Which one of the following States/ UTs has the largest area under Coral Reefs in India?

Question of The Day25-09-2022

Answer

Correct Answer : c ) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Explanation :

In India, Coral reefs are mainly found in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch and Lakshadweep Islands. Most of these are fringing reefs (directly attached to the shore and grow towards sea) except atolls in Lakshadweep. There are some coral reefs around the western part of the Gulf of Khambat. Around 2,375 square kilometers area is under the coral reefs in India. Out of this, coral reefs are spread in approx. 1021 square kms in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

States/UTs in decreasing order as per area under coral reef – Andaman and Nicobar Islands> Lakshadweep Islands> Gujarat> Tamil Nadu

Coral reefs are considered “Tropical Rainforests of the Sea”. Over the years, Coral reefs are threatened by coral bleaching, ocean acidification, warming of oceans, mining activities, etc.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

This question was asked in GK Paper of CDS 2 2022.