Examine the features and importance of the major landforms of Andhra Pradesh with special reference to the Coastal Plains, Eastern Ghats, and Deccan Plateau.
In short
Andhra Pradesh's Coastal Plains are fertile deltaic lowlands supporting rice, aquaculture and ports, the Eastern Ghats are forested hills sustaining rivers and tribal livelihoods, and the Deccan Plateau is an ancient upland of minerals and dryland farming. The state holds 86.11% of India's barytes reserves, largely in the plateau.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 241 words
Geographical Extent and Fertility
The 974 km Coastal Plains along the Bay of Bengal consist of alluvial deposits from the Godavari and Krishna rivers, forming fertile deltas like Krishna and Godavari, supporting paddy, horticulture, and aquaculture.
Physical and Geological Features
The discontinuous Eastern Ghats, with peaks like Arma Konda (1,680 m), are composed of charnockites and quartzites, featuring rugged terrain and rivers like Gostani and Machkund that aid drainage.
Biodiversity and Socio-economic Importance
Dense tropical dry deciduous forests, protected in areas like the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, support tribal communities and forest products. The hills’ difficult terrain limits large-scale agriculture and infrastructure development, affecting connectivity.
Topography and Mineral Resources
The plateau’s undulating terrain with red and black soils supports dryland crops; it contains 86.11% of India’s barytes reserves and limestone, crucial for mining despite governance issues noted in audits.
Agricultural and Environmental Concerns
Semi-arid climate causes droughts; soil erosion and deforestation pose ecological challenges, impacting agriculture in Rayalaseema. The plateau’s broad valleys and rounded hills influence water retention and farming patterns.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.
Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Physical Features and Resources6 questions
Asked in 3 of 8 sittings since 2008
Most tested: Major landforms and physical features of Andhra Pradesh
- 2025Explain the physical features of India and Andhra Pradesh, especially the major landforms and geographical characteristics.
- 2023What are the climatic controls? How do they influence India's climate ?
All 6 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2025 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.