UPSC Prelims 2004 Q135: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
Amongst the following Indian States which one has the minimum total forest cover?
- (a) Sikkim
- (b) Goa
- (c) Haryana
- (d) Kerala
Answer: (c) Haryana
Explanation
State with the minimum total forest cover
| State | Approximate forest cover (2001-03) |
|---|---|
| Haryana | About 1,500 sq km, the least among the options |
| Goa | About 2,100 sq km |
| Sikkim | About 3,200 sq km |
| Kerala | About 15,500 sq km |
Among the options, Haryana has the minimum total forest cover.
Answer: (c) Haryana.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Sikkim has about 3,200 sq km of forest cover.
- (b) Incorrect. Goa has about 2,100 sq km of forest cover.
- (c) CORRECT. Haryana has the least forest cover of the four.
- (d) Incorrect. Kerala has about 15,500 sq km of forest cover.
Key point
Low forest cover: Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan; high percentage: Mizoram, Lakshadweep.
Remember
Haryana has the least forest cover among these States.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Goa because it is a small State.
- Mixing percentage with area of forest cover.
- Forgetting that Haryana's cover is mostly plantations.
Exam tip
Compare absolute forest area, not State size.
Sources
- Forest Survey of India — State of Forest Report 2003
- Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India — National Forest Policy, 1988