Consider the following statements regarding the physical and agricultural geography of Kerala: Statement I: The Palakkad Gap is a major tectonic break in the Western Ghats that facilitates climatic continuity and transport connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Statement II: The Bharathappuzha is the longest river in Kerala, surpassing the Periyar in total catchment area and channel length. Which of the following is correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement I is correct because the Palakkad Gap is a wide low-altitude mountain pass formed by faulting that allows moisture-laden winds and transport routes to cross the Western Ghats. Statement II is incorrect because while Bharathappuzha is the second longest river in Kerala, the Periyar River is the longest river with a total length of approximately 244 kilometers. Bharathappuzha flows through the Palakkad Gap into the Arabian Sea at Ponnani.