Which of the following statements about coral reefs in India is/are correct? Statement 1: The Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event…

Question

Which of the following statements about coral reefs in India is/are correct?

Statement 1: The Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event (GCBE4) has not impacted the coral reefs of India in regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and the Gulf of Kachchh.

Statement 2: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established across India to limit human activities and promote ecosystem and coral reef recovery.

Statement 3: Coral species are not protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

How many statement(s) is/are correct?

1. A. Only one statement (Correct answer)
2. B. Only two statements
3. C. All statements are correct
4. D. No statement is correct

Correct Answer

Option A — Only one statement

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Only one statement.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is incorrect — the 4th Global Coral Bleaching Event (2024) DID impact Indian reefs (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kachchh).
• Statement 2 is correct — MPAs exist across India to restrict human activities and aid reef recovery.
• Statement 3 is incorrect — corals ARE protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Only Statement 2 is correct.