RELEVANCE – UPSC GS PRELIMS
QUESTIONS ASKED IN UPSC EXAM
UPSC 2011
QUES 1 . Two important rivers — one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha — merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.
Which one of the following could be this?
(a) Bhitarkanika
(b) Chandipur-on-sea
(c) Gopalpur-on-sea
(d) Simlipal
Solution (a)
EXPECTED QUESTIONS
QUES 1. Given below are the statements relating with a National Park-
1 . The Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary lies to the east of the National Park.
2 . It lies in the estuarine region of Brahmani- Baitarani rivers.
3 . It was designated a Ramsar site in 2002.
The National Park described above is –
a . Simlipal National Park
b . Bhitarkanika National Park
c . Jaldapara National Park
d . Gorumara National Park
Answer – b
QUES 2 .Which National Park is home to Saltwater crocodile –
a . Neora Valley National Park
b . Buxa National Park
c . Bhitarkanika National Park
d . Papikonda National Park
Answer – c
ABOUT BHITARKANIKA NATIONAL PARK
Location
Bhitarkanika National Park is located in Kendrapara district of Odisha. It lies in the estuarine region of Brahmani- Baitarani rivers.
The Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary lies to the east, and separates swamp region cover with canopy of mangroves from the Bay of Bengal.
Important facts for Prelims
1 . It was designated a national park in 1998 and a Ramsar site in 2002.
2 . The national park is home to Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
3 . It is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India.
4 . The Gahirmatha Beach which forms the boundary of the park in the east is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
Rivers flowing through Bhitarkanika
Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Pathsala.
Flora
Mangrove species, casuarinas, and grasses like the indigo bush.
Fauna
The Sanctuary comprising Mangrove Forests meandering rivers, innumerable criss-crossed tidal inundated creeks provide last refuge to the already endangered salt water Crocodile.
These Mangrove forests are good habitat for King Cobra, Indian Python , Water Monitor Lizard , black ibis, darters , wild boar, rhesus monkey and chital.
Avifauna
The sanctuary has 215 species of birds in which the most important are the eight varieties of kingfisher and the migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia.