Ramsar Wetland Sites — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Assam

Deepor Beel is located near Guwahati in Assam and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002. The name 'Beel' means wetland or lake in Assamese. It is one of the most important wetlands in northeastern India and provides habitat for numerous bird species including spot-billed pelicans and various migratory waterfowl. The wetland also helps in flood mitigation for the city of Guwahati.

Correct Answer: B. Odisha

Bhitarkanika Mangroves are located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha and were designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002. They are India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans. The area is known for saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley sea turtles, and king cobras. Bhitarkanika is also an important nesting site for waterbirds including open-billed storks and night herons.

Correct Answer: B. India and Bangladesh

The Sundarbans mangrove wetland spans India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh. The Indian part of the Sundarbans was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2019. It is the world's largest mangrove forest and is home to the Bengal Tiger. Both the Indian and Bangladeshi portions of the Sundarbans are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The name 'Sundarbans' comes from the Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes) found there.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is located in the Surendranagar and Ahmedabad districts of Gujarat and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2012. It was the first Ramsar site in Gujarat. Nalsarovar is one of the largest natural wetlands in Gujarat and is an important staging ground for migratory waterfowl. The sanctuary is famous for flamingos, ducks, pelicans, and cranes during the winter season.

Correct Answer: B. Indian Wild Ass (Ghudkhur)

The Little Rann of Kutch was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022. It is the only remaining habitat of the Indian Wild Ass (Ghudkhur or Equus hemionus khur) in the world. The area is a saline desert ecosystem that floods seasonally, creating temporary wetlands. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch protects the global population of this subspecies.

Correct Answer: B. Himachal Pradesh

Pong Dam Lake (also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar) Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002. The lake was formed by the construction of the Pong Dam on the Beas River in 1975. It is one of the most important wintering grounds for bar-headed geese, ducks, and other migratory waterfowl in northern India.

Correct Answer: B. Himachal Pradesh

Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest Ramsar Wetland Site in India, covering an area of only 0.2 sq km. It is located in the Sirmaur district and was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2005. The lake is considered sacred and is associated with the goddess Renuka, mother of the sage Parashurama. Despite its small size, it supports several fish species and waterbirds.

Correct Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir

Surinsar-Mansar Lakes are located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and were designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2005. The two lakes are connected through underground channels. Mansar Lake is considered sacred and associated with Hindu mythology. The wetland supports migratory birds and various aquatic species including freshwater fish.

Correct Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir

Hokera Wetland is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2005. It is a unique wetland system that supports the livelihoods of surrounding communities. The wetland is an important habitat for migratory waterfowl including teal, mallard, and pintail ducks. It also harbors aquatic vegetation important for local fishing communities.

Correct Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of Ramsar Wetland Sites in India as of 2023, with 16 sites. The state added multiple new Ramsar sites in 2022. These include Pallikaranai Marshland, Pichavaram Mangrove, Point Calimere, Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, and many others. The large number reflects Tamil Nadu's rich coastal and inland wetland ecosystems including lakes, estuaries, and mangroves.