Which of the following states is NOT a part of the Tapi Basin?

The correct answer is Rajasthan.

The Tapi River (also spelled Tapti) is one of the major west-flowing rivers of Peninsular India. To understand why Rajasthan is NOT part of the Tapi Basin, let us carefully examine the river's geography.

Step 1: Origin and Course of the Tapi River

The Tapi River originates in the Satpura Range, specifically from the Multai Reserve Forest in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh, at an elevation of about 752 metres. It flows westward for approximately 724 km before draining into the Gulf of Khambhat (Gulf of Cambay) in the Arabian Sea near Surat, Gujarat.

Step 2: States Covered by the Tapi Basin

The Tapi Basin spans across three states:

• Madhya Pradesh – The river originates here; districts like Betul, Burhanpur form part of the upper catchment area.
• Maharashtra – The river passes through the Vidarbha and Khandesh regions, including districts like Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Jalgaon, and Dhule.
• Gujarat �� The river enters Gujarat near Kakrapar and flows through Surat before meeting the Arabian Sea.

Step 3: Why Rajasthan is NOT Part of the Tapi Basin

The Tapi River's drainage basin is geographically confined to the regions of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The river flows through the Deccan Plateau and the narrow Tapi valley in a west-to-east trending rift valley — it never enters or touches the state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan lies far to the north and northwest of the Tapi Basin, and its rivers (like the Luni, Chambal, etc.) belong to entirely different drainage systems.

Step 4: Quick Summary Table

Conclusion: Since the Tapi River flows entirely through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, and does not touch Rajasthan at any point, Rajasthan is the state that is NOT a part of the Tapi Basin.