Consider the following pairs :
Contents21
Consider the following pairs :
| Wetland/Lake | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hokera Wetland | Punjab |
| 2. | Renuka Wetland | Himachal Pradesh |
| 3. | Rudrasagar Lake | Tripura |
| 4. | Sasthamkotta Lake | Tamil Nadu |
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
- AOnly one pair
- BOnly two pairs
- COnly three pairs
- DAll four pairs
Show answer
Answer: (B) Only two pairs
The answer is (B) Only two pairs are correct (Pairs 2 and 3).
Pair 1 is WRONG:
Hokera Wetland is in KASHMIR (J&K), not Punjab.
It's located in the northwest Himalayan region behind the Pir Panjal range.
Pair 2 is CORRECT:
Renuka Wetland is indeed in Himachal Pradesh.
It's a natural freshwater wetland with springs.
Pair 3 is CORRECT:
Rudrasagar Lake (also called Twijilikma) is in Melaghar, TRIPURA.
It's recognized as a wetland of national importance.
Pair 4 is WRONG:
Sasthamkotta Lake is in KERALA, not Tamil Nadu.
It's the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, also known as the "Queen of Lakes."
India has 42 Ramsar wetland sites as of recent years, making wetland geography a high-priority topic for location-based questions.
UPSC tests precise state-wise knowledge of wetlands because students often confuse similar-sounding locations or assume wetlands are in states they are not.
The question checks if students can distinguish between actual locations versus assumptions based on regional patterns or similar names.
Hokera Wetland
Geography Hokera Wetland
Hokera Wetland: Kashmir's High-Altitude Wetland
Hokera Wetland is located in Kashmir (J&K), not Punjab
Situated behind the Pir Panjal range in northwest Himalayas
High-altitude freshwater wetland with significant biodiversity
Location & Geography
Hokera Wetland is a high-altitude freshwater wetland located in Kashmir (Jammu & Kashmir), specifically in the northwest Himalayan region. It sits behind the Pir Panjal mountain range, making it geographically distinct from Punjab's plains.
• Fed by natural springs and seasonal streams
• Part of the greater Kashmir valley wetland system
• Experiences temperate alpine climate conditions
Ecological Significance
Supports diverse migratory bird species during winter months
Acts as natural flood control system for surrounding areas
Provides freshwater resources to local communities
Contains endemic plant species adapted to high-altitude conditions
Kashmir Wetlands
Map showing major wetlands of Kashmir including Hokera, Wular Lake, and Dal Lake with Pir Panjal range
Hokera Wetland lies behind the Pir Panjal range in Kashmir — not in Punjab plains
Trap: Hokera placed in Punjab — it's actually in Kashmir (J&K)
Don't confuse with Harike Wetland which is actually in Punjab
Remember: Pir Panjal range location = Kashmir, not plains states
Renuka Wetland
Geography Renuka Wetland
Renuka Wetland: Himachal's Natural Freshwater System
Renuka Wetland is correctly located in Himachal Pradesh
Natural freshwater wetland fed by natural springs
Associated with Renuka Lake — largest natural lake in HP
Location & Characteristics
Renuka Wetland is located in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh. It centers around Renuka Lake, the largest natural lake in the state, fed by natural springs and seasonal streams.
• Sits at approximately 672 meters above sea level
• Kidney-shaped lake surrounded by hills
• Sacred site associated with Goddess Renuka in Hindu mythology
Ecological Features
Spring-fed system ensures year-round water availability
Supports aquatic vegetation and fish species
Important bird habitat with resident and migratory species
Surrounded by deciduous forest ecosystem
Conservation Status
Declared as wildlife sanctuary for protection
Part of Western Himalayas biodiversity hotspot
Faces pressure from tourism and developmental activities
Correctly matched in the question — Renuka is indeed in Himachal Pradesh
Don't confuse with Rewalsar Lake (also in HP but different location)
Rudrasagar Lake
Geography Rudrasagar Lake
Rudrasagar Lake: Tripura's Wetland of National Importance
Rudrasagar Lake is correctly located in Tripura (Melaghar)
Also known as Twijilikma in local Kokborok language
Recognized as wetland of national importance
Location & Names
Rudrasagar Lake is located in Melaghar, Tripura in Northeast India. Locally known as Twijilikma in the Kokborok language of tribal communities, this lake holds both ecological and cultural significance.
