Which one of the following is the narrow belt parallel to the Shiwalik foothills where streams and rivers coming from the mountains deposit heavy materials of rocks and boulders ?

The correct answer is Bhabar (Option C). The Northern Plains of India are divided into four distinct regions based on relief features: Bhabar, Tarai, Bhangar, and Khadar.

• Bhabar: It is a narrow belt, approximately 8 to 16 km wide, running parallel to the Shiwalik foothills. As rivers descend from the mountains, the sudden reduction in slope velocity leads to the deposition of heavy materials such as rocks, pebbles, and boulders. Due to the high porosity of these rock fragments, smaller streams often disappear underground in this region.
• Tarai: Located south of the Bhabar, this is a marshy and swampy region where the underground streams re-emerge.
• Bhangar and Khadar: These represent the older and newer alluvium of the plains, respectively.

The Bhabar's unique position at the break of the mountain slope makes it the primary zone for heavy boulder deposition.