UPSC Prelims 2019 Q33: Geography – Biogeography & Natural Vegetation
Consider the following States:
1. Chhattisgarh
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Maharashtra
4. Odisha
With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total
area of State,
which one of the following is the correct ascending order?
- (a) 2 - 3 - 1 - 4
- (b) 2 - 3 - 4 - 1
- (c) 3 - 2 - 4 - 1
- (d) 3 - 2 - 1 - 4
Answer: (c) 3 - 2 - 4 - 1
Explanation
Forest cover as a share of State area (ISFR 2017)
| State | Forest cover (% of area) |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | about 16.5% |
| Madhya Pradesh | about 25.1% |
| Odisha | about 33.0% |
| Chhattisgarh | about 41.1% |
Ascending order: Maharashtra (3) → Madhya Pradesh (2) → Odisha (4) → Chhattisgarh (1).
Note: By area, Madhya Pradesh has India's largest forest cover; by percentage, Chhattisgarh ranks higher among these four.
Answer: (c) 3 - 2 - 4 - 1.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Maharashtra, not Madhya Pradesh, has the lowest percentage of the four.
- (b) Incorrect. It starts with Madhya Pradesh, which has a higher share than Maharashtra.
- (c) CORRECT. Maharashtra < Madhya Pradesh < Odisha < Chhattisgarh by percentage of forest cover.
- (d) Incorrect. Odisha (about 33%) has a lower share than Chhattisgarh (about 41%).
Key point
Forest cover %: Maharashtra (~16.5) < MP (~25) < Odisha (~33) < Chhattisgarh (~41); MP leads by absolute area.
Remember
By %: Maharashtra < MP < Odisha < Chhattisgarh.
Common mistakes
- Confusing absolute forest area (MP largest) with percentage of State area.
- Assuming Odisha has more forest share than Chhattisgarh.
- Overestimating Maharashtra's forest share because of the Western Ghats.
Exam tip
Always check whether the question asks for area or percentage. The rankings differ.
Sources
- Forest Survey of India — India State of Forest Report 2017
- Forest Survey of India — India State of Forest Report 2021