Correct answer: (c) 3-2-4-1
Explanation
- A
2-3-1-4
(a) 2-3-1-4, i.e. Madhya Pradesh–Maharashtra–Chhattisgarh–Odisha. That order does not match forest-cover percentage (Maharashtra is the lowest of the four, Chhattisgarh the highest), so this is not the key.
- B
2-3-4-1
(b) 2-3-4-1. It starts with MP then Maharashtra, which inverts the two lowest-percentage States, so this is not the key.
- C
3-2-4-1
(c) 3-2-4-1. Using FSI figures of that period, percentage forest cover to State area rose Maharashtra < Madhya Pradesh < Odisha < Chhattisgarh, i.e. 3-2-4-1. That ascending order is the official key.
- D
3-2-1-4
(d) 3-2-1-4. It places Chhattisgarh before Odisha; Chhattisgarh’s percentage is higher than Odisha’s, so this is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (c) 3-2-4-1. Among the four States, Maharashtra had the lowest forest-cover percentage, then Madhya Pradesh, then Odisha, with Chhattisgarh highest. Area of forest (MP is huge) is not the same as percentage of State area. Honour the stored letter (c).