Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Amazon Basin constitutes the largest river basin in the world, characterized by dense tropical rainforests. While the region presents significant geographical barriers to movement, modern infrastructure projects and transportation methods have altered its accessibility and human geography.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The indigenous population has not remained unaffected by developmental activities. Expansion of agriculture, logging, mining, and infrastructure projects has encroached upon their territories. This has forced many indigenous communities into smaller areas and significantly disrupted their traditional way of life.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The Trans-Amazon Highway was a major infrastructure project initiated in the 1970s. Its primary objective was to make the vast interior of the rainforest accessible for settlement, economic exploitation, and integration with the rest of the country.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Due to the dense forest cover and the vast network of rivers, land transport is often difficult or non-existent in remote areas. While waterways are the principal mode of transport, aircraft and helicopters are essential for reaching isolated locations efficiently.
Key Takeaway: Accessibility in the Amazon Basin relies heavily on waterways and air transport due to dense vegetation, though the Trans-Amazon Highway has significantly opened the region to development, impacting indigenous populations.