The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Indian drainage basins are classified based on their discharge orientation (Arabian Sea vs. Bay of Bengal) and the size of their catchment areas. A distinct water divide separates the two major drainage systems.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The water divide separating the Arabian Sea drainage from the Bay of Bengal drainage runs through the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris (Western Ghats). This line determines the direction of flow for the major river systems in India.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The distribution of drainage area is heavily skewed towards the East. Nearly 77 % of the drainage area (comprising the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Krishna, etc.) is oriented towards the Bay of Bengal. Only about 23 % (comprising the Indus, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Periyar systems) discharges into the Arabian Sea.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Indian river basins are classified into three groups based on the size of their catchment area:
- Major river basins: Catchment area of more than 20,000 sq. km (e.g., Ganga, Krishna, Tapi).
- Medium river basins: Catchment area between 2,000 and 20,000 sq. km.
- Minor river basins: Catchment area of less than 2,000 sq. km.
Key Takeaway
The Indian Water Divide runs along the Delhi Ridge, Aravalis, and Sahyadris. The majority of India's drainage (77%) flows into the
Bay of Bengal, while only 23% flows into the
Arabian Sea.