With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct ? 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 Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• Desert National Park (3,162 sq km) in Rajasthan spreads over Jaisalmer and Barmer districts (statement 1).
• It is the most important remaining habitat of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, along with chinkara, desert fox and the fossil park at Akal (statement 3).
• Statement 2 is wrong: dozens of villages with grazing communities lie inside the park, a major management challenge.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: villages exist inside the park.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong; statement 1 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.