Bhote Koshi River & Lhende River

• Bhote Koshi River: A Himalayan river associated with Tibet (China) and Nepal and forms part of the Koshi river system.
• Lhende Khola: A smaller Himalayan stream/tributary in Rasuwa district of Nepal, near the Nepal–China border.
• River Relationship: Lhende Khola joins the Bhote Koshi, making it important in understanding the recent flash-flood event.
• Koshi River System: The Bhote Koshi is part of the wider Koshi drainage system, which ultimately contributes to the Ganga basin.
• Terrain: The rivers flow through the steep Himalayan landscape, making the region highly susceptible to flash floods and landslides.
• Disaster Significance: Sudden heavy rainfall, landslides or high-altitude events can rapidly increase river discharge, producing flash floods downstream.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question — English

Q. With reference to the Bhote Koshi and Lhende rivers, consider the following statements:

1. Lhende Khola is a smaller stream associated with the Bhote Koshi River system in Nepal.
2. The Bhote Koshi is associated with the wider Koshi river system.
3. The Bhote Koshi river system ultimately forms part of the Ganga basin.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation

• Statement 1 — Correct: Lhende Khola is a smaller stream in Nepal’s Himalayan region and is associated with the Bhote Koshi system.
• Statement 2 — Correct: The Bhote Koshi is an important component of the broader Koshi river system.
• Statement 3 — Correct: The Koshi system eventually joins the Ganga river system, making it part of the larger Ganga basin.