Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Purvachal, or Eastern Hills and Mountains, constitute the eastern extension of the Himalayan range. These hills run in a north-south direction along the India-Myanmar border, traversing the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Purvachal hills are geologically young fold mountains. They are primarily composed of strong sandstones, which are a type of sedimentary rock. This geological composition is consistent with the tectonic origins of the Himalayan system.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The region receives heavy precipitation due to the Southwest Monsoon. Consequently, the hills are covered with dense forests ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate vegetation. The assertion that they are devoid of forest cover due to rocky terrain is factually wrong; the biodiversity and forest cover in this region are among the highest in India.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Purvachal range comprises several distinct hill ranges aligned from north to south. These include the Patkai Hills (Arunachal Pradesh), the Naga Hills (Nagaland), the Manipur Hills (Manipur), and the Mizo or Lushai Hills (Mizoram).
Key Takeaway: The Purvachal hills are sedimentary in origin (sandstone), characterized by rugged terrain and dense forests, and include major ranges like the Patkai, Naga, Manipur, and Mizo hills.