Socio-Economic (Agricultural surplus and urbanization)Environmental (Carrying capacity)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 50 words to defining the basin's extent and current density stats. Spend 150 words on the core analysis, dedicating 50 words each to how land, soil, and water specifically dictate population patterns. Use the final 50 words to discuss the sustainability and carrying capacity of this high-density region.
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