Ramsar Wetland Sites — Set 4

Correct Answer: B. Bihar

Kanwar Lake (also known as Kabar Taal) is located in the Begusarai district of Bihar and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020. It is Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake, formed from an old meander of the Gandak River. The lake is an important habitat for numerous migratory birds. It has faced significant ecological threats from encroachment and pollution in recent years.

Correct Answer: B. Meteorite impact

Lonar Lake in Maharashtra was formed by a meteorite impact approximately 50,000 years ago, making it a unique crater lake. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020. The lake is unique as it is both a saline and alkaline lake. It is one of only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock in the world. The lake supports rare halophilic microorganisms.

Correct Answer: B. Punjab

Beas Conservation Reserve is located in Punjab and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2019. It stretches along the Beas River in the Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Ferozepur districts. The reserve was established to protect the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista indus). It is the only remaining habitat of the Indus Dolphin in India.

Correct Answer: B. Goa

Nanda Lake and Carambolim Lake are both located in North Goa and were designated as Ramsar Wetland Sites in 2022. These are freshwater lakes that support rich biodiversity including migratory birds, amphibians, and freshwater fish. The lakes are adjacent to paddy fields and ecologically connected to the Mandovi River basin. Goa added both lakes to the Ramsar list in 2022.

Correct Answer: B. Gland, Switzerland

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat is located in Gland, Switzerland. It was administratively housed with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) which is also headquartered in Gland. The secretariat manages the Ramsar List, provides guidance to contracting parties, and coordinates the Ramsar Information Service. Gland is near Geneva and is home to several major international environmental organizations.

Correct Answer: B. Punjab

Kanjli Wetland is located in the Kapurthala district of Punjab and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002. The wetland was created by damming the Kali Bein rivulet. It is an important habitat for wintering waterfowl. The Kanjli area is also sacred to Sikhs as the Kali Bein is where Guru Nanak is said to have meditated.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat and 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. The sanctuary is particularly important for flamingos, pelicans, and painted storks.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Wadhvana Wetland is located in the Vadodara district of Gujarat and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2021. It is a reservoir on the Vishwamitri River and is an important wintering ground for migratory waterfowl from Central Asia and Siberia. The wetland supports over 240 bird species including rare visitors like the Greater Spotted Eagle. It lies along the Central Asian Flyway.

Correct Answer: B. Haryana

Sultanpur National Park is located in the Gurugram district of Haryana and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2021. It is a shallow lake that attracts numerous migratory birds during winter. The park is easily accessible from Delhi and Gurugram, making it a popular birdwatching destination. Over 220 species of birds have been recorded here, including the bar-headed goose and the Eurasian crane.

Correct Answer: C. Jhajjar

Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Jhajjar district of Haryana and was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2021. It is the largest wetland in Haryana, covering about 1,074 hectares. The sanctuary is a man-made freshwater wetland created by damming the Krishnawati River. It supports over 250 bird species and is an important habitat for wintering waterfowl.