The Narmada River flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?: [2013]

The Narmada River flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?

It occupies a linear rift valley.
It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
The land slopes to the west from Central India.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only
2 and 3
1 and 3
None

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

The Narmada River flows through a linear rift valley. This valley is a long, narrow depression in the Earth’s crust formed by tectonic plate movements. The formation of the rift valley created a slope in the land, tilting westward.

Additional Information

The Narmada basin extends over MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, which is nearly 3% of the country’s total geographical area.
The basin is bounded by Vindhyas on the north, by the Maikala range on the east, by Satpuras on the south, and by the Arabian Sea on the west.
Narmada, with a length of 1,312 km, is the largest west-flowing river in peninsular India. It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
It originates from the Amarkantak plateau of MP. It flows westwards in a rift valley between the Satpura in the south and the Vindhyan range in the north. It forms a picturesque gorge in marble rocks and Dhuandhar waterfall near Jabalpur.
It drains into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.
Left bank tributaries: Burhner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar, Dudhi, Tawa, Ganjal, Kundi, Goi, and Karjan.
Right bank tributaries: Hiran, Tendoni, Barna, Kolar, Man, Uri, Hatni, and Orsang.

Map showing Narmada River Basin flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat toward Arabian Sea. Key dams and reservoirs labeled in blue boxes include Rani Avanti Bai Sagar (Bargi), Omkareshwar, Indira Sagar, and Sardar Sarovar Dam, with river path highlighted in blue.

Statement 2 is incorrect

While the mountain ranges do flank the Narmada River, they are not the direct cause of its westward flow. The presence of these mountain ranges is a consequence of the same geological processes that created the Rift Valley.

Statement 3 is incorrect

While the land does have a slight westward tilt from central India, it’s not the main factor determining the Narmada River’s direction.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Hard

2013, PYQs