The presence or absence of deltas in certain regions can be explained by the characteristics of the rivers in those areas. In India, deltas are common for rivers that flow towards the east, while they are nearly absent on the west coast. The reason for this difference lies in the characteristics of the west-flowing rivers.

Option 1 suggests that west-flowing rivers are few in number, but this is not a valid explanation for the absence of deltas. Option 3 proposes that the rivers in the west originate in dry areas, but this does not directly relate to the absence of deltas.

Option 4 states that the rivers in the west largely originate in the Western Ghats and have a short distance to cover to reach the sea. However, this does not provide a direct explanation for the absence of deltas.

The correct answer, option 2, explains that the west-flowing rivers have lesser water volume and carry less run-off silt. Deltas form when a river carries sediment and deposits it at its mouth, forming a triangular landform. In the case of west-flowing rivers in India, their lower water volume and lesser amount of run-off silt result in the absence of deltas on the west coast.

Therefore, option 2 is the best explanation for