Total Questions: 11
(A) Godwar Tract (B) Shekhawati Tract (C) Banas Plain (D) Ghaggar Plain
Godwar Tract, Shekhawati Tract and Ghaggar Plain are parts of Thar desert. More than 60% of the Thar desert lies in the State of Rajasthan and extends into Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana.
Main reasons for desertification in Rajasthan are excessive grazing, deforestation and improper soil and water management. Urbanisation does not contribute to it. Total desertified area in Rajasthan is 62% and 9.6% in India.
About 60 percent of the total area of Rajasthan is arid and 40 percent is semiarid, So, nearly two-thirds of Rajasthan is desert.
Approximately 62 percent (2,78000 sq. km) of the total area (4,46000 sq. km.) of Thar desert is in India. About 75 percent of the Thar desert (in the territory of India) is in Rajasthan. According to another source, the total area of Thar desert is 2,59000 sq. km. and 69% of this area is situated in northwest of India. Due to unclear data, Rajasthan PSC omitted this question from evaluation.
Desert Development Programme was started in 1977-78 with full financial assistance from the central government. Presently this programme is funded in the ratio of 75 : 25 by the Central Government and Rajasthan Government respectively. This programme aims to prevent the expansion of deserts and economic development of the region. This programme is being run in 85 blocks of 16 districts.
Aravalli Range divides Rajasthan into two parts. Eastern part comprising 40% area is fertile while western area across Aravalli Range comprising 60% area of Rajasthan is desert.
Dhaman, Karad and Anjan are types of grasses in Rajasthan. These are used for roof and gate making.
'Khas' grass is found in Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur and Tonk districts of Rajasthan. 'Khas' is used for different purposes like scent, hand fans, sweet drink and carpet etc.
