Ramsar Wetland Sites — Set 8

Correct Answer: C. Jhelum

Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir lies in the floodplain of the Jhelum River. The lake is fed primarily by the Jhelum River and acts as a natural flood buffer for the Kashmir Valley. With an area varying between 30 and 189 sq km depending on the season, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. The lake was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1990 and supports important fisheries.

Correct Answer: B. 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

Pichavaram Mangrove in Tamil Nadu played a significant role in protecting the coast from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The dense mangroves acted as a natural barrier, reducing the impact of the tsunami waves on coastal communities behind the mangrove belt. This event highlighted the importance of mangroves as natural coastal protection. Pichavaram was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022 and is India's second-largest mangrove forest.

Correct Answer: A. Uttar Pradesh

Sarsai Nawar Jheel is located in the Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2019. It is a large seasonal freshwater lake that is an important habitat for the Sarus Crane, the world's tallest flying bird. The jheel is one of the few remaining undisturbed wetlands in the middle Gangetic Plain. It supports large populations of migratory and resident waterbirds.

Correct Answer: C. Every 3 years

The Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) of the Ramsar Convention meets every three years to review implementation and provide strategic direction. The most recent COP14 was held in Wuhan, China and Geneva, Switzerland in 2022. Between COPs, a Standing Committee manages the work of the convention. The Ramsar Secretariat handles day-to-day operations. Each COP adopts resolutions and guidelines for wetland conservation.

Correct Answer: C. Bihar

Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries are located in the Jamui district of Bihar and were designated as Ramsar Wetland Sites in 2022. These two reservoirs are situated close to each other and form an important wetland complex in eastern India. They are significant habitats for migratory waterbirds including bar-headed geese and various ducks. The sanctuaries were among the 19 new Ramsar sites added in 2022.

Correct Answer: D. 2022

Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022. It is the largest wetland in the Kashmir Valley, covering approximately 1,675 hectares. The wetland is an important habitat for migratory waterfowl including bar-headed geese, common cranes, and various ducks. It supports the livelihoods of local communities through fishing and reed cutting.

Correct Answer: D. Jammu and Kashmir

Gharana Wetland is located near Jammu in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022. It is a man-made wetland that serves as an important staging ground for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway. The wetland is particularly important for Sarus Cranes and bar-headed geese. It is managed by the J&K Wildlife Protection Department.

Correct Answer: C. Mahanadi

Hirakud Reservoir was built on the Mahanadi River in Odisha. The Hirakud Dam was constructed between 1948 and 1956 and was one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects in India after independence. The reservoir created is one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia, covering about 746 sq km. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022 and harbors the endangered Indian Skimmer.

Correct Answer: D. Odisha

Ansupa Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Odisha, covering approximately 231 hectares. It is an ox-bow lake formed from a meander of the Mahanadi River in the Cuttack district. The lake was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022. It supports a diverse assemblage of waterbirds including painted storks, purple moorhen, and various migratory ducks. Local communities depend on the lake for fishing.

Correct Answer: D. Gharial

Satkosia Gorge in Odisha is known for the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). The Satkosia Gorge is a stunning canyon carved by the Mahanadi River. The wetland area includes the Mahanadi River and its riparian ecosystem. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022 and is also part of a Tiger Reserve. The Mugger crocodile is also found here.