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UPSC Prelims 2014 · Environment · Rules for the Planet
With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
- It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
BNHS is an NGO doing research, education and nature camps.
Statement by statement
1. ✗ WRONG BNHS is a non-governmental society (1883), not an autonomous body under the ministry.
2. ✓ CORRECT It conserves nature through research, education and awareness.
3. ✓ CORRECT It runs nature trails and camps for the public.
The idea
The Bombay Natural History Society was started in 1883 by a small group of nature lovers in Bombay, long before there was any environment ministry. It is a membership society and a non-governmental organisation, though it often works with the government.
Field research: bird ringing, migration studies, surveys → Findings shape conservation action → Education: journal, books, courses → Public: nature trails and camps
The trap
BNHS is so old and official-looking that it seems governmental.
Also know
Its office is Hornbill House in Mumbai and its emblem is the great hornbill. Salim Ali, the “Birdman of India”, worked with it for decades. It is the Indian partner of BirdLife International and runs the vulture conservation breeding centres with State governments.
🔒 BNHS (1883, Mumbai) = NGO; Salim Ali; BirdLife partner in India.