India Map Marking: Geographical and Economic Significance

On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:

Rushikulya River
Datar Hill
Kikruma
Choritand Tillaya
Byalalu
Neyyar
Uttarlai
Sri Vijayapuram
Dharwas
Gitabitan

How to Approach

The approach to this question involves identifying the geographical location of each listed entry on an outline map of India and then providing a concise, 30-word significance for each. For the significance, it is crucial to cover diverse aspects like physical geography, commercial importance, economic value, ecological role, environmental concerns, or cultural relevance. Accuracy in location and brevity in explanation are key.

Model Answer

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Introduction

India, a land of immense geographical diversity, is punctuated by numerous physical features, rivers, hills, and settlements, each holding unique significance. From the rich biodiversity hotspots to strategic economic hubs and culturally revered sites, these locations play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's physical landscape, economic activities, environmental heritage, and socio-cultural fabric. Understanding their individual importance provides a holistic perspective on India's multifaceted geography.

Locations and their Significance

Here are the locations and their significance:

Rushikulya River: Located in Odisha, it is a major east-flowing river. Its mouth is one of the world's largest mass nesting sites for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles (arribada phenomenon), making it ecologically significant.
Datar Hill: Situated in Junagadh, Gujarat, Datar Hill is a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims, housing the shrine of Saint Jamal Shah Datar. It holds significant cultural and religious importance.
Kikruma: A village in Phek district, Nagaland, Kikruma is primarily a settlement with significant tribal cultural heritage. It represents the distinct socio-cultural landscape of India's North-Eastern region.
Choritand Tillaya: *Information not readily available in provided search results.*
Byalalu: Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Byalalu is home to the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) centre of ISRO. This makes it a crucial site for India's space research and technological advancements.
Neyyar: In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Neyyar is known for the Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary. It's ecologically important for biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats and provides irrigation and drinking water.
Uttarlai: A village in Barmer district, Rajasthan, Uttarlai is primarily significant for housing an Indian Air Force Station. It plays a strategic role in national defence in the western sector.
Sri Vijayapuram: *Information not readily available in provided search results.*
Dharwas: Located in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, Dharwas is a remote town in the picturesque Pangi Valley, known for its natural beauty and as a trekking base camp. It also features the Tilmili mineral spring.
Gitabitan: Located near Santiniketan in Birbhum District, West Bengal, Gitabitan is a proposed township by the West Bengal government focusing on culture and tourism, reflecting Rabindranath Tagore's ethos.

Conclusion

The geographical entities across India, from its rivers supporting unique wildlife to hills fostering cultural harmony and strategic locations facilitating scientific and defense endeavors, underscore the nation's diverse heritage. These sites, while distinct in their primary significance, collectively contribute to India's environmental sustainability, economic development, and cultural identity. Their careful preservation and sustainable management are crucial for future generations.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Arribada

A Spanish term referring to the mass nesting phenomenon of certain species of sea turtles, particularly the Olive Ridley, where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs on specific beaches.

Deep Space Network (DSN)

A global network of large antenna arrays and communication facilities that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio astronomy observations.

Key Statistics

In the 2025 season, over 698,000 Olive Ridley sea turtles nested at the Rushikulya River mouth, making it one of the largest mass nesting sites globally.

Source: Grokipedia (2025-11-21)

The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, covers an area of 128 square kilometers, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.

Source: Wikipedia (Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary)

Examples

Byalalu's Role in Space Exploration

The Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at Byalalu played a critical role in tracking India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, and continues to be vital for the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What are the major environmental threats to the Rushikulya River?

The Rushikulya River faces challenges from seasonal flooding, siltation, and pollution from agricultural runoff and small-scale industries, impacting its ecological balance and the Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds.

Topics Covered

GeographyEconomyEnvironmentRiversHillsLocationsSignificance

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