Question 12 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Environment

Question

Consider the following states:
1. Chhattisgarh
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Maharashtra
4. Odisha
With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 3-2-4-1

Strategy: Recall and compare the relative forest cover percentages for Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Arrange the states in ascending order based on these percentages.

Key Info: **State-wise Forest Cover Percentages**

Forest cover as a proportion of total geographical area varies distinctly among Indian states and is officially reported by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), which releases biennial State of Forest Reports.

- Maharashtra: Forest cover is approximately 16.5% of its area. Despite its size, much is semi-arid or under cultivation.
- Madhya Pradesh: Holds the largest absolute forest area, but since the state is very large, its percentage is moderate (about 25%). Sal, teak, and mixed forests feature prominently.
- Odisha: Roughly one-third of Odisha is under forest (about 33%), including tropical moist deciduous, dry deciduous, and endemic forest types.
- Chhattisgarh: Known as the 'Rice Bowl of India' but also has one of the highest state forest cover proportions, over 40%. Forests are rich in biodiversity and tribal habitats.

The percentage of forest cover is different from overall area under forest. States with large geographical extents may not always have high percentage of forest cover. These statistics are important for ecological policy, conservation, and for understanding regional economies and development challenges.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 2-3-1-4

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2-3-4-1

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 3-2-1-4

Consider the following states: Chhattisgarh Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Odisha With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?

Consider the following states:

Chhattisgarh

Madhya Pradesh

Maharashtra

Odisha
With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?