• Situated in Sepahijala district
• Artificial lake created by constructing embankments
• Connected to Gomati River system
Ecological Importance
Designated as wetland of national importance by Ministry of Environment
Critical habitat for waterfowl and aquatic species
Supports fishing activities for local communities
Part of Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary ecosystem
Cultural Significance
Name Twijilikma means 'lake of God' in Kokborok language
Sacred to tribal communities of Tripura
Associated with local folklore and traditions
Correctly matched — Rudrasagar is indeed in Tripura
Remember both names: Rudrasagar (official) and Twijilikma (local)
Don't confuse with other Northeast lakes like Loktak (Manipur)
Sasthamkotta Lake
Geography Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake: Kerala's Queen of Lakes
Sasthamkotta Lake is in Kerala, not Tamil Nadu
Largest natural freshwater lake in Kerala
Known as the Queen of Lakes in Kerala
Location & Significance
Sasthamkotta Lake is located in Kollam district, Kerala — not in Tamil Nadu as incorrectly stated in the question. It holds the distinction of being Kerala's largest natural freshwater lake and is locally revered as the 'Queen of Lakes'.
• Located about 29 km from Kollam city
• Covers approximately 375 hectares
• Primary drinking water source for Kollam town
Key Features
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Location | Kollam district, Kerala |
Area | 375 hectares approximately |
Type | Natural freshwater lake |
Depth | Maximum 6.4 meters |
Water Quality | Potable — used for drinking water |
Status | Largest natural freshwater lake in Kerala |
Ecological & Economic Value
Supports diverse fish species including ornamental varieties
Important bird habitat with resident and migratory species
Source of livelihood through fishing and tourism
Water quality suitable for direct consumption after minimal treatment
Kerala's Major Lakes
Map of Kerala showing location of Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam district along with other major water bodies
Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam district, Kerala — the state's largest natural freshwater lake
Major Trap: Located in Kerala, NOT Tamil Nadu as given in Pair 4
Don't confuse with Vembanad Lake (Kerala's largest lake overall, but brackish)
Remember: Sasthamkotta = largest FRESHWATER lake in Kerala
Indian Wetlands by States
Geography
State-wise Distribution of Major Indian Wetlands
Northern states have high-altitude and riverine wetlands
Southern states have coastal lagoons and freshwater lakes
Northeast has unique hill-slope and valley wetlands
Regional Wetland Patterns
Region | Wetland Types | Key Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
Jammu & Kashmir | High-altitude lakes, wetlands | Wular Lake, Dal Lake, Hokera | Spring-fed, alpine climate |
Himachal Pradesh | Natural freshwater lakes | Renuka, Rewalsar | Hill-station lakes, spring sources |
Northeast States | Hill lakes, valley wetlands | Rudrasagar (Tripura), Loktak (Manipur) | Tribal cultural significance |
Kerala | Freshwater lakes, backwaters | Sasthamkotta, Vembanad | Monsoon-fed, tourism importance |
Rajasthan | Desert lakes, artificial tanks | Sambhar, Pushkar | Saline, water scarcity adaptation |
UPSC Wetland Patterns
Mountain states (J&K, HP) — natural freshwater systems from springs
Coastal states — mix of freshwater lakes and brackish lagoons
Desert states — often saline lakes and artificial water storage
Northeast — cultural names in tribal languages (Twijilikma, Loktak)
Wetland Classification
# Indian Wetlands
## Natural
- Freshwater Lakes
- Coastal Lagoons
- High-altitude Lakes
- Oxbow Lakes
## Artificial
- Reservoirs
- Tanks
- Ponds
- Constructed Wetlands
## By Region
- Himalayan
- Coastal
- Desert
- Peninsular
- NortheastState confusion: Hokera (Kashmir) vs Harike (Punjab) — similar names, different states
Size vs type: Vembanad (largest) vs Sasthamkotta (largest freshwater) in Kerala
Local names: Northeast wetlands often have tribal names (Twijilikma = Rudrasagar)