Correct Option
The correct option is The branch moving along the Narmada and Tapi valleys reaches this area..
Explanation
The Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon splits into three distinct streams upon reaching the Indian subcontinent. The distribution of rainfall from this branch is largely determined by the topography of the peninsula, specifically the location of mountain ranges and rift valleys.
Option Analysis
- It is located on the windward side of the Western Ghats. is Incorrect. The Chotanagpur plateau is located in eastern India (covering parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh). It is geographically distant from the Western Ghats, and it is not situated on their windward side.
- The branch moving along the Narmada and Tapi valleys reaches this area. is Correct. The second stream of the Arabian Sea branch enters the Indian landmass north of Mumbai, moving through the estuaries of the Narmada and Tapi rivers. These rivers flow through rift valleys, which act as wind tunnels with no major orographic barriers to obstruct the flow. Consequently, these moisture-laden winds are able to penetrate deep into the interior of Central India and reach the Chotanagpur plateau, contributing to the rainfall in this region.
- The branch striking Saurashtra deflects towards the east. is Incorrect. The third stream of the Arabian Sea branch strikes the Saurashtra peninsula and Kutch. It then passes over western Rajasthan and moves parallel to the Aravalli Range, eventually reaching the Punjab and Haryana plains. It does not deflect east towards the Chotanagpur plateau.
- It does not receive rain from the Arabian Sea branch; only from the Bay of Bengal branch. is Incorrect. While the Bay of Bengal branch is the primary source of rainfall for the Chotanagpur plateau, the region does receive rainfall from the Arabian Sea branch as well, specifically through the mechanism described in The branch moving along the Narmada and Tapi valleys reaches this area..
Key Takeaway: The Narmada and Tapi rift valleys act as natural corridors that allow the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon to travel unobstructed deep into Central India, reaching as far east as the Chotanagpur plateau.