Which of the following States or Union Territories has zero percent forest area?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Lakshadweep
Explanation:
→ Lakshadweep is the only Union Territory in India that has zero percent forest area. The region is made up of islands, and there is no significant forest cover in this area, primarily due to its geographical features and the lack of large landmasses to support forests.
→ Pondicherry (now Puducherry), Chandigarh, and Goa all have some extent of forest area, though it may be limited. For instance, Goa has substantial forest cover, contributing to its biodiversity.
→ Forest areas are measured in terms of percentage of the total geographical area of a state or Union Territory, and Lakshadweep has no forest area due to its small land area and the characteristics of its islands.
Information Booster:
→ Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea, and its tropical climate supports marine biodiversity rather than terrestrial forests.
→ Other Union Territories like Chandigarh and Puducherry have urbanized areas but also possess small portions of forested land.
→ Goa, known for its Western Ghats and dense tropical forests, has significant forest cover, which supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
Additional Information (Other Options):
Option (A) – Pondicherry (Puducherry) has some forest area in its regions such as the Ousteri Wetland and Chunnambar.
Option (B) – Chandigarh has a few small forest areas, especially in regions like Sukhna Lake and other green spaces.
Option (D) – Goa is known for its significant forest cover, particularly in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot.