Q.12 Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in which State?
(1) Tamil Nadu
(2) Uttarakhand
(3) Odisha
Correct Answer: (2) Uttarakhand
This UNESCO World Heritage site spans Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Almora districts in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, covering over 5,800 sq km with core zones like Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Highlights
Designated in 1988 as a UNESCO site and biosphere reserve in 2004, it features Nanda Devi peak (7,817m), alpine meadows, glaciers, and endangered species like snow leopards and musk deer. Its inaccessibility preserves pristine forests and biodiversity hotspots.
The reserve acts as a transition zone between Zanskar and Great Himalaya ranges, supporting endemic plants and serving as a model for conservation.
Why Uttarakhand? Key Facts
Located at 30°-31°N and 79°-80°E, it includes no human settlements in core areas, emphasizing ecological integrity over tourism. Buffer zones allow sustainable activities.
Option Analysis: Other States Explained
(1) Tamil Nadu: Southern Biodiversity Hotspots
Tamil Nadu hosts Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, famous for tea estates, elephants, and shola forests in the Western Ghats—not Himalayas.
(3) Odisha: Eastern Ghats Reserves
Odisha’s Simlipal and Debrigarh reserves focus on tigers and sal forests in the Eastern Ghats, far from Nanda Devi’s alpine terrain.
(4) Meghalaya: Northeastern Rainforests
Meghalaya features Nokrek Biosphere Reserve with citrus groves and living root bridges in subtropical hills, distinct from Uttarakhand’s high-altitude zone.
Biosphere Reserves by State: Quick Comparison
| State | Key Biosphere Reserve | Region & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand | Nanda Devi | Himalayas; peaks, flowers, snow leopards |
| Tamil Nadu | Nilgiri | Western Ghats; elephants, sholas |
| Odisha | Simlipal | Eastern Ghats; tigers, sal forests |
| Meghalaya | Nokrek | Northeast; citrus, root bridges |
This table clarifies why Uttarakhand fits Nanda Devi perfectly among India’s 18 biosphere reserves.
