In which state does the Tapti (Tapi) River have the largest drainage area?
2022
In which state does the Tapti (Tapi) River have the largest drainage area?
Answer: D. Maharashtra — ConceptA river’s drainage area, or basin, is the land from which runoff reaches that river and its tributaries. To identify the state with the largest…
- A.
Gujarat
- B.
Rajasthan
- C.
Madhya Pradesh
- D.
Maharashtra
Attempted by 2 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Concept
A river’s drainage area, or basin, is the land from which runoff reaches that river and its tributaries.
To identify the state with the largest drainage area, compare state-wise basin areas rather than the source location or the outlet.
Application
The Central Water Commission’s state-wise Tapi basin table gives the following comparison:
State | Drainage area | Share of basin |
|---|---|---|
Madhya Pradesh | 9,804 km² | 15.0% |
Maharashtra | 51,504 km² | 79.1% |
Gujarat | 3,837 km² | 5.9% |
Maharashtra has the largest recorded basin area and share.
Cross-check and contrast
Gujarat contains the lower course and the outlet near Surat, but its basin share is 5.9%.
Rajasthan is outside the recognized Tapi basin.
Madhya Pradesh contains the source near Multai, but its basin share is 15.0%.
The three recorded state areas sum to 65,145 km², confirming the comparison.
Result: Maharashtra.