Which lake in Rajasthan is famous as a large inland saltwater lake?
a) Dhebar Lake
b) Sambhar Lake
c) Pichola Lake
d) Pushkar Lake
Answer: b) Sambhar Lake
Explanation
-
Sambhar Salt Lake: Located near Jaipur in central Rajasthan, Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland saline (saltwater) lake.
-
Basin & Salinity: It is an endorheic basin (a closed drainage basin with no outlet to the sea) fed by four main seasonal rivers: the Medtha, Samaod, Mantha, and Roopangarh. Water evaporates quickly in the arid climate, leaving behind concentrated salt deposits.
-
Economic & Ecological Role:
-
It produces a major portion of Rajasthan’s salt and supplies thousands of tons of commercial salt annually.
-
It is designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance and serves as a key wintering ground for tens of thousands of migratory flamingos and other waterfowl.
-
Overview of Other Options
-
a) Dhebar Lake (Jaisamand Lake): Located in Udaipur, Rajasthan; historically considered India’s second-largest artificial freshwater lake.
-
c) Pichola Lake: A famous artificial freshwater lake in Udaipur, home to the Lake Palace and City Palace along its banks.
-
d) Pushkar Lake: A sacred freshwater lake located in the town of Pushkar near Ajmer, famous for the Pushkar Fair and the Brahma Temple.
