UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 23: Environment and Ecology
Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ?
- 1.Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
- 2.Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
- 3.By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.
Select the answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Mangroves protect coasts because their dense stilt and prop roots break tidal energy and storm surges, hold sediment and act as bio-shields. They also give rural communities fuelwood, honey, fish and other products. Mangroves are salt-tolerant, not salt-sensitive, and are not freshwater stores for paddy; clearing them for paddy or freshwater aquaculture removes the protection that makes them valuable. Only statement 3 gives the right rationale.
- 1. Mangroves are not freshwater stores, and paddy cannot grow in saline water.
- 2. Mangrove roots are salt-tolerant, and converting mangroves to aquaculture destroys them.
- 3. Mangroves buffer surges and supply biomass and livelihoods.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (b) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Mangroves are not freshwater stores, and paddy cannot grow in saline water.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (c) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: Mangrove roots are salt-tolerant, and converting mangroves to aquaculture destroys them.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: mangroves do not store freshwater for paddy.
- (b) Wrong: neither 1 nor 2 is a conservation rationale.
- (c) Wrong: mangrove roots are salt-tolerant, so 2 is false.
- (d) Right: surge protection and livelihoods are the real rationale.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.