Question

If you were asked to prepare a hill area development programme, which of the following should be kept in mind? Choose the correct option. I. Establishing heavy industry
II. Ecosystem
III. National Highway construction
IV. Topography

• A. I and III
• B. I and IV
• C. II and III
• D. II and IV

Hint:

{Hill Development Rule:}
Protect nature + Respect terrain = Sustainable hill planning.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Hill area development requires careful planning due to fragile environments, steep slopes, and ecological sensitivity. Sustainable development in such areas must prioritise environmental balance and terrain characteristics.
Step 1:Evaluate each factor.

• I. Establishing heavy industry:
  Not suitable for hill areas due to environmental damage, land instability, and infrastructure limitations.
• II. Ecosystem:
  Very important, as hill regions have fragile ecosystems that must be protected.
• III. National Highway construction:
  Large-scale construction may cause landslides, deforestation, and ecological imbalance if not carefully planned.
  Not a primary consideration in basic hill development planning.
• IV. Topography:
  Crucial factor because slope, altitude, and terrain influence settlement, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Step 2:Conclusion.
The most important considerations in hill area development are ecosystem protection and topography. \[ \boxed{(D)\ \text{II and IV}} \]