Which is the largest brackish water (saltwater) lake/lagoon in India?
a) Wular Lake
b) Chilika Lake
c) Dal Lake
d) Pulicat Lake
Answer: b) Chilika Lake
Explanation
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Chilika Lake: Situated in the Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam districts of Odisha at the mouth of the Daya River, Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon/lake in India and the second-largest coastal lagoon in the world (after the New Caledonian Barrier Reef).
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Surface Area & Dynamics: It covers an area ranging from over 1,100 sq km during the monsoon season to around 900 sq km in the dry summer months. It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long sandy barrier split by narrow channels.
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Ecological Significance:
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In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated as the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
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It serves as the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent and is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
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Overview of Other Options
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a) Wular Lake: Located in Jammu and Kashmir; it is India’s largest freshwater lake.
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c) Dal Lake: Located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir; an urban freshwater lake famous for its houseboats and floating gardens (Shikaras).
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d) Pulicat Lake: Spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; it is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in India, separated from the Bay of Bengal by the barrier island of Sriharikota.
