Correct Option (c)
TheGulf of Kutch Marine National Park and Sanctuary, located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat, was established in1980. It holds the distinction of beingIndia's first marine sanctuary. This protected area encompasses42islands and is known for its rich biodiversity, includingcoral reefs, molluscs, sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and various marine birds. It plays a crucial role in conserving fragile intertidal and subtidal ecosystems along the Gujarat coastline.
Incorrect Options
(a) Sundarbans: This region is primarily known as a large mangrove forest and a significant tiger reserve, not designated as India's first marine sanctuary.
(b) Chilka Lake: Located in Odisha, Chilka Lake is a brackish water lagoon and a prominent bird sanctuary. It is not classified as a marine sanctuary.
(d) Lakshadweep: While Lakshadweep is an archipelago rich in coral reefs and marine biodiversity, its marine protected areas were established later than the Gulf of Kutch, and it was not the first marine sanctuary in India.