Consider the following rivers:

1. Brahmani
2. Nagavali
3. Subarnarekha
4. Vamsadhara

Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 4

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• The Brahmani is a seasonal river that runs through the Odisha state of eastern India, formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers near Rourkela. It forms a large delta with the Baitarani River before emptying into the Bay of Bengal at Dhamra.
• The Nagavali River, also known as Langulya, is a major river in Southern Odisha and Northern Andhra Pradesh States in India, originating in Kalahandi District, in the Eastern Ghats, between Rushikulya and Godavari basins.
• The Subarnarekha River has its origin from the Ranchi Plateau in Jharkhand, and forms the boundary between West Bengal and Odisha in its lower course. It joins the Bay of Bengal forming an estuary between the Ganga and Mahanadi deltas.
• The Vamsadhara River originates in the Kalahandi district of Odisha, flows through the boundary of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and finally meets the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is the main river of the north-eastern Andhra region, and the Boddepalli Rajagopala Rao Project was constructed on it to fulfill the irrigation needs of the region.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.