Consider the following States:

1. Arunachal Pradesh

2. Himachal Pradesh

3. Mizoram

In which of the following states do “Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests” occur?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only (Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram).

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests in India are typically found in regions receiving very high annual rainfall (usually exceeding 250 cm) accompanied by a short dry season and high humidity, with mean annual temperatures around 25 °C to 27 °C.

These forests are majorly distributed in three primary zones in India:
1. The windward side of the Western Ghats.
2. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. The Northeastern region (including parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura).

Let us analyze the three states given in the question:

1. Arunachal Pradesh: This northeastern state features complex topography. Its lower elevations and foothills, particularly along the southern border and valleys, receive heavy rainfall and host Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests.

2. Himachal Pradesh: Located in the Western Himalayan region, Himachal Pradesh experiences a temperate to sub-tropical and alpine climate. It does not receive the heavy, sustained tropical rainfall required for evergreen rainforests. Instead, it is characterized by Himalayan moist temperate forests, sub-alpine forests, and coniferous vegetation. Thus, Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests do not occur here.

3. Mizoram: Situated in the northeastern part of India, Mizoram has a mountainous terrain that receives high annual rainfall under the influence of the southwest monsoon. Due to this wet tropical climate, Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are widely distributed across the lower altitudes and valleys of the state.

Therefore, Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, but not in Himachal Pradesh. This leads to the correct selection of 1 and 3 only.