Desert and Grasses (Rajasthan)

1. Which among the following are parts of Thar desert? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2021]

(A) Godwar Tract

(B) Shekhawati Tract

(C) Banas Plain

(D) Ghaggar Plain

(a) (A) and (B)
(b) (B) and (C)
(c) (A), (B) and (D)
(d) (A), (C) and (D)

Correct Answer: (c) (A), (B) and (D)

Solution: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.

2. Which one of the following is not a cause of desertification in Rajasthan? [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012]

(a) Overgrazing
(b) Deforestation
(c) Urbanization
(d) Improper soil and water management

Correct Answer: (c) Urbanization

Solution: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.

3. What fraction of Rajasthan’s land area is desert? [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2003]

(a) About one-fourth
(b) About one-third
(c) Above half
(d) About two-thirds

Correct Answer: (d) About two-thirds

Solution:About 60 percent of the total area of Rajasthan is arid and 40 percent is semiarid, So, nearly two-thirds of Rajasthan is desert.

4. How much that desert of India falls in Rajasthan? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (e) None of the above

Solution: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.

5. Which of the following pairs is correct [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1996, R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999]

Percentage Desert area (Rajasthan)	Percentage population (Rajasthan)
(a) 60	40
(b) 55	45
(c) 50	50
(d) 40	60

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Correct Answer: (a)

Solution: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.

6. Desert Development Programme is being implemented in 16 districts of Rajasthan. This programme is being founded - [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2012]

(a) 100 percent by Govt. of India.
(b) 100 percent by Govt. of Rajasthan.
(c) In the ratio of 50 - 50 by both the Govt.
(d) 75 percent by Govt. of India and 25 percent by Govt. of Rajasthan.

Correct Answer: (d) 75 percent by Govt. of India and 25 percent by Govt. of Rajasthan.

Solution: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.

7. In which year was the Desert development programme started in Rajasthan? [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2008]

(a) 1960-61
(b) 1977-78
(c) 1982-83
(d) 1994-95

Correct Answer: (b) 1977-78

Solution: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.

8. An approximate area of Rajasthan covered under western desert is: [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010]

(a) More than 60%
(b) Less than 30%
(c) 40%
(d) 50 %

Correct Answer: (a) More than 60%

Solution: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.

9. Dhaman, Karad and Anjan are the: [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010]

(a) Varieties of Sheep in Rajasthan
(b) Varieties of caster seed in Gujarat
(c) Varieties of Grass in Rajasthan
(d) Three heroes of Gawari dance

Correct Answer: (c) Varieties of Grass in Rajasthan

Solution:Dhaman, Karad and Anjan are types of grasses in Rajasthan. These are used for roof and gate making.

10. In which districts of Rajasthan 'Khas' grass is grown? [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012, R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2008]

(a) Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar
(b) Dholpur, Karauli and Alwar
(c) Ajmer, Bhilwara and Chittorgarh
(d) Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur and Tonk

Correct Answer: (d) Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur and Tonk

Solution:'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.