The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation, commonly abbreviated as NATMO, has its headquarters in which Indian city?

Introduction / Context:
NATMO, the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation, is an important institution that prepares thematic maps and atlases for India. Location based questions on institutions like NATMO are common in Indian geography and general knowledge sections. This item asks you to identify the city where the headquarters of NATMO are located.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The organisation mentioned is NATMO. • Options provide four cities: Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehra Dun and New Delhi. • NATMO is under the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India. • We assume the present official location of its headquarters.

Concept / Approach:
From standard general knowledge sources, NATMO is known to be headquartered in Kolkata in the state of West Bengal. It is associated with national level atlas and thematic mapping activities. While many central institutions are based in New Delhi, NATMO is a notable example of a major organisation based outside the national capital. The correct approach is to recall this specific pairing of NATMO with Kolkata.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the full form National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation and its role in producing maps of India. Step 2: Remember that NATMO offices and staff are prominently associated with Salt Lake and other locations in Kolkata. Step 3: Look at the options and recognise Kolkata as the city commonly mentioned in connection with NATMO. Step 4: Note that Lucknow, Dehra Dun and New Delhi are important administrative and educational centres, but they host other organisations like Survey of India or various ministries, not NATMO. Step 5: Select Kolkata as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check the official profile of NATMO or reliable exam guides, they state that NATMO is located in Kolkata and functions under the Department of Science and Technology. No standard reference places its headquarters in Lucknow, Dehra Dun or New Delhi, which confirms that only Kolkata fits the information given.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and is important for state level administration but is not the headquarters for NATMO. Option C: Dehra Dun is associated with institutions like Survey of India and the Indian Military Academy but not NATMO. Option D: New Delhi hosts many central ministries and organisations, yet NATMO is specifically based in Kolkata rather than the national capital.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mark New Delhi by default whenever an all India organisation is mentioned, without checking the specific details. Another error is mixing up NATMO with Survey of India, which is headquartered in Dehra Dun. To avoid confusion, it helps to maintain a short list pairing each major mapping or scientific body with its correct city.

Final Answer:
The headquarters of NATMO are located in Kolkata.