Which one of the following States/UTs has the largest area under Coral Reefs in India?

India possesses four major coral reef regions: the Gulf of Mannar, the Gulf of Kachchh, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands [3]. Among these, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the largest area under coral reefs [1]. According to official estimates, the reef flat area in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is approximately 795.7 sq km, which significantly exceeds the areas in Gujarat (148.4 sq km), Lakshadweep (136.5 sq km), and Tamil Nadu (64.9 sq km) [1]. The Andaman and Nicobar group is also recognized as the richest in terms of coral diversity. While Lakshadweep consists of atolls, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands primarily feature fringing reefs [2]. The National Coral Reef Research Centre is appropriately located at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to monitor these extensive ecosystems [1].

Sources

1. [1] https://iscnagpur.ac.in/study_material/1.3_SAK_Coral_Reefs_of_India[1].pdf
2. [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=38607
3. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > corAl reefs. > p. 54