Ramsar Sites and lakes in India are crucial for biodiversity conservation and play a significant role in environmental stability. These wetlands and lakes are essential topics in the Static GK section of the AFCAT 1 2025 exam. This article provides an in-depth overview of India’s Ramsar Sites and major lakes.
AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Static GK Ramsar Sites & Lakes in India
Ramsar Sites in India
Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed in 1971 for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Key Facts About Ramsar Sites in India
- Total Ramsar Sites in India: 85 (as of 2025)
- Largest Ramsar Site: Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal)
- Smallest Ramsar Site: Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh)
- First Ramsar Sites (1981): Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) & Chilika Lake (Odisha)
List of Some Important Ramsar Sites
| Site Name | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chilika Lake | Odisha | Largest coastal lagoon in India, important for migratory birds |
| Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bird sanctuary |
| Loktak Lake | Manipur | Only floating national park in the world (Keibul Lamjao) |
| Wular Lake | Jammu & Kashmir | One of the largest freshwater lakes in India |
| Sundarbans Wetland | West Bengal | Largest mangrove ecosystem in the world |
| Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan | Largest inland saltwater lake in India |
| Deepor Beel | Assam | Important bird habitat near Guwahati |
| Renuka Wetland | Himachal Pradesh | Smallest Ramsar Site in India |
| Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh | Major freshwater lake between Krishna and Godavari deltas |
| Ashtamudi Wetland | Kerala | Second-largest Ramsar Site in Kerala |
Major Lakes in India
Lakes are significant geographical features in India, classified into freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater lakes.
Types of Lakes in India
- Freshwater Lakes – Found mostly in the Himalayan and peninsular regions.
- Saltwater Lakes – Found in arid and coastal regions.
- Artificial Lakes – Created by human intervention (e.g., reservoirs, dams).
Important Lakes in India
| Lake Name | Location | Type |
| Dal Lake | Jammu & Kashmir | Freshwater |
| Wular Lake | Jammu & Kashmir | Freshwater |
| Pangong Lake | Ladakh | Brackish |
| Chilika Lake | Odisha | Brackish |
| Loktak Lake | Manipur | Freshwater |
| Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan | Saltwater |
| Pulicat Lake | Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu | Brackish |
| Vembanad Lake | Kerala | Largest lake in Kerala |
| Bhojtal (Upper Lake) | Madhya Pradesh | Artificial |
| Hussain Sagar | Telangana | Artificial |
Recent Additions to Ramsar Sites (2022-2023)
- Tampara Lake (Odisha)
- Hirakud Reservoir (Odisha)
- Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
- Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- Sakhya Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
Key Points for AFCAT 1 2025 Exam
- India has 75 Ramsar Sites.
- Sundarbans Wetland is the largest Ramsar Site.
- Renuka Wetland is the smallest Ramsar Site.
- Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lake in India.
- Loktak Lake has the world’s only floating national park.
- Sambhar Lake is the largest saltwater lake in India.
Conclusion
Understanding Ramsar Sites and lakes is essential for AFCAT 1 2025 aspirants. Candidates should focus on locations, unique features, and their environmental importance. This knowledge will help in acing the Static GK section.
