Question

In which of the following environments, one does not expect the presence of dispersed rural settlements?

• A. Alluvial Plains of the Ganga
• B. Lower valleys of Himalayas
• C. Arid and Semi-arid regions of Rajasthan
• D. Forests and Hills in North East

Hint:

Dispersed settlements are common in hilly, forested, or dry regions, but fertile plains with dense agriculture usually have nucleated settlements.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand dispersed rural settlements.
Dispersed settlements occur where houses are scattered and not clustered. They are generally found in: - Hilly and forested regions (due to uneven terrain), - Arid and semi-arid areas (due to scarcity of water), - Valleys with limited cultivable land.

Step 2: Analyze each option.
- (A) Alluvial Plains of the Ganga → These plains are flat, fertile, and agriculturally productive. They support high population density and nucleated (clustered) settlements rather than dispersed ones.
- (B) Lower valleys of Himalayas → Here settlements are often dispersed due to hilly terrain.
- (C) Arid and Semi-arid regions of Rajasthan → Water scarcity leads to dispersed settlements.
- (D) Forests and Hills in North East → Uneven terrain and tribal habitation cause dispersed settlement patterns.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The Ganga Alluvial Plains support clustered settlements, not dispersed ones. Hence, the correct answer is option (A).
\[ \boxed{\text{Alluvial Plains of the Ganga}} \]