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Q5 (IAS/2020) Environment & Ecology › Biodiversity & Protected Areas › National parks network Official Key

With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct ? 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 (1 and 3 only) based on the following geographical and ecological facts:

  • Statement 1 is correct: Desert National Park is situated in the state of Rajasthan and spans across two districts: Jaisalmer and Barmer. It covers a vast area of approximately 3,162 sq. km.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: Unlike many other national parks, Desert National Park has a significant presence of human habitation. There are several villages (locally known as 'Dhanis') located inside the park boundaries, and the local communities have co-existed with the ecosystem for centuries.
  • Statement 3 is correct: The park is one of the most important natural habitats for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a critically endangered bird. The sanctuary provides the grassland ecosystem essential for its breeding and survival.

Since statements 1 and 3 are accurate and statement 2 is false, Option 3 is the right choice.

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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct ? 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. …
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 6.7/10 · 0/10

This question is a classic 'Theory vs. Reality' conflict. While standard books define National Parks as having 'no human interference,' DNP is a massive exception with existing villages. Success here required doubting the 'extreme absolute' in Statement 2 rather than blindly following the static definition.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is India's Desert National Park spread over two districts?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Fig. 2.20 The Great Indian Desert in Western Rajasthan [Source: Rafal Caweda / Fotolia] > p. 47
Strength: 4/5
“The Desert National Park is an important ecosystem. The Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is an important bird reserve area located in Churu district and also an abode of large population of blackbuck, fox, caracal and sandgrouse. The Sundha Mata Conservation reserve is located in Jalore district. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Desert National Park in Jaisalmer) has fossils of tree trunks and sea shells. The Thar Desert has a population density of 83 people per sq km and it is the most densely populated desert in the world. It has become the largest wool producing area in India. Animal husbandry has increased as the harsh climatic conditions and the land terrain not favouring farming.”
Why relevant

Explicitly names 'Desert National Park in Jaisalmer', linking the park to a specific district (Jaisalmer).

How to extend

A student could check a district map of Rajasthan to see whether the park's mapped boundaries lie entirely inside Jaisalmer or cross into a neighbouring district.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > 2. Mandla Plant Fossils National Park (Dindori, Madhya Pradesh) This national park preserves the fossil remains of primordial forest about 40–150 million years ago. The total area of the park is 0.27 > p. 28
Strength: 3/5
“km2 which is spread over in seven villages of Dindori district namely Ghuguwa, Umaria, Deorakhurd, Barbaspur, Chanti Hills, Chargaon and Deori Kohani.”
Why relevant

Describes another national park's area as being spread over several villages within a named district, showing that park boundaries are often described in relation to district/village administrative units.

How to extend

Apply the same approach: look for official descriptions or village-level listings for Desert National Park to see if it lists locations in more than one district.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context > Indira Gandhi Canal (Nahar) Command Area > p. 72
Strength: 3/5
“The construction work of the canal system has been carried out through two stages. The command area of Stage-I lies in Ganganagar, Hanumangarh and northern part of Bikaner districts. It has a gently undulating topography and its culturable command area is 5.53 lakh hectares. The command area of Stage-II is spread over Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur and Churu districts covering culturable command area of 14.10 lakh ha. It comprises desert land dotted with shifting sand dunes and temperature soaring to 50ºC in summers. In the lift canal, the water is lifted up to make it to flow against the slope of the land.”
Why relevant

Shows that large geographic features in the same region (the Thar/Indira Gandhi canal command) commonly span multiple districts.

How to extend

Use this pattern to reason that a large protected area in the Thar region might likewise span district boundaries; verify by consulting maps or administrative records.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > dESErtIfIcatIon or dESErtISatIon. > p. 16
Strength: 2/5
“According to the National Environment Policy, 2006, the Indian Desert Ecosystem (arid and semi-arid region) occupy about 38.8 per cent of the total area of India, which spreads over 10 states of the country.”
Why relevant

States the Indian Desert ecosystem spreads over many states, illustrating that desert ecosystems cross administrative borders at larger scales.

How to extend

Infer that specific protected areas in the desert could cross district borders; confirm by looking at the park's official boundary or GIS layers against district boundaries.

