Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks which state showed the highest prevalence of blindness in the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) survey conducted between 1986 and 1989.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The 1986-89 NPCB survey was one of the earliest large scale blindness prevalence surveys in India, and it showed marked differences between states, with a few northern and eastern states standing out for a higher burden of blindness, largely from cataract.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Among the states listed, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest prevalence of blindness in that survey, reflecting the large population base and limited eye care access in many districts at that time.
Jammu and Kashmir, Orissa and Bihar also had a notable burden of blindness in the same survey, but their recorded prevalence was lower than that seen in Uttar Pradesh.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The highest prevalence of blindness in the 1986-89 NPCB survey was recorded in Uttar Pradesh. This is option (D).