RAS question
The Western Banas (West Banas) River is different from Banas and drains into:
Correct answer: (C) Little Rann of Kutch (Gujarat).
The Western Banas, also called the West Banas River, drains into the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
Explanation
The Western Banas is a separate river from the better-known Banas of central Rajasthan. It originates near Mount Abu in Sirohi district and flows southwestward into Gujarat. The Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department, Government of Gujarat basin page gives the drainage point: the Banas river originates in the Aravalli hills, moves through Rajasthan and Gujarat, and has the Little Rann of Kachchh as its outfall. The Little Rann of Kutch is the river's destination, not the Arabian Sea directly, the Luni, or the Chambal. The name creates a common confusion: West Banas must not be confused with the central Rajasthan Banas that belongs to the Chambal system.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The outfall is the Little Rann of Kachchh, so the river does not drain directly into the Arabian Sea.
- (B) West Banas flows southwest into Gujarat and drains into the Little Rann of Kutch, not into the Luni River.
- (D) Chambal is linked to the central Rajasthan Banas, while Western Banas is a distinct river.
Concept
Rajasthan drainage systems require a clear distinction between similarly named rivers. RAS repeats such questions because river outfalls and basin identity are high-yield map facts.