Ramsar Wetland Sites — Set 6

Correct Answer: C. 1990

Loktak Lake in Manipur was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1990. It is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India, covering approximately 287 sq km. Loktak is home to the floating phumdis on which the Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated. The park is the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai deer (Cervus eldii eldii), also known as the brow-antlered deer.

Correct Answer: B. Sewage treatment and resource recovery

East Kolkata Wetlands is primarily recognized for its unique function of sewage treatment and resource recovery using traditional ecological engineering. The wetland system uses a network of sewage-fed fish ponds (bheris) and vegetable farms to treat Kolkata's municipal sewage. Designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, it processes about 750 million liters of sewage daily. The wetland is recognized globally as a model of sustainable wetland management.

Correct Answer: D. 2020

Kanwar Lake in Bihar was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020. It is Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake and is formed from an old meander of the Gandak River in the Begusarai district. The lake is an important habitat for numerous migratory birds and also supports local fishing communities. The wetland has faced threats from agricultural encroachment and water pollution in recent years.

Correct Answer: D. 2020

Lonar Lake in Maharashtra was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020. It is the world's only known hyper-velocity meteorite impact crater in basaltic rock that is filled with water. The lake is unique as it is both saline and alkaline (pH as high as 10.5). It supports extremophilic microorganisms with potential biotechnology applications. The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago.

Correct Answer: B. Conservation and wise use of wetlands

The primary objective of the Ramsar Convention is the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, regional, and national actions and international cooperation. The concept of 'wise use' was developed by Ramsar to mean the sustainable utilization of wetlands for the benefit of humankind in a way compatible with maintaining the natural properties of the ecosystem. This dual focus on conservation and sustainable use makes Ramsar unique among environmental conventions. The Ramsar 'wise use' principle has three pillars: the Ramsar List, the Montreux Record, and management planning.

Correct Answer: C. Uttar Pradesh

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2019. It is centered around a small lake that attracts numerous migratory birds during winter. The sanctuary supports over 250 bird species including bar-headed geese and various ducks. It is an important stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.

Correct Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh

Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2019. It is a natural freshwater lake that is an important wintering ground for migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia. The lake supports populations of Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, and other waterfowl. It is one of the largest wetlands in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Correct Answer: B. Large flamingo congregation site

Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is India's largest inland saltwater lake and is famous for large congregations of flamingos and other migratory waterbirds. The saline environment of the lake is ideal for flamingos which filter-feed on algae and crustaceans. The lake was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1990. It is also an important source of salt production in India.

Correct Answer: B. 1993

Chilika Lake was placed on the Montreux Record in 1993 due to significant ecological degradation. The main problems were invasion by aquatic weeds (particularly water hyacinth), reduced salinity due to siltation blocking the original mouth, and decline in fish populations. The Chilika Development Authority undertook a major restoration project. Following successful restoration, including opening a new inlet in 2000, Chilika was removed from the Montreux Record in 2002.

Correct Answer: C. 2002

Tsomoriri (Tso Moriri) Wetland in Ladakh was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002. It is located at an altitude of about 4,522 m in the Changthang region of Ladakh. The lake is about 26 km long and covers approximately 120 sq km. It is an important breeding ground for the bar-headed goose and a habitat for the black-necked crane. The surrounding landscape is used by nomadic Changpa herders.