Which of the following options correctly explains why the eastern coastal plains of India are wider and more deltaic than the western coastal plains?

The correct option is Eastern rivers form large deltas due to gentle slopes.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Topography and Gradient:
The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and have a very gentle slope towards the Bay of Bengal compared to the steep gradient of the Western Ghats. Because of these gentle slopes, major east-flowing rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow slowly over long distances before reaching the sea.

2. Sediment Deposition and Delta Formation:
As rivers flow across gentle plains, their velocity decreases significantly. This causes them to deposit huge amounts of eroded sediments and alluvium at their mouths, forming extensive, fertile deltas. The accumulation of sediments over time expands the coastline outward, making the eastern coastal plains broad and wide.

3. Comparison with Western Coastal Plains:
In contrast, the west-flowing rivers (like the Narmada and Tapti) originate near the steep Western Ghats, have shorter courses, flow at high speeds, and drain into the Arabian Sea through narrow rift valleys. Consequently, they carry less sediment and form estuaries rather than deltas, resulting in narrower coastal plains.