Correct Option
The Cauvery basin extends across the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The protected areas located within this basin are:
- Nagarhole National Park (Statement 1): Situated in Karnataka, it is an integral part of the Cauvery river catchment area.
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (Statement 3): Located in Tamil Nadu, it falls within the Cauvery basin, particularly in the region near the Western Ghats.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Statement 4): Located in Kerala, this sanctuary is part of the Cauvery catchment zone.
Therefore, statements 1, 3, and 4 correctly identify protected areas within the Cauvery basin.
Incorrect Options
- Papikonda National Park (Statement 2) is located in Andhra Pradesh and lies within the Godavari River basin, not the Cauvery basin.
- Option (a) is incorrect because it includes Papikonda National Park, which is not in the Cauvery basin.
- Option (b) is incorrect because it omits Nagarhole National Park, which is located in the Cauvery basin.
- Option (d) is incorrect as it includes Papikonda National Park, which is part of the Godavari basin.