Which of the following is/are true regarding Counter Magnet Towns?

1) It is term used in reference to Mumbai and its Suburban areas.

2) They cannot be religious centres.

a. Only 1

b. Only 2

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:

Counter-magnet towns are identified as those that can be developed as alternative centres of growth and attract migrants to them rather than Delhi.

Promoting growth of counter magnet towns are the principal components of the strategy to reduce both migration and population explosion in the Delhi metropolitan area.

These towns are located in six states-Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, in addition to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, which are already part of the national capital region.

The criteria for selecting counter magnet towns are: that they can not be within 250km of Delhi; they should have their own established roots and potential of growth and should not be centres of religious, strategic or environmental importance.