Correct Option
The correct option is1992
Explanation
Botanical gardens are institutions dedicated to the collection, cultivation, preservation, and display of a wide range of plants. They play a vital role in ex-situ conservation, particularly for rare and endangered species.
Factual Analysis:
- The Government of India, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), initiated the scheme for "Assistance to Botanic Gardens" in 1992.
- The primary objective of this scheme is to augment facilities for the ex-situ conservation of rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) endemic plant species.
- The assistance is provided to botanical gardens maintained by government and non-government organizations to improve their infrastructure and technical capabilities for conservation and research.
Key Takeaway:
The scheme to provide financial and technical assistance to botanical gardens for ex-situ conservation was launched by the Government of India in 1992.