UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 32: Environment and Ecology
“Monoculture of commercially viable trees is destroying the unique natural profile of ……… Thoughtless exploitation of timber, deforesting vast tracts for palm cultivation, destruction of mangroves, illegal logging by tribals and poaching only compound the problem. Fresh water pockets are fast drying up due to deforestation and destruction of mangroves.” The place referred to in this quotation is
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The given key points to the Sundarbans, the mangrove delta of the Ganga and Brahmaputra, where felling of mangroves, illegal logging and poaching are known pressures and where fresh water is scarce. The area is a biosphere reserve and tiger habitat, so mangrove loss harms both people and wildlife. Remember: Sundarbans means mangroves, tigers and fresh-water scarcity.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The given key: mangrove destruction, logging and poaching are recognised pressures on the Sundarbans.
- (b) The Kerala coast is better known for backwaters and coconut groves; it is not the place the key names.
- (c) The Orissa coast has mangroves at Bhitarkanika, but the key does not choose it.
- (d) The Andaman and Nicobar Islands match the palm cultivation and tribal logging in the passage, but the key does not choose them.
Worth knowing: Disputed: the references to palm cultivation, logging by tribals and fresh-water pockets fit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (d) better than the Sundarbans.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.