Question

Study the Survey of India Topo-sheet supplied to you with reference to relief and drainage and show their influence on the development of means of transportation and settlements of the area depicted on this sheet.

Answer 1

• The topo-sheet shows that the area consists of both hilly and plain regions. The hilly area, with elevations between 200 and 300 metres and steep slopes indicated by closely spaced contour lines, is located in the middle and western parts. The plain area lies between these hilly regions and has gentle slopes marked by widely spaced contours. Drainage in the region is seasonal and includes small rivulets like Mehandwari Nadi, Li Nala, and Badshahpur Nala. These streams, along with features like Damdama Lake and Johars (seasonal tanks), form a rectangular drainage pattern and suggest a semi-arid climate.
• The flat terrain of the plain region has supported the development of an extensive road network, including metalled roads connecting Gurgaon with Delhi, Manesar, Bawal, Nuh, and Ballabhgarh. A metre-gauge railway also runs through the area. In contrast, the hilly terrain has fewer roads due to steep slopes and dissection by streams. Settlement patterns are influenced by these physical features. Gurgaon is the main town, located in the northwestern plain, where the area is densely populated. Rural settlements like Badshahpur and Sikanderpur are more common in plains and often appear as compact or linear settlements along roads. Hilly areas are sparsely populated with scattered settlements due to difficult terrain and poor water availability.

Thus, the topo-sheet reflects how the natural features of relief and drainage directly influence human activities like transport development and settlement distribution.