2013 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 24: Geography
Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in
adesert margins, liable to strong wind action
blow flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
cscrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
dNone of the above
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Contour bunding is built on sloping land, along lines of equal height across the slope, to slow runoff and trap soil and water; it suits hilly and undulating land with moderate rainfall. Desert margins need shelterbelts and windbreaks against wind, flood-prone plains need embankments, and scrubland weed spread needs weeding or clearing. None of the options describes where contour bunding is used.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Wind erosion at desert margins is checked by shelterbelts and windbreaks.
- (b) Wrong. Flooding in low plains is handled by embankments, not contour bunds.
- (c) Wrong. Weed spread in scrub is not controlled by contour bunds.
- (d) Correct. It is used on slopes, which none of the options names.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.