UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 43 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Arunachal Pradesh Forest Cover
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
Show answer
Answer: A. Arunachal Pradesh
Verdict
Correct Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
Analysis
The state described in the question is Arunachal Pradesh.
It matches all three clues: latitude, high forest cover and a significant protected area network.
1. Same latitude as northern Rajasthan — Correct
Northern Rajasthan lies around 28°N latitude.
This latitude, when extended eastwards, passes through Arunachal Pradesh.
2. More than 80% area under forest cover — Correct
Arunachal Pradesh has very high forest cover, around 80% of its geographical area.
This makes it one of the most forest-rich states of India by percentage of area.
3. More than 12% of forest cover under Protected Area Network — Correct
Arunachal Pradesh has several National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
A significant portion of its forest area is under the Protected Area Network, including areas such as Namdapha and Mouling.
Extra UPSC info
* Arunachal Pradesh has one of the largest forest areas among Indian states.
* Mizoram generally has the highest forest cover by percentage of geographical area.
* Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in terms of absolute area.
* Protected Area Network includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves.
* Namdapha National Park and Mouling National Park are located in Arunachal Pradesh.
* The state is part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.
How to crack it
Arunachal Pradesh is the correct answer because it lies near the latitude of northern Rajasthan and has very high forest cover with a significant protected area network.