Question map
Which one of the following is not a biosphere reserve of India?
Explanation
India currently has 18 designated biosphere reserves. According to official records and academic lists, Agasthyamalai (Kerala/Tamil Nadu), Nokrek (Meghalaya), and Great Nicobar (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) are all officially recognized biosphere reserves [2]. Specifically, Nokrek was designated in 1988, Great Nicobar in 1989, and Agasthyamalai in 2001 [2]. While the 'Great Himalayan National Park' exists in Himachal Pradesh and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is not designated as a biosphere reserve under the Indian National Biosphere Reserve Programme or the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) framework [2]. The biosphere reserve located in Himachal Pradesh is actually known as the 'Cold Desert' biosphere reserve, which covers the Pin Valley National Park and surrounding areas [2]. Therefore, Great Himalayan is the correct answer as it is not a biosphere reserve.
Sources
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > BIOSPHERE RESERVES > p. 49
- [2] https://www.jkcprl.ac.in/download/11567495064.pdf