UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on significance of the monsoons in India and Ken-Betwa Link Project (Week 125)

QUESTION 1

Discuss the characteristics and significance of the two major types of monsoons in India. How is climate change affecting the monsoon patterns and their impact on agriculture and ecosystems?

QUESTION 2

Discuss the objectives and significance of the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) in addressing the water scarcity issues of Bundelkhand.

General points on the structure of the answers for UPSC Mains

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the characteristics and significance of the two major types of monsoons in India. How is climate change affecting the monsoon patterns and their impact on agriculture and ecosystems?

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— A monsoon is a shift in winds that frequently results in a highly rainy or very dry season. Monsoons are typically connected with portions of Asia.

— There are two notable types of monsoon in India:

(i) Southwest monsoon: It occurs from June to September. It hits Kerala on the southwestern coast and then proceeds across the country. This monsoon is the primary monsoon affecting India — it not only brings respite from the heat but also contributes to the country’s ecosystem and economy, especially the growing of kharif crops.

(ii) Northeast monsoon: It is also known as the retreating monsoon, which occurs from October to December and affects peninsular India. It isn’t as intense as the southwest monsoon but is crucial for the growth of rabi crops.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

Impact of climate change on the monsoon patterns and their impact on agriculture and ecosystems

— According to the study, monsoon patterns in India have been fast-shifting. It is mainly driven by the accelerating rate of climate change.

— The southwest monsoon rainfall rose in 55% of India’s tehsils. The increase, however, has resulted from short-duration, severe rainfall, which frequently causes flash floods.

— During the southwest monsoon in India, wet extremes account for an increasing share of total seasonal rainfall.

— Changes in monsoon patterns can affect agriculture output and ecosystems.

— Rainfall is not distributed evenly throughout the seasons and months.

(Source: How India’s monsoon rain pattern has been changing amid climate)

Points to Ponder

Read more about the Cropping season

What is the Retreating monsoon?

Related Previous Year Questions

Discuss the consequence of Climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (2023)

What characteristics can be assigned to the monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (2017)

QUESTION 2: Discuss the objectives and significance of the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) in addressing the water scarcity issues of Bundelkhand.

(File Image)

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) envisions moving water from the Ken to the Betwa rivers, both of which are tributaries of the Yamuna.

— The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km long, including a 2-kilometer tunnel. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will provide yearly irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP), supply drinking water to about 62 lakh people, and create 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— The Ken-Betwa Link Project comprises two phases. Phase I will comprise the construction of the Daudhan Dam complex and its component units, including the Low Level Tunnel, High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and power plants. Phase II will include three components: Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.

— The notion of joining the Ken and the Betwa received a significant boost in August 2005, when the Centre and the two states signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding for the creation of a detailed project report (DPR). In 2008, the Centre designated the KBLP as a National Project. Later, it was added to the Prime Minister’s package for the development of the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.

— The project is in Bundelkhand, which includes 13 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will greatly assist the water-stressed region, particularly the districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri, and Raisen in Madhya Pradesh, and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi, and Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh.

— “It will pave the way for more river interlinking projects to ensure that scarcity of water does not become an inhibitor for development in the country,” according to a press release from the Ministry.

Conclusion:

— The river-linking project has come under considerable examination for its possible environmental and socioeconomic impact. The project will involve extensive deforestation in the heart of the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve.

(Source: PM Modi lays foundation stone: What is the Ken-Betwa river linking project, environmental concerns around it by Harikishan Sharma and Nikhil Ghanekar)

Points to Ponder

Other river linking projects in India

What are the project’s likely environmental and social impacts?

Related Previous Year Questions

The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (2020)

The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (2024)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 124)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 123)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 124)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 125)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 123)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 122)

Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.