UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Contour Bunding

Analysis

According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013 General Studies Paper, the correct option is “None of the above”.

Contour bunding is a soil and water conservation method used mainly on sloping lands. It is not specifically meant for desert margins, low flat plains or scrublands.

1. Desert margins, liable to strong wind action — Incorrect

Contour bunding is not primarily used to control wind erosion.

In desert margins, shelterbelts or windbreaks are more suitable for reducing wind speed and checking wind erosion.

This is not the correct use of contour bunding.

2. Low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding — Incorrect

Contour bunding requires a slope because bunds are constructed along contour lines.

Low flat flood-prone plains are usually managed through embankments, levees or drainage measures.

This is not the ideal terrain for contour bunding.

3. Scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth — Incorrect

Contour bunding is not a weed-control method.

Weed control is done through methods such as tilling, mulching, biological control or herbicides.

This is not the purpose of contour bunding.

4. None of the above — Correct

Contour bunding is best suited for sloping lands, especially in areas where runoff and soil erosion need to be controlled.

Since none of the first three options correctly describes its use, this is the correct answer.