Correct answer: (b) Lakhimpur Kheri
Explanation
- A
Bahraich
Bahraich. This option claims Dudhwa National Park is located in Bahraich district, which is incorrect because Bahraich houses the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary instead.
- B
Lakhimpur Kheri
Lakhimpur Kheri. This option claims Dudhwa National Park is situated in the Lakhimpur Kheri district, which is the correct geographical location spanning the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh along the Indo-Nepal border.
- C
Pilibhit
Pilibhit. This option claims the park is situated in Pilibhit, which is incorrect as Pilibhit has its own separate Tiger Reserve established in 2014.
- D
Sitapur
Sitapur. This option claims Dudhwa National Park is located in Sitapur district, which is factually wrong as Sitapur does not contain any major national park.
Summary. Official key is (b) Lakhimpur Kheri. Dudhwa National Park is a prominent protected area located in the Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts, with its core area in Lakhimpur Kheri. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and designated as a national park in 1977, it is famous for swamp deer and tigers. Students often confuse it with neighboring districts like Pilibhit or Bahraich due to the contiguous Terai forest belt. Only option (b) accurately points to the primary district where this renowned national park is situated.