The increased incidence of floods in recent times in North India is due to – (1) increase in the annual rainfall, (2) increase in the silting of dams, (3) increased deforestation in the catchment area, (4) None of these
(3) increased deforestation in the catchment area, Explanation: The frequency and severity of flooding in the Gangetic plain has steadily increased in recent years. Deforestation of the Terai appears to be one of the major causes.