This Union Territory has about 45 km of coastline with 28 marine fishing villages, yet nearly 45% of its population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Which Union Territory is being described?

Introduction / Context:
Indian geography often tests your ability to link descriptive passages with the correct state or Union Territory. Instead of directly naming the place, the question provides clues about coastline length, number of villages, and occupational structure. Here, we are asked to identify a Union Territory that combines a notable coastal fishery with a surprisingly high share of population still dependent on agriculture and allied activities.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The place is a Union Territory of India.
• It has about 45 km of coastal stretch.
• There are 28 marine fishing villages along this coastline.
• Despite the coastal economy, around 45 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors.
• The options are Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Daman.

Concept / Approach:
To solve this, we should recall the key physical and economic features of each Union Territory. Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar are island territories where fisheries and marine activities dominate, with relatively smaller agricultural sectors. Daman is a small coastal territory on the western coast. Pondicherry, now officially called Puducherry, has several enclaves on the eastern and western coasts, including Puducherry region on the Coromandel Coast and Karaikal on the east coast. It has a moderate length of coastline, a number of fishing villages, and a large rural population still engaged in agriculture, especially in the Karaikal and Puducherry regions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that Lakshadweep is a tiny coral island group with a very short total land area and a strong dependence on coconut and fishing, not a high 45 percent agricultural workforce in the usual sense. Step 2: Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a long coastline and many islands, far exceeding the 45 km figure given in the passage. Step 3: Daman is part of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu; its coastline and number of fishing villages do not match the specific figures of 45 km and 28 villages commonly quoted in textbooks. Step 4: Pondicherry or Puducherry consists of four scattered regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. The coastal stretch of Puducherry and Karaikal together is often described as around 45 km with a network of several fishing villages. Step 5: Agricultural statistics from geography texts highlight that a large share of Puducherry's population, particularly in its rural parts, is engaged in agriculture and allied activities, roughly matching the 45 percent figure. Step 6: Therefore, the Union Territory described in the passage is Pondicherry (Puducherry).

Verification / Alternative check:
Many exam oriented geography books provide similar descriptive passages about Union Territories. For Puducherry, they mention its coastal length of around 45 km, the existence of about 25 to 30 marine fishing villages, and the significant role of agriculture in its economy, despite its coastal character. Official reports from the Puducherry government also emphasise both fisheries and agriculture as key sectors. Such descriptions match closely with the passage given in the question, confirming Pondicherry as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lakshadweep: An island Union Territory with a small land area and strong dependence on coconut and fisheries; the numerical details of coastline and agriculture share do not match the passage. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Have a very long coastline and numerous islands, far exceeding 45 km, and therefore do not fit the description. Daman: Though coastal, it is relatively small and does not match the specific combination of 45 km coastline, 28 fishing villages, and 45 percent agricultural workforce.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may quickly associate any short coastline with Lakshadweep or Daman without paying attention to the agricultural share mentioned. Another pitfall is ignoring the numerical clues and guessing based on familiarity. To avoid mistakes, always read the entire descriptive passage carefully and compare each detail with what you know about the options. Remember that Pondicherry or Puducherry is unique because it combines a moderate coastal fishery with a high share of agriculture and allied activities.

Final Answer:
The Union Territory described in the passage, with about 45 km of coastline, 28 marine fishing villages, and nearly 45 percent of the population in agriculture, is Pondicherry (Puducherry).