Previous Year Question

Jim Corbett National Park is India's first national park, established in 1936 under the name Hailey National Park. It is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas in present-day Uttarakhand. The park extends mainly across the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal regions. At the time of its establishment, it covered approximately 323.75 square kilometres, which was subsequently expanded to approximately 520.82 square kilometres. Its primary objective was to conserve natural wildlife habitats and provide a protected environment for Tigers and various other wildlife species.

After independence, the park was renamed Ramganga National Park in 1954–55. Subsequently, in 1955–56, it was renamed Corbett National Park. The name honours the renowned naturalist and wildlife conservationist Jim Corbett, who played an important role in the establishment and demarcation of this protected area. The Ramganga River, which flows through the park, serves as an important water source for its wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.

Corbett National Park holds particular significance in the history of Indian wildlife conservation because Project Tiger, the Government of India's major tiger conservation initiative, was launched here on 1 April 1973. The park supports Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Chital, Sambar, Gharials, and numerous bird species. Its ecosystems include Sal Forests, Riverine Grasslands, Wetlands, and sub-Himalayan forest habitats. These diverse habitats contribute to the region's rich biodiversity.

Among the other options, Namdapha National Park is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh and was declared a National Park in 1983. It is renowned for its biodiversity extending from tropical evergreen forests to alpine vegetation. Dudhwa National Park is situated in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh near the India–Nepal border and was declared a National Park in 1977. It is particularly known for the conservation of Tigers and Swamp Deer. Guindy National Park is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and was declared a National Park in 1978. It is among India's smallest national parks and represents an important example of natural wildlife habitat conservation within an urban environment.