Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified- Assertion (A) is true: Flooding frequency and intensity in the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra plains have substantially increased over recent decades due to human activities, deforestation in catchment areas, and climate changes.
- Reason (R) is true: Massive deforestation and soil erosion in the Himalayan catchment areas cause high sediment loads in rivers. Silt deposition raises riverbeds and reduces the cross-sectional depth and water-carrying capacity of river channels.
- Because river channels can hold less volume, excess monsoon run-off easily spills over the banks, causing frequent floods. Thus, R is the correct explanation of A.
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