Question 57 from UPSC CSE 2020 - ENVIRONME NT

Question

With reference to India's Desert National Park, consider the following statements:
1. It is spread over two districts.
2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Which of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 and 3 only

Strategy: Focus on regional and ecological aspects to evaluate statements:

*   **Statement 1:** Supported by location knowledge; Desert National Park extends across both Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.
*   **Statement 2:** This statement is incorrect. Indian national parks, including Desert National Park in the densely populated Thar region, often include small, traditional settlements with human habitation.
*   **Statement 3:** Confirmed by recalling the park's status as a critical habitat for the Great Indian Bustard.

Based on this, select only statements 1 and 3.

Key Info: ## Desert National Park (DNP)

*   **Location & Area:** Situated in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, DNP is among India's largest national parks, covering approximately 3162 sq km. It spans parts of Jaisalmer (about 1900 sq km) and Barmer (1262 sq km) districts.
*   **Ecosystem:** Showcases the unique Thar Desert environment, featuring diverse landscapes such as sand dunes, craggy rocks, compact salt lake bottoms, and fixed dunes.
*   **Human Habitation:** Human habitation exists within DNP, comprising around 73 villages and scattered hamlets (Dhanis). These communities have lived in the region for centuries, co-existing with the park's biodiversity. The Thar Desert region is notable for being one of the most densely populated desert regions globally.
*   **Conservation Significance:**
    *   Globally prominent for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), an endangered bird species and Rajasthan's State Bird. The park provides crucial natural habitat for its breeding and long-term survival.
    *   Also important for migratory species like the Houbara Bustard, raptors, and other characteristic desert avifauna.
*   **Establishment & Management:** Designated as a National Park in 1981, DNP is managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department with the objective of conserving desert ecosystems, fauna, and flora.

Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3

With reference to India's Desert National Park, consider the following statements: It is spread over two districts. There is no human habitation inside the Park. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Which of the above statements are correct?

With reference to India's Desert National Park, consider the following statements:

It is spread over two districts.

There is no human habitation inside the Park.

It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Which of the above statements are correct?