Ramsar Wetland Sites — Set 15
Forest & Wildlife · रामसर आर्द्रभूमि स्थल · Questions 141–150 of 160
Kanwar Lake in Bihar was declared a Ramsar site and is important for which reason historically?
Correct Answer: B. Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake
Kanwar Lake (Kabar Taal) in the Begusarai district of Bihar is notable as Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake. It was formed from an old meander of the Gandak River that was cut off from the main channel. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020. The lake is an important habitat for migratory birds and also supports local fishing communities. It has faced threats from encroachment and pollution.
Wadhvana Wetland in Gujarat is a reservoir on which river?
Correct Answer: B. Vishwamitri
Wadhvana Wetland in the Vadodara district of Gujarat is a reservoir on the Vishwamitri River. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2021. The wetland lies along the Central Asian Flyway and is an important wintering ground for migratory waterfowl from Central Asia and Siberia. It supports over 240 bird species including rare visitors like the Greater Spotted Eagle.
Ramsar COP14 was held in 2022 in which two cities?
Correct Answer: B. Wuhan and Geneva
Ramsar COP14 in 2022 was held uniquely across two venues — Wuhan, China (the scheduled host) and Geneva, Switzerland — due to COVID-19 related disruptions. The theme of COP14 was 'Wetlands Action for People and Nature.' The conference adopted the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and new resolutions on wetland conservation. This was the first time a Ramsar COP was split across two locations.
Pong Dam Lake in Himachal Pradesh is on which major river?
Correct Answer: C. Beas
Pong Dam Lake in Himachal Pradesh is formed by the Pong Dam on the Beas River. The dam was constructed in 1975. The lake, officially named Maharana Pratap Sagar, covers an area of about 260 sq km and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002. The Beas River originates near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. The reservoir is a major wintering ground for bar-headed geese and other migratory waterfowl.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan lost its Montreux Record listing in 2010. Why was it listed in 2002?
Correct Answer: B. Conflict over water supply
Keoladeo Ghana National Park was placed on the Montreux Record in 2002 due to conflicts over water supply. The park depends on water from the Ajan Bund reservoir, but disputes between farmers needing water for irrigation and park management led to reduced water supply. This severely affected the wetland's ecology and bird populations. After agreements were reached to ensure water supply to the park, it was removed from the Montreux Record in 2010.
Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat was designated as a Ramsar site in which year?
Correct Answer: D. 2021
Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in the Mehsana district of Gujarat was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2021. The freshwater lake is situated on the Central Asian Flyway and is an important staging ground for migratory birds. It supports over 320 species of birds including flamingos, pelicans, and painted storks. It was designated in the same year as Wadhvana Wetland (also in Gujarat) and Sultanpur National Park (Haryana).
Satkosia Gorge in Odisha is a canyon carved by which river?
Correct Answer: C. Mahanadi
Satkosia Gorge is a stunning canyon carved by the Mahanadi River in Odisha. It is one of the largest gorges in peninsular India. The Satkosia Tiger Reserve includes this gorge region. The wetland area was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022. It is known for the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and the Mugger crocodile in addition to Bengal Tigers.
Sur Sarovar near Agra in UP is also known by which other name?
Correct Answer: B. Keetham Lake
Sur Sarovar near Agra in Uttar Pradesh is also known as Keetham Lake. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020. The lake was created by damming the Agra Canal that takes water from the Yamuna River. The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary around this lake is managed by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The site is close to the Taj Mahal, enhancing its tourism and conservation significance.
Pallikaranai Marshland near Chennai was severely threatened primarily by which activity?
Correct Answer: B. Urban expansion and solid waste dumping
Pallikaranai Marshland near Chennai has been severely threatened by urban expansion and solid waste dumping. The marshland shrunk from about 5,000 hectares in the 1970s to less than 600 hectares due to encroachment for residential, commercial, and infrastructure development. A large portion was used as a garbage dump for Chennai's municipal waste. Its designation as a Ramsar site in 2022 is expected to provide greater legal protection.
Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes. What is its approximate area during peak season?
Correct Answer: C. 189 sq km
Wular Lake in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir has an area of approximately 189 sq km at its maximum. The lake's area varies significantly with seasons — it shrinks to about 30 sq km during low water periods. Wular was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1990. The lake is fed by the Jhelum River and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.