Which one of the following east-flowing rivers of India has a rift valley due to down warping?

Correct Option

The Damodar River is an east-flowing river in India that traverses a rift valley. This rift valley was formed due to the down-warping of the Earth's crust, a broad subsidence of a segment of the crust, during the geological formation of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau. This structural depression provided a distinct trough for the river's course. The Damodar Valley is also notable for the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), a significant multipurpose river valley project.

Incorrect Options:

• (b) Mahanadi: While the Mahanadi is a major east-flowing river emptying into the Bay of Bengal, its basin is primarily characterized by alluvial plains and does not originate from a tectonic rift valley.

• (c) Sone: The Sone River is a right-bank tributary of the Ganga, flowing generally northward, not eastward, and does not pass through a rift valley.

• (d) Yamuna: The Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganga, flowing generally south-eastward before joining the Ganga. It originates from the Yamunotri glacier and flows through plains, but its course is not defined by a rift valley formed by down-warping.