Statement 2
Is there any human habitation inside India's Desert National Park?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Popular National Parks of India > p. 44
Presence: 5/5
“In a sanctuary, human activities are allowed, but in a national park human interference is totally prohibited.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states that in a national park human interference is totally prohibited.
  • A prohibition on human interference implies habitation within park boundaries is not permitted.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > nAtIonAl pArKs. > p. 37
Presence: 5/5
“Te National Parks in India are created by the respective State Governments under the provisions of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. National Parks are declared in areas that are considered to have adequate ecological, geomorphological, edephic, cultural and natural signifcance. A national park is a relatively large area of one or several ecosystems that are not being materially altered by human exploitation and occupation. Here, plant and animal species, geomorphic sites and habitats are reserved for education and research.”
Why this source?
  • Defines national parks as areas not being materially altered by human exploitation and occupation.
  • The legal/definitional framing supports the conclusion that human habitation is incompatible with national park status.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Fig. 2.20 The Great Indian Desert in Western Rajasthan [Source: Rafal Caweda / Fotolia] > p. 47
Presence: 3/5
“The Desert National Park is an important ecosystem. The Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is an important bird reserve area located in Churu district and also an abode of large population of blackbuck, fox, caracal and sandgrouse. The Sundha Mata Conservation reserve is located in Jalore district. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Desert National Park in Jaisalmer) has fossils of tree trunks and sea shells. The Thar Desert has a population density of 83 people per sq km and it is the most densely populated desert in the world. It has become the largest wool producing area in India. Animal husbandry has increased as the harsh climatic conditions and the land terrain not favouring farming.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies the Desert National Park as a national park (in Jaisalmer), linking the park to the general rules governing national parks.
  • Describes the park as an important ecosystem, reinforcing its protected status.
Statement 3
Is India's Desert National Park one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Table 4.10 (Contd.) > p. 39
Presence: 5/5
“• National Park/Sanctuaries: 10. Dachigam; State/States: Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir); Dominant Species Protected: Musk-deer, hangul, leopard, black-bear, deer, brown-bear, serow • National Park/Sanctuaries: 11. Dampa National Park and Tiger Reserves; State/States: Mizoram; Dominant Species Protected: Elephant, chital, panther, deer, hyena and wild boar • National Park/Sanctuaries: 12. Desert sanctuary; State/States: Jaisalmer (Rajasthan); Dominant Species Protected: Great Indian Bustard, black-buck, deer, nilgai, chinkara, wild-boar, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 13. Dudhwa National Park and Tiger Reserve; State/States: Lakhimpur-Kheri (Ut tar Pradesh); Dominant Species Protected: Tiger, panther, hyena, sloth-bear, sambar, swamp-deer, chital, hog-deer, barking deer, nil gai, pea-fowl, jungle-fowl, partridge, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 14.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists 'Desert sanctuary; Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)' with 'Dominant Species Protected: Great Indian Bustard'.
  • Directly connects a desert park/sanctuary in Jaisalmer to protection of the Great Indian Bustard.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > the great Indian Bustard > p. 48
Presence: 4/5
“Indian bustard is found in the short grass desert plains of west Rajasthan and northern parts of Gujarat. Tis bird is on the red list of IUCN, due to its small and declining population. Indian bustard is one of the most endangered member of the bustard family in the world. Te total population of bustards in wild may not be more than 700.”
Why this source?
  • States the Great Indian Bustard is found in short-grass desert plains of west Rajasthan and northern Gujarat.
  • Supports that habitats in west Rajasthan (where Desert National Park is located) are natural ranges for the species.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Fig. 2.20 The Great Indian Desert in Western Rajasthan [Source: Rafal Caweda / Fotolia] > p. 47
Presence: 3/5
“The Desert National Park is an important ecosystem. The Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is an important bird reserve area located in Churu district and also an abode of large population of blackbuck, fox, caracal and sandgrouse. The Sundha Mata Conservation reserve is located in Jalore district. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Desert National Park in Jaisalmer) has fossils of tree trunks and sea shells. The Thar Desert has a population density of 83 people per sq km and it is the most densely populated desert in the world. It has become the largest wool producing area in India. Animal husbandry has increased as the harsh climatic conditions and the land terrain not favouring farming.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies Desert National Park in Jaisalmer as an important desert ecosystem.
  • Provides the park's location (Jaisalmer, west Rajasthan), linking it geographically to the bustard's range.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC punishes blind adherence to definitions. You must cross-reference legal definitions (e.g., 'No habitation in NPs') with ground realities (e.g., 'Villages exist in DNP').
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Trap + Map-based. S3 is standard ecology (Majid Husain), but S2 is a 'Common Sense' trap defying the textbook definition of National Parks.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Difference between NP, Sanctuary, and Biosphere Reserve) + The Great Indian Bustard conservation crisis.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: DNP Location: Jaisalmer & Barmer (3162 km²). GIB Status: Critically Endangered. Other GIB sites: Kutch (Gujarat), Solapur (Maharashtra). DNP is the only place where GIB breeds successfully in the wild now.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying 'Largest' or 'Unique' National Parks, always check two things: 1) Which districts they span (Administrative Map), and 2) Are there human settlements (Anthropogenic pressure)?
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Location of Desert National Park in Jaisalmer (Thar Desert)
💡 The insight

Desert National Park is identified with the Jaisalmer part of the Thar Desert, making its administrative location in Jaisalmer district relevant to the question.

