Q. With reference to the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site, which of the following statements are correct?
1.It is a tropical rainforest with high-endemic flora and fauna.
2.It is the first Biodiversity Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu.
3.The Anaikondan tank, built during the Pandya dynasty, is present at the site.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanations –
Statement 1 is incorrect. Arittapatti is not a tropical rainforest; it consists of barren granite hillocks that act as a watershed supporting lakes, springs, and check dams. The site contains numerous megalithic structures, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, Jain beds, and rock-cut temples that are over 2,200 years old.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Arittapatti was declared Tamil Nadu’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site in 2022 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Anaikondan tank, constructed during the reign of the Pandya dynasty in the 16th century, is a significant feature of the Arittapatti site.
Source: The Hindu
