Which environmental challenge is addressed by the layout and construction of Harappan cities like Dholavira in Gujarat?
- AAir pollution
- BWater scarcityCorrect
- CEarthquakes
- DCyclones
Solution
Concept
Water management in Harappan city layouts
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Harappan urban civil engineering incorporated structural planning suited to regional environmental challenges. Answer: B
Explanation
Dholavira features a sophisticated water management system comprising interconnected reservoirs, channels, and storm-water drains designed to harvest and store rainwater. Located in an arid zone, the city depended on these engineering structures to maintain a sustainable water supply throughout dry periods. Therefore, option B accurately identifies water scarcity as the key challenge addressed by these city designs.
Why the other options are wrong
A) Air pollution was not an environmental challenge addressed by Harappan city planning. D) Cyclones were not the primary threat addressed by the structural layout of Harappan cities.
Shortcut
Dholavira = Harappan city designed for water harvesting to tackle Water Scarcity.
Common mistake
Selecting Option C (Earthquakes) due to Gujarat's seismic history instead of recognizing Dholavira's iconic water harvesting systems.
Correct answer: B) Water scarcity