Correct answer: (b) Pin Valley – Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation
- A
Rajaji – Uttarakhand
Rajaji National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, known for its rich population of elephants and tigers. This pair is correctly matched according to the official geographical distribution of national parks.
- B
Pin Valley – Jammu and Kashmir
Pin Valley National Park is claimed to be located in Jammu and Kashmir. However, this pair is not correctly matched because Pin Valley National Park is actually situated in the cold desert region of the Lahaul and Spiti district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, making this the correct choice for the question.
- C
Bandipur – Karnataka
Bandipur National Park is situated in the southern state of Karnataka, forming a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This pair is correctly matched as Bandipur is indeed located in Karnataka.
- D
Simlipal – Odisha
Simlipal National Park is located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and is renowned for its tiger reserve and waterfalls. This pair is accurately matched according to environmental and geographical records.
Summary. Official key is (b) because Pin Valley National Park is located in Himachal Pradesh, not Jammu and Kashmir. Rajaji is correctly placed in Uttarakhand, Bandipur in Karnataka, and Simlipal in Odisha. Aspirants often confuse Himalayan national parks across northern states. Careful reading of state boundaries helps eliminate incorrect geography pairings.