Here are 10 complex MCQs on the Aravali Safari Park Project (Haryana) with answers and explanations.
1. The Aravali Safari Park Project is proposed within an ecologically sensitive zone. Which of the following is a primary ecological function of the Aravali range that raises concerns about the project’s impact?
a) It serves as a major industrial corridor, requiring minimal ecological consideration.
b) It functions as a crucial groundwater recharge zone and a barrier against desertification.
c) It is primarily a region of monoculture agricultural land with limited biodiversity.
d) It acts as a major hub for heavy metal extraction, with little remaining natural vegetation.
Answer: b) It functions as a crucial groundwater recharge zone and a barrier against desertification.
Explanation: The Aravali range plays a vital role in recharging groundwater, which is essential for the water-scarce regions of Gurugram and Nuh. It also acts as a natural barrier against the expansion of the Thar Desert. Any large-scale project must carefully consider these functions.
2. Which key legal instrument(s) provide(s) protection to the Aravali region, and which are therefore highly relevant to the Aravali Safari Park Project?
a) The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, exclusively.
b) The Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900.
c) The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications, solely.
d) The Companies Act, 2013, pertaining to corporate social responsibility.
Answer: b) The Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900.
Explanation: These acts are fundamental in protecting the Aravali range. The Forest Conservation Act restricts deforestation, and the PLPA aims to prevent land degradation. Therefore, they are highly relevant to any project that could impact the Aravali’s ecological integrity.
3. A major concern raised by environmentalists regarding the Aravali Safari Park Project is the potential impact on local water resources. Which of the following is the most significant anticipated impact?
a) Increased surface water availability due to artificial lake creation.
b) Depletion of already stressed groundwater aquifers due to increased water demand.
c) Reduced risk of flooding due to enhanced water storage capacity.
d) Improved water quality through the introduction of filtration systems.
Answer: b) Depletion of already stressed groundwater aquifers due to increased water demand.
Explanation: The region already faces severe water scarcity. The project’s water requirements, coupled with increased tourism, are likely to exacerbate the depletion of groundwater resources.
4. The Aravali Safari Park Project aims to boost tourism. However, potential negative consequences to the biodiversity of the Aravali range exist. Which of the following is a critical threat to local wildlife?
a) Increased habitat connectivity due to the creation of wildlife corridors.
b) Disruption of wildlife movement and habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development.
c) Enhanced protection of endangered species through increased surveillance.
d) Promotion of natural regeneration of native flora through controlled grazing.
Answer: b) Disruption of wildlife movement and habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development.
Explanation: The project’s infrastructure, including roads and visitor facilities, can fragment habitats and impede the movement of wildlife, negatively impacting their survival.
5. The concept of “Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)” is crucial in evaluating the Aravali Safari Park Project. Which of the following best describes the purpose of ESZs?
a) To promote unrestricted industrial development in ecologically fragile areas.
b) To regulate and restrict certain activities around protected areas to minimize ecological impact.
c) To encourage the introduction of exotic species for tourism purposes.
d) To facilitate the conversion of forest land for agricultural expansion.
Answer: b) To regulate and restrict certain activities around protected areas to minimize ecological impact.
Explanation: ESZs are designated to create a buffer around protected areas, limiting activities that could harm the ecosystem. This concept is highly relevant to the Aravali Safari Park Project due to the sensitivity of the Aravali range.
6. The Aravali range is geologically significant. Which of the following statements accurately describes its geological characteristics?
a) It is a recently formed volcanic mountain range.
b) It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world.
c) It is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks formed by marine deposition.
d) It is characterized by extensive glacial landforms.
Answer: b) It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world.
Explanation: The Aravali range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountain ranges, giving it significant geological and historical importance.
7. The project’s developers emphasize the economic benefits for local communities. However, what are the potential socio-economic drawbacks?
a) Decreased reliance on external markets for local produce.
b) Displacement of traditional livelihoods and increased dependence on tourism.
c) Enhanced access to essential services and infrastructure for all residents.
d) Equitable distribution of tourism revenue among all community members.
Answer: b) Displacement of traditional livelihoods and increased dependence on tourism.
Explanation: While tourism can bring economic benefits, it can also displace traditional livelihoods like agriculture and pastoralism, making communities overly reliant on a single industry.
8. The Aravali Safari Park Project has drawn comparisons to similar projects globally. What is a key distinction that makes the Aravali project particularly contentious?
a) The Aravali project involves the introduction of non-native megafauna.
b) The Aravali project is proposed in an area with extremely high population density and water scarcity.
c) The Aravali project lacks any form of environmental impact assessment.
d) The Aravali project is solely funded by private investors with no government oversight.
Answer: b) The Aravali project is proposed in an area with extremely high population density and water scarcity.
Explanation: The combination of high population density and severe water scarcity makes the Aravali project particularly sensitive, as it could exacerbate existing pressures on resources.
9. The project plans to include various tourist attractions. Which of the following potential attractions would pose the greatest risk to the Aravali’s ecological balance?
a) Walking trails with educational signage.
b) Large-scale construction of artificial water bodies and resorts.
c) Birdwatching platforms with minimal infrastructure.
d) Cultural heritage centers showcasing local traditions.
Answer: b) Large-scale construction of artificial water bodies and resorts.
Explanation: Large-scale construction can lead to habitat destruction, water resource depletion, and increased pollution, posing significant risks to the ecological balance.
10. What is a key recommendation from environmental experts regarding the Aravali Safari Park project, to minimize ecological damage?
a) To expedite the project’s implementation to maximize economic benefits.
b) To conduct a comprehensive and transparent environmental impact assessment with extensive public consultation.
c) To disregard traditional ecological knowledge in favor of modern engineering solutions.
d) To prioritize the introduction of exotic animal species to enhance tourist appeal.
Answer: b) To conduct a comprehensive and transparent environmental impact assessment with extensive public consultation.
Explanation: A thorough and transparent EIA is essential to understand the project’s potential impacts and to incorporate mitigation measures. Public consultation ensures that local concerns and knowledge are considered in the decision-making process.
About Aravali Safari Park Project
The Aravali Safari Park Project is an ambitious plan by the Haryana government to develop what they aim to be the world’s largest safari park. Here’s a summary of the key aspects:
- Project Goals:
- The project aims to boost tourism in the Aravali region.
- It intends to create a world-class wildlife safari destination.
- It is proposed to provide local employment opportunities.
- Location and Scope:
- The park is planned to cover a significant area in the Gurugram and Nuh districts of Haryana.
- It would encompass thousands of hectares of the Aravali Range.
- Features:
- The park is planned to include various safari zones, showcasing diverse wildlife.
- Plans include features like botanical gardens, aquariums, and other tourist attractions.
- It is planned to have animal hospitals, and breeding areas for endangered species.
- Concerns and Opposition:
- Environmentalists have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the ecologically sensitive Aravali Range.
- There are worries about the potential strain on groundwater resources, which are already scarce in the region.
- Concerns exist about the disturbance to natural wildlife habitats and the potential for increased pollution from tourism.
- Legal challenges, due to the areas forest status, have also been raised.
- Some experts argue that conservation efforts should take priority over tourism development.
- Aravali Range Significance:
- The Aravali Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, with significant ecological importance.
- It plays a crucial role in preventing desertification and recharging groundwater.
In essence, the Aravali Safari Park Project is a large-scale development plan that has sparked considerable debate between those who see its potential for tourism and economic growth, and those who prioritize the conservation of the Aravali Range’s fragile ecosystem.