Catchment

Meaning

The geographic area from which a facility, service, or resource draws its users, customers, or water supply

Origin / Etymology

English catch + -ment; originally a geographical term for the area draining into a river or reservoir

Synonyms

Service area Drainage basin Hinterland

Antonyms

Outflow area

Example Sentence

"The Noida International Airport will serve a catchment area of over 200 million people across western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS-1 (Geography) for drainage basin and watershed contexts, and in GS-3 for infrastructure planning. Versatile term applicable to both physical geography and urban planning.

Relevant Subjects

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