Question

Which State has the maximum area of Indian mangrove forests?

• A. Odisha
• B. West Bengal
• C. Gujarat
• D. Tamil Nadu

Hint:

Mangrove Cover in India (Rankings): 1. WEST BENGAL (42.3% - Sundarbans) $>$ 2. Gujarat (23.5%) $>$ 3. Andaman & Nicobar (12.3%) $>$ 4. Odisha (5.2%).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mangrove ecosystem distribution in India: West Bengal harbors over 42% of India's total mangrove cover, dominated by the UNESCO World Heritage Sundarbans delta.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Total Mangrove Cover in India } \approx 4,992\text{ sq km} \implies \text{West Bengal (Sundarbans) } \approx 2,114\text{ sq km (42.3\%)} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR, Forest Survey of India):
- The total mangrove cover in India is approximately $4,992\text{ sq km}$ ($0.15\%$ of country's geographical area).
- West Bengal (B) accounts for the maximum mangrove area (approx. $2,114\text{ sq km}$, representing $42.33\%$ of the country's total mangrove cover), comprising the world's largest contiguous halophytic mangrove forest, the Sundarbans.
- Gujarat ranks second ($23.5\%$, approx. $1,175\text{ sq km}$), followed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ($12.3\%$) and Odisha ($5.2\%$).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, West Bengal has the maximum area of Indian mangrove forests, matching option (B).