Prelims 2014 · archive
EasyWith reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:
- 1.It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- 2.It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
- 3.It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
BNHS is a non-governmental society, not a body under the Environment Ministry, so statement 1 is wrong. Its stated mission is conservation through action based on research, education and public awareness, and it runs nature trails and camps. Statements 2 and 3 are therefore correct.
- ✗ 1. BNHS is a non-governmental society founded in 1883. The IUCN lists it as a 'National NGO' member. It is not an autonomous body of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- ✓ 2. BNHS's published mission is the conservation of nature, mainly biological diversity, through action based on research, education and public awareness.
- ✓ 3. BNHS runs a 'Nature Trails & Camps' programme. For example, it advertises ornithology camps at Bharatpur–Chambal and Goa.
Remember · BNHS (founded 1883, Mumbai) is an NGO, not a government body. Its mission is conservation through action based on research, education and public awareness. It also runs nature trails and camps.
Sources
- Bombay Natural History Society – official website (About / Mission) ↗ · reference work “BNHS Mission: Conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity through action based on research, education and public awareness … Nature Trails & Camps BNHS PRESENTS: BHARATPUR–CHAMBAL ORNITHOLOGY CAMP! BNHS PRESENTS: GOA ORNITHOLOGY CAMP!”
- IUCN – Member profile: Bombay Natural History Society ↗ “Member name: Bombay Natural History Society Acronym: BNHS Membership category: National NGO Member since: Jan, 1950”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2014, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·