High-yield for questions on protected areas and their district/state locations; helps link national parks to regional geography and administrative boundaries. Useful for map-based questions and for eliminating options in multiple-choice items about park locations.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Fig. 2.20 The Great Indian Desert in Western Rajasthan [Source: Rafal Caweda / Fotolia] > p. 47
🔗 Anchor: "Is India's Desert National Park spread over two districts?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Indian Desert ecosystem spans multiple states
💡 The insight

The Indian Desert (arid and semi-arid region) covers a wide area across several states, so district-level spread of a desert park requires checking broader regional distribution.

Important for understanding scale and administrative complexity of desert conservation; connects physical geography (desert biome) with political geography (states/districts). Useful for questions on ecosystem extent, inter-state management and policy implications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > dESErtIfIcatIon or dESErtISatIon. > p. 16
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 20: Impact of Climate Change > 20.5. TMPACTS ON INDI{S BIODI\/ERSITY > p. 277
🔗 Anchor: "Is India's Desert National Park spread over two districts?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 District-level distribution of protected areas in Rajasthan
💡 The insight

Rajasthan's protected areas are frequently referenced by district (e.g., Tal Chhapar — Churu; Sundha Mata — Jalore), so knowing which parks fall in which districts is essential to judge claims about multi-district spread.

Practically useful for UPSC map and polity-geography linkage questions where administrative units matter; strengthens ability to cross-check park names with district locations and to reason about jurisdictional management.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Fig. 2.20 The Great Indian Desert in Western Rajasthan [Source: Rafal Caweda / Fotolia] > p. 47
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context > Indira Gandhi Canal (Nahar) Command Area > p. 72
🔗 Anchor: "Is India's Desert National Park spread over two districts?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 National parks prohibit human occupation
💡 The insight

National parks are legally defined so that human exploitation and occupation are not allowed, therefore such parks should not contain human habitation.

High-yield for questions on protected-area law and conservation policy; connects to wildlife protection statutes and management of ecosystems. Mastering this helps answer queries about permissible activities inside different categories of protected areas and conflict cases between conservation and local populations.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > nAtIonAl pArKs. > p. 37
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Popular National Parks of India > p. 44
🔗 Anchor: "Is there any human habitation inside India's Desert National Park?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Difference: National Park vs Wildlife Sanctuary
💡 The insight

Sanctuaries permit human activities while national parks forbid human interference, making the distinction decisive for whether habitation is allowed.

Frequently tested topic in environment and ecology sections; links to questions on categorisation of protected areas, governance, and rights of local communities. Knowing this distinction helps solve policy, management and legal application questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Popular National Parks of India > p. 44
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > nAtIonAl pArKs. > p. 37
🔗 Anchor: "Is there any human habitation inside India's Desert National Park?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Human settlement in Thar Desert vs protected-area restrictions
💡 The insight

The Thar Desert supports human populations adapted to arid conditions, but protected-area status (as a national park) restricts habitation within park boundaries.

Useful for questions on human-environment interaction, demographic adaptations in harsh landscapes, and tensions between livelihoods and conservation. Links geography of deserts with environmental policy and land-use management topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Fig. 2.20 The Great Indian Desert in Western Rajasthan [Source: Rafal Caweda / Fotolia] > p. 47
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 13
🔗 Anchor: "Is there any human habitation inside India's Desert National Park?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Great Indian Bustard habitat: short-grass desert plains
💡 The insight

Great Indian Bustard inhabits short-grass desert plains of west Rajasthan and northern Gujarat.

High-yield for questions on species distribution and conservation; connects species ecology with regional geography and aids in answering distribution and habitat-match questions in GS and environment papers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > the great Indian Bustard > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Is India's Desert National Park one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian ..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Hemis National Park (Ladakh). It is the largest in India. Does it span multiple districts? (Mostly Leh). Does it have habitation? (Yes, Rumbak valley villages). It follows the exact DNP pattern.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Impossibility of Zero' Hack. Statement 2 says 'no human habitation'. DNP is ~3000 sq km (larger than Luxembourg). In India, finding such a large area with *zero* humans is geographically impossible. Extreme absolutes in Indian geography are usually wrong.

🔗 Mains Connection

Economy vs. Ecology (GS-3). The GIB is dying due to collision with high-voltage power lines for Solar Parks in the Thar. This links DNP geography to India's Renewable Energy targets and Supreme Court rulings on underground cabling